5 Alternatives to Traditional Football entertaining
As we enter the “Olympics” of holidays and entertaining (as I like to call it), things definitely look a bit different than we are used to. This season will see less focus on large gatherings, in-person sports, and even some of the community activities we have grown to love around the holiday seasons.
Of-course any change can be hard, but I see it more as an opportunity to connect and spend more time with the most important people in your life – kids, family, and close friends. This is a time where creative thinking comes in handy, positive attitude is a must, and creating new traditions is so important.
National Tailgate day is September 5th and the first game of the season kicks off on September 10th. I have rounded up some alternative ideas to make hosting football parties this year super fun but also safe. Here are my top 5 favorite ideas that I am pumped about pulling off this season.
Rethink your standard buffet.
In the events world, I have been seeing this happen a lot. Instead of a traditional buffet where guests help themselves to platters or chafers of food, there are stations setup with individual grab and go items. This cuts back on cross-contamination as people are not serving themselves out of the same vessels.
How do you pull this off?
Present and package all of your foods and snacks in individual containers.
Container ideas can include small disposable snack bowls, butcher paper wraps, and plastic boats.
Consider having a sit-down family dinner with plates already prepared safely.
Take it outside!
In the past, unless we were at a football game, many of us were used to entertaining in our living rooms or basements with our flat screen TVs and big couches, right? Move the “party” outside this year (weather permitting) so you are able to invite more people over and use proper social distancing.
How do you pull this off?
Create an actual Tailgate setup out of the back of your car or truck in your driveway. You can even invite guests to do the same thing if you have a large enough parking area.
Setup a TV outside or invest in an outdoor projection screen to project the game!
OR go old school and listen to the game on a radio!
Spread out folding chairs or blankets in your yard at a safe distance for people to sit.
Go Décor Crazy!
If you are going to be watching games at home every weekend anyway, you might as well make it a big weekly celebration. This mentality will help any family members who may be a little disappointed that they can’t go to in-person games. Bring the hype home!
How do you do this?
Buy a bunch of football décor before the season starts! You are going to use it on a weekly basis for many months so don’t feel bad about it! Plus, you can find a lot of cute football décor on a budget. Pack it away and use it again next year.
Purchase themed cups, plates, napkins and containers for your food stations.
Think like a football stadium. Surprise your family with noise makers, flags, and signs on the first game. You can have fun with these throughout the season.
Elevate your Drinks
Instead of serving drinks out of a pitcher or drink dispenser, individual bottles, cans, and even pre-poured drinks in glasses is a safer route to go. Less people touching the same thing over and over.
How do you pull this off?
Cut out the cooler and just make sure to pre-chill all the drinks in the fridge before setting them out.
Add fun printables and labels to bottles, cans, or cups for a festive and upscale look.
Loosely glue straws to bottles or cans.
Theme it up!
You all know I am the Theme Queen, so while Football is clearly the underlying theme here, why not take it a step further? Make each weekend super unique with incorporating things from the rival team.
How do you pull this off?
Look up the city’s most popular foods and incorporate something into your menu.
Print off and DIY paper flags for a little competition!
Host trivia about past games between the two teams and see who best knows their football stuff!
If you liked any of these ideas and are a fan of entertaining during football season, you should grab my FREE Party Planning Checklist!
As always follow me on Instagram to see how we celebrate throughout the season. If you end up using any of these ideas, I would LOVE to see them!!! Watching other people have fun lights me up. I am creating a new hashtag for this upcoming season: #theolympicsofholidays ! Use the hashtag to show off how you are STILL celebrating this year and making the best of these unusual times.