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Break out the jerseys and foam fingers for the grand finale of football season, even though the trip to Hard Rock Stadium in Florida is just a bit too far from Thurston County for most fans. Although the Seahawks aren’t contenders this year, it’s time to get ready for Super Bowl Sunday. On February 2, football fans gather to eat food, maybe place some friendly bets and watch the big game for the 54th annual Super Bowl.

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Football Food

First and foremost, the key to any successful Super Bowl party is the food. This is not the time to count calories or serve healthy options. Think tailgating when planning the menu. Guests will love to enjoy burgers and hotdogs from the grill. The crockpot is a great tool to use when trying to spend less time in the kitchen. Pulled pork sliders are a no-fuss option. Give meats a local flavor with Sgt. Hart’s Barbeque Sauce. Save on having pizza delivered and set up a make-your-own personal pizza station.

The Super Bowl is all about snacks too. While it’s easy to pour some chips in bowls and include dips, go a little extra further and build a snack stadium. A frosted sheet cake decorated as a football field makes a great centerpiece and add a few aluminum pans filled with favorite snacks to create a stadium. This is fun for the kids to help plan and build.

When planning, buying in bulk is the best way to go for crowds. Keep it local with Ralph’s and Bayview Thriftway. Find a great selection of yummy snacks and more. Skip premade deli trays and make your own. Kids can help prepare meat, cheese, fresh fruit and veggies into fun displays at a fraction of the supermarket cost. For a super affordable party, throw a potluck. To keep track of who’s bringing what, post a Facebook invite so everyone knows the plan.

Crumbs & Company Football Cookies
For an easy and fun treat pick up pre-made cookies like these from Crumbs & Company. Photo courtesy: Crumbs & Company

Drinks and Desserts

Any party is made better with a signature cocktail. It’s easy to use a few drops of food coloring when mixing pitchers to match each team’s jerseys. Be sure to include non-alcoholic versions for the kids and designated drivers!

Skip buying ice and put cans and bottled drinks outside if possible. The weather is usually cold enough to save on costs and refrigerator space. Add a regional flair with beer from Dick’s Brewing Company or a bottle from Sandstone Distillery.

Every party should include dessert and the Super Bowl is no exception. Football-shaped sugar cookies and frosting make for a fun cookie-decorating station. Dips aren’t just for savory flavors. Make a fun dessert dip with this recipe for Peanut Butter Football Dip.

Superbowl Decor
Recycle trash and create your own one-of-a-kind Super Bowl party decorations. Photo credit: Krysta Carper

Winning Décor

Set the scene with easy decorations. Colorful streamers in corresponding team colors are an affordable way to add a lot of flair to any Super Bowl party. Streamers also make easy do-it-yourself pom poms that will keep kids busy so parents can enjoy the game.

Artificial turf is a cheap and fun way to create a football atmosphere. Make a gridiron field to use as a table runner or cloth. Hit the dollar store and buy affordable tableware in the team’s colors. Go green and save on the price of paper products if you have enough glasses and plates to use real ones.  

Limited on seating? Ask guests to bring extra camp chairs. Lay out some blankets and toss some pillows on the floor for extra seating the kids will especially love. If there is space and extra televisions, having multiple viewing areas is another option.

Football Balloons
Balloons make any party better! Go football themed and try your hand at balloon twisting like these from Mr. Twister. Photo credit: Andrea Heiner

Extra Football Fun

Amplify the team spirit with face painting supplies and spray on hair dye and allow guests to decorate themselves as well. This is an activity to include the kids on and let them get creative.

When partygoers arrive, have them write down their game predictions including the score. The winner is awarded a fun and easy-to-make DIY trophy. Check thrift stores for an old trophy and affix small football tokens and a foam football. Spray paint the whole thing gold for a one-of-a-kind award.

Besides the game, Super Bowl commercials entertain everyone from the enthusiasts to less reluctant fans. Make halftime more fun with games like football bingo or Super Bowl trivia. To cull restless kids, take the crew outside and throw the pigskin around the yard for a quick halftime workout. Score major points with friends and family by hosting this year’s Super Bowl party. It’s a fun and family-friendly way to celebrate with loved ones in a laid-back way, overindulge in snacks and actually enjoy watching commercials.

Thrifty Thurston highlights inexpensive family fun in Thurston County. The weekly series focuses on family-friendly activities throughout our community. If you have a suggestion for a post, send us a note at submit@thurstontalk.com. For more events and to learn what’s happening in Olympia, Lacey, Tumwater and the surrounding area, visit our complete events calendar.

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