It’s that time of year again – football playoff season! Between the Cotton Bowl in late December and playoff games at AT&T Stadium in Arlington and NRG Stadium in Houston, football fever is definitely in the air in Texas. Whether you’re a fan of college or professional football, you always want the best seat to watch the game. Of course, the ideal location would be to watch from the stands, but if you couldn’t score tickets, you can still make your home the ultimate game day destination.
Location
If you own a Darling home in Dallas or Houston, you have plenty of options for the perfect football watching venue, right in your own home. You could host a game day barbecue on your spacious backyard patio or a viewing party in your Darling media room, game room or living room.
Backyard Barbecue
Nothing sounds better than grilling out back with your friends and family while watching your favorite teams duke it out on live TV. Utilize your Darling home’s covered porch and patio to host the ideal game day barbeque.
Set up a cornhole game or dart board to pass the time in between plays. Make sure to place your TV up high so your guests can move around without blocking the view.
Viewing Party
Take advantage of the entertainment space you have inside your beautiful Darling home. Use your media room or living room to create the perfect atmosphere to cheer on your favorite team. Make sure there is enough seating for everyone placed around the big screen. Make sure your furniture is accident-proof in case someone gets too excited and spills their drink!
Food & Drink
Designate a table for finger foods and snacks for your guests to munch on throughout the game. A few game day favorites include:
Set up a bar area that’s close enough to the TV so guests don’t have to move too far, especially during a close game. Make sure to stock your refrigerator with a variety of beverage options for your guests. Beer and coolers are obvious choices for drinks, but there are also plenty of great game day cocktail recipes as well:
Be sure to also include non-alcoholic options like sodas, lemonades and bottled waters for all guests.
Decorations
Decorate your room with football memorabilia and decor to tie your party together. Incorporate team colors in plates, cups, napkins and streamers. Hang team flags on the wall or even set up a flag photo wall for guests to take pictures in front of to remember their experience.
Kids Zone
Need to entertain the little ones? Set up a children’s area for them to play in while you watch the game. An arts-and-crafts table for them to color on would be an easy way to occupy their time or even setting up a separate TV for them to watch their favorite show. For even more tips, check out this Good Housekeeping blog post on the big game.
Pro Tips
Big games need big party ideas. Food Network has listed their favorite tips. Here are a few of ours:
- Make sure your TV is set up before your guests arrive.
- Stay stocked up on snacks and drinks.
- Make sure all of your guests who are drinking have a safe way home.
- Don’t place food or drinks close to the TV in case of spills.
With these helpful tips for hosting the big game at home, you can enjoy the game just as much as your guests without missing any of the action!
