Super Bowl 2019: How to host the ultimate party for the biggest sporting event of the year

Stock up on finger food

(Getty Images/iStockphoto)

To the uninitiated, the Super Bowl might sound like a fevered synthesis of over-the-top adverts, nachos and, of course, American football.

Well, it sort of is. But that doesn’t mean it’s not fun to get involved in the festivities, even if you don’t know what “touchdown” means.

Super Bowl Sunday, which falls on 3 February, is largely hailed as the global sporting event of the year and sees people around the world invite people into their homes to watch the game unfold.

This year, the New England Patriots will take on the Los Angeles Rams in Atlanta, Georgia, while thousands of football fans cheer with foam fingers, play games and dine out on finger food.

Sound appealing? Here’s everything you need to know about throwing the perfect Super Bowl party, from how to watch it to what drinks to prepare.

The small print: how to watch it, what time it starts and when to invite people for

Despite what naysayers will tell you, this is 2019 and it’s actually very easy to watch live sporting events regardless of whether you’re sat courtside or on a sofa in Hendon.

This year, the Super Bowl will be broadcast live to UK viewers on both BBC One from 10.45pm and Sky Sports Main Event from 10pm.

Those who subscribe to NFL Game Pass will also be able to stream the game on a number of platforms from 7pm. If you’re in the US, you can stream the game for free via CBS, Yahoo Sports and AOL.

Kick off is scheduled for 6.30pm Eastern Standard Time, which is 11.30pm UK time.

Of course, if you’re hosting a bash on British soil, this is quite a late start, so you might want to invite people slightly earlier, say, from 9pm.

That way, you can all get riled up on the various pre-game festivities (chips and dips, debates over who you’re rooting for, buying more chips and dips) prior to kick off.

The drinks

The phrase “drown your sorrows” might sound hackneyed, but for those looking to console themselves as their team nears defeat, a decent drink can make or break their Super Bowl viewing experience.

As host, this is your chance to shine.

The drinks you choose may depend on what time of day you’re watching the game. For those watching on the west coast of the US, it’s a daytime affair, which means beers and bloody Marys might be more appropriate than vodka cocktails.

If you’re over on the east coast or in the UK, you might be entertaining into the wee hours, so upscale, eveningtime beverages might be more in-demand.

Town and Country magazine recommends serving up creative gin-based cocktails, such as an Aperol-based concoction or an elderflower and cucumber bitters drink.

If you’re lacking inspiration, beer is always a failsafe option.

The food

For many, the highlight of Super Bowl Sunday has absolutely nothing to do with the sport and everything to do with the array of comforting and indulgent foods it has become synonymous with.

For traditionalists, this consists, first and foremost, of a hearty beef chilli, preferably topped with shredded cheese and some toasted bread.

Then, there are chicken wings, pigs in blankets, nachos (preferably smothered in cheese) and the famous dips, including one consisting of seven layers.

The idea is that everything can be easily consumed by hand because cutlery would obviously distract from the viewing experience.

Click here for six recipes that will impress your guests on game day.

The decor

If you've already committed to hosting a Super Bowl party, you might as well go full throttle and deck your living room out with all of the appropriate trimmings.

Good Housekeeping suggests investing in some giant foam fingers, which you can buy on Amazon here, and pinning up banners to let everyone know which team the host is supporting.

Meanwhile, Country Living advises taking things a step further and picking up an inflatable drinks cooler in the shape of a football field, football plates and astroturf bunting.