Do You Want to Make Your Next Event-Viewing Party a Success?

Watching a big TV event in the comfort of your home is probably one of the best things in life. But if you want to share that experience with others by throwing a party, there are some guidelines that you must follow to ensure that the experience remains good for both you and your guests.

Getting ready is the first step and you will need to set strategic seating, ballots or a betting grid with pens or pencils (if it applies), small bills to have change for others, a self-serving bar, tubs filled with ice, a fun and entertaining drinking game, a one-pot dish, a big bowl of salad with plenty dinner rolls, plenty plates napkins and utensils, appetizer and small plates or bowls to put them in and lastly themed cocktails Shots.

Making sure that you arrange seating appropriately around the coffee table to give everyone a comfortable view of the television is key. If you also have small TV sets and it's possible, place these where guests won't miss the action regardless of where they are. You can set them in places like near the buffet table for example.

If you live in an apartment, this wouldn't necessarily apply, so make sure that you give everyone a good spot to view the event.

If feasible, put a flat surface or a table that can comfortably be reached from the seats where your guests will be seating so they can put their food and drinks there while watching the TV.

Prepare ahead of time if you'll be throwing a pool or betting grid (This would apply to events like the super bowl). If this is the case, make sure you have pens or pencils for everyone to fill their ballot. If you want to go all out have prizes.

One thing you must take into consideration is that some states bar all gambling, including pools (officially) so before you decide to involve money to your event viewing party do some research to learn your local laws.

Having a self-serve bar close to the TV is a must, but keep in mind that if you don't place it strategically, people might have to constantly walk in front of the tube to get drinks, which could be annoying. Stack up on beer, sodas, and water. Put them in a tub with ice so they're chilled and ready to go.

Do your research and prep some cocktails and appetizers that fit the theme of the event. Keep everything exciting and on a festive note.

There are many drinking games, so plan on playing one that you feel everyone will be into. You know your friends or guests so make that decision according to their personalities. If you don't have a clue of what drinking game to play, type the phrase "drinking games" on any search engine to get some ideas.

As a host you must be responsible, because in a sense you are responsible as to what happens in your home. Refrain from drinking unless you're legally allowed to do so. Pace yourself and drink responsibly, and even though this is pure logic, never drink and drive or let any guest drive if they had too many drinks.

To make things easy and not give yourself too much work, make a one dish that you know will be a crowd-pleaser, ideally you want to prepare a dish that can me made in advance and that your guests can grab whenever they like. A good idea is a pot of chili or pizza. Also make sure that you provide a big salad with a basket of dinner rolls for those that want to keep their carbs to a minimum.

Make sure to provide plates, napkins and cutlery. Believe it or not many people focus so much on other areas and fail to provide the basics.

Lay out the snacks in various plates or bowls so that everyone can have a treat without having to "get in line" to get a bite.

If you have guests that are there just to keep their significant others company but don't care about the event on TV, cater to them by giving them attention and making them feel part of the party. I know you want to watch the TV, but if you want to be a great host everyone counts.