Football Party Ideas

If you are having a football party sometime this football season, here are a few ideas to help you out. Simple, easy and fun are the main things you should keep in mind. Also kids love parties so let them help you out with food ideas, decorations and even some games for halftime.

Decorations:

Give the kids poster paper and markers in the team colors of your and their choices, and let them make posters to hang everywhere.

Streamers in favorite team colors are easy to decorate with. Balloons in the same colors will definitely create a fun football inspired atmosphere.

Cut some of the poster paper into football shapes and team mascot shapes before having the kids decorate them.

Poster paper can also be used to create placemats in the team colors also.

For a tablecloth design, trying putting down a plain white paper tablecloth, sprinkling confetti in team colors on top. Then place a clear plastic tablecloth on top.

Have plenty of napkins, paper plates, plastic cups and utensils on hand.

Food Ideas

Find M&M's in team colors (candy stores should sell m&m's by the pound), and have them in bowls. Remember to use just the team colored candy!

Frost cupcakes, cookies, and cakes in the team colors.

Have easy munchies like chips and dips, and vegetables (pre cut and washed) and dip. Store bought ranch dips go well with chips and veggies, so a couple bottles on hand will cut back on work for you.

For main dishes, if you will be having them, try a mix of some kid-friendly favorites as well as some more unique grown up dishes.

Grilled Eggplant Parmesan is a fairly easy dish that should be a hit:

Slice eggplant lengthwise. Each eggplant should give you about 4 slices.

Slightly coat with the olive oil and salt and pepper.

Grill slices for about 8-10 minutes.

Mix Parmesan and grated mozzarella cheeses together in a small bowl (about a cup of each). Add some basil for seasoning.

Slice up some tomato . One slice for each eggplant slice you will be grilling.

When the eggplant has finished grilling, top each slice with a tomato and some of the cheese mixture.

Cover and grill 1-2 minutes more.

As a different kind of dessert, try some grilled fruit with vanilla ice cream. It is easy, warm and delicious!

Grilled Fruit:

Make a honey glaze using about 8 tablespoons butter, ¼ cup honey, and 3 tablespoons limejuice. Mix all together.

Slice and peel fruit such as peaches and nectarines (very yummy grilled!). Take out the pits, and toss the fruit slices with the glaze. Grill about 9 minutes, turn slices and grill about 2 minutes more. Pineapple is also a good choice. Just peel and slice about 3/4 inches thick, glaze with a spoon or brush and grill about 12-15 minutes, turning once about halfway through.

Serve grilled fruit with vanilla ice cream and any leftover glaze.

Grilled burgers and hotdogs are always kid pleasers at parties, as well as grilled quesadillas. Don't forget chili to top off the burgers and hotdogs!

Halftime Activities:

Get everyone up and stretching with some fun games!

Try old favorites like dodge ball. Kids at the football party will enjoy a game of freeze tag to help use up some energy, or how about a game of Red Rover Red Rover? A friendly game of tag football should keep everyone happy and in the football spirit.

Make lists of everything needed for decorations, food, and supplies (don't forget the ice!) and try to do one shopping trip. Plan recipes ahead so you know what you'll need. Game day, put everyone to work. Keep things simple and fun, and you will be on your way to a "touchdown" football party!