Creating a Timeline for Your Super Bowl Party

Determine if there are any specific dietary needs for your guests and plan for this. Plan a menu out and when what will be served - snacks throughout the game with dessert at the end...appetizers during the first half with "dinner" during halftime followed by dessert during the last half or following the game.

Figure out how many TV sets you'll need and how you'll do the seating around each one. For those who aren't interested in the game, how will you occupy them. And, how will you entertain any kids that will attend. Make a sketch of your serving/eating area and make sure everything will fit.

Make a few lists - a grocery list split into nonperishable and perishable items, decorating, house/yard cleaning and food preparation. Create a menu list and timetable for when to do what on game (this will help prevent forgetting to serve a dish.)

Take your shopping lists and check the weekly newspapers for any specials and note what products are on sale on what store on each list. You can buy the nonperishable items on your regular shopping trips. By the week before the Super Bowl, you'll have most of that shopping completed.

Mid January

Decide what table cloths, dishes and serving pieces you'll be using. Pull out or buy your paper tablecloths, napkins, plates, etc. Buy any necessary items.

Create any decorations you want to make. Pull out of storage any of your other sports/football/winter decorations. (Tip - I use much of my Christmas décor during January and February by removing the red and green "stuff." If you're planning to use a decorative cake, order it now and see if they'll deliver it (for free, perhaps) on the Saturday before the Super Bowl.

Finish shopping for all your nonperishable items, including, film, batteries, candles, etc. Complete your decorations and major house cleaning. Make sure your back and front yards are presentable (Those snowmen will look nice on your front porch or near your entryway.) Clear your refrigerator out so you'll have room for the extra groceries.

Purchase your perishable food items, trying to avoid going to the grocery store on Saturday. (Tip - I've always found weekday - Mon-Thurs. early evenings the best time to shop for groceries.)

Early and midweek, clean your produce, bake any cookies and similar items. Actually, these days are best for cooking anything that will keep until game day. Clean your house.

Friday/Saturday Pick up any last minute items (fresh turkey/meats, bakery items, etc.)

Make sure all dishes that will keep until the next day are completed

Set your table & bar area, buffet, dessert serving areas, etc (Make sure you'll have enough ice)

Do any last minute household chores (Tip: check the guest bathrooms to be sure they're "good to go" and that your guest closet looks nice and has room for your guests coats and jackets.)

Super Bowl Day, early Get the turkey/roasts/ribs roasting (or BBQ, etc) to fit your day's timetable if you're serving these types of items

Double check your table setting and add the necessary items

Prepare your appetizers and punch/drink items if you're serving them

Prepare the remaining dishes you'll need for the day

Place large plastic bags around for placing of garbage

Do any last minute dusting, etc. if necessary

Leave enough time for yourself to get dressed, do your hair & make up

Have a Happy Super Bowl Party