Just as soon as football season started, here we are a week out from the grand finale! What an emotional roller coaster it’s been this year (especially for my beloved Texans)! Through the ups and downs of the wins and losses, my homegating game has been strong this season. From team colored cupcakes, to DIY Texans door wreaths, I brought my “A” game this year. For some of you the Super Bowl is your time to shine when it comes to entertaining guests as they watch the game. To you girlfriend, I offer a few tips on how to take your homegating party to the next level of awesome with NFLShop.com. Here are 3 easy ways to homegate like a boss!
1.If You Have the Option for an Outdoor Space, Use It!
Having an outdoor space is good for a few reasons. Even if you are homegating at your apartment, having some sort of set up on your porch or balcony opens up options for people to spread out. Not everyone will be there just for the game. Some want to mingle and an outdoor area is great to have set up for mingling and snacking. I like to have the bulk of my food set up outside because that can minimize spills and “party fouls” inside. An outdoor space is also a great opportunity for kids at your homegate to run around.
2. Incorporate Team Spirit As Many Ways As Possible
Seriously. I don’t think there is any shortage in ways of showing your team spirit! Whether it’s with team colored cupcakes or team colored cocktails, the reason you are all together is for the common love of your favorite team. Celebrate that! This year I went all out with representing my Houston Texans. Homegating guests that came to watch the game enjoyed water breaks at my Texans sun tea jar and cocktails from my logo stemless wine glasses. To create more space for seating and eating I used my Texans TV trays both inside and outside for people to rest their plates. On cold night games I snuggled up in my Texans blanket that I did NOT share with party guests (#sorrynotsorry).
3. Create a Space for the Kids
If you know your homegating guests are bringing kids or you have kids of your own, it’s a great idea to create a space for them while you are enjoying the game.
To create this kids area, I load the space with fun treats and snack (because kids are ALWAYS hungry!) I decorated chocolate pudding cups to look like footballs by adding masking tape strips and did the same with brown paper bags that I used to hold popcorn. I also covered juice boxes with brown construction paper and added strips of masking tape to make them “footballs” too. Cupcakes are always an easy dessert that kids love which I display on my Houston Texans 3-tier serving ladder. I found great printable football themed activities from puzzle-to-print.com which are a fun way for kids to still be a part of the game.
Whether you are getting big game ready or are a season regular when it comes to inviting friends over for a homegate, these simple suggestions can kick your kickback into a super fun experience for everyone.
Thank you to NFL Fan Style for sponsoring this post! All thoughts are my own. If you would like more details on where you can get team-themed homegating and and fan items for the home, check out NFLShop.com
