It is the start of a beautiful season. No, I’m not talking about back to school – I’m talking about college football season! Thinking about throwing a kick-off party? You’ve got to start the season off right and what better way than to have good food, good friends and a LIVE game.
Game Day Décor. Now, it is right to decorate, but let’s not get too crazy. Throw up some banners and rugs from your favorite school on the walls and doorways. Or maybe drape some across a chair or sofa. For example, if you are a Florida State Seminoles fan – like me – display some Seminoles memorabilia around, or incorporate the school colors of your choice into your decorations. Seminole fans can use burgundy and gold colored napkins and plates, and stack the gold napkins on the burgundy plates and burgundy napkins on the gold plates. If you really want to get festive, have a little contest to see who’s the most spirited for his or her team. Have guests sport a jersey from their school, rock some eye black – and for all FSU fans – sport the Seminole chief look (just make sure you will be comfortable when you watch the game.)
Hype Music. What’s the best way to get folks hyped for the game? Fight songs! Have the music play as guests enter. My favorite fight song: USC Trojans. Even though my team is FSU, Southern Cal has one of the best fight songs by far. One ESPN college football analyst said the song gets him so excited he’s ready to take over a village! But the Seminoles have an awesome chant.
Grub. And how could I forget…FOOD. This is where you can go wild because a party can never have too much food. Get your chips, popcorn, Buffalo wings (mild and hot to accommodate everyone), soda, beer, dip and anything else that you think is a must-have for a football game. If you’re feeling like a grill master, throw some burgers and steaks on the grill. You can even mix in some Italian sausage. Let’s face it; you can’t have a game without snacks, that’s just un-American.
Well I think I’ve covered all of the essentials for this “indoor tailgate,” if you will. But remember, everyone’s coming over to have a good time and most importantly, watch the game. So don’t kill yourself trying to go all out with the decorations and the food and the music…let the game take center stage. GO ‘NOLES!
