It’s September, and you know what that means — football season! If you’re planning on hosting a party to root for your favorite team, here are a few things to keep in mind to help your get-together stand out from the crowd. Fair warning, though: Follow these tips and you might have guests flocking to your house every week!
A Fully Equipped Media Center
The TV is the focal point of the party. Aside from confirming that everything is in working order, you also need to position the TV for optimal viewing. Place your TV on top of a stand or chest so the screen is at eye level when you stand up. This will afford the best view for your guests when they’re seated.
Another consideration when it comes to TV placement is glare. Turn on the TV and see how the screen interacts with the natural light during the time of day the game will be played. Arrange your media center accordingly so your guests see a clear picture.
Comfortable Seating
Since the average football game lasts approximately three hours, you’ll want to make sure your guests are comfortable for a full four quarters. Avoid folding chairs and opt for a sectional sofa combined with a love seat and maybe a few armchairs. If you’re in the market for new living room furniture, consider a full living room set for a more cohesive look. While you might have to pull furniture from a few different rooms to seat everyone, your guests will much prefer mismatched seating that’s comfortable to the alternative of sitting on the floor.
Easy-to-Reach Tables
Place dishes on side tables and on your coffee table so they’re always within arm’s reach. No one wants to get up in the middle of a good play to find a snack, so make sure you have a coffee table and plenty of side tables to keep food and drinks well within reach.
A Tidy, Functional Space
Remove any area rugs from the living room to avoid possible stains from spills. Ensure there are coasters readily available for your guests’ drinks to help protect your surfaces from rings. You can also use the game as an opportunity to add some game-day color to the room. Cut coasters from corkboard and put jersey numbers on each one so everyone can keep track of their drink.
Decor to Set the Tone
A football watching party isn’t complete without a healthy dose of team spirit! Have your guests dress in their favorite player’s jersey, and decorate your viewing room with your team’s colors. Simple touches such as colored napkins that look like football fields, plates with game-day themes, festive straws, and bouquets of pompoms will add plenty of football flourishes to your home. (You can find most of these items at a local party supply store.)
Really Great Snacks
For an afternoon party, don’t feel pressured to offer a full meal. Instead, make an assortment of delicious snacks that your guests won’t be able to get enough of. Some of our game-day favorites include pizza, popcorn tossed with chili powder, individual nacho topping cups served with tortilla chips, and the homemade snack mix of your choosing. And who would turn down a football-themed cupcake?
Be sure to have plenty of napkins on hand, and consider covering dining spaces with tablecloths to protect surfaces and make cleanup a bit faster.
Host the Best Football Party with Home Zone
If you’re preparing to host but can’t figure out a vision for your space, contact our team or visit us in person. Home Zone Furniture is here to help you create the home of your dreams.