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This is a sponsored post on behalf of Hidden Valley® Ranch. We are partnering with the makers of Hidden Valley® Ranch in celebration of family mealtimes while savoring it all: the little, big, and chaotic moments of everyday life.
I remember during college tailgating in the parking lot of the football game with my friends.
We had so much fun… but it was also a lot of work to put together. Now that I have my own family I like to recreate that same excitement but in the comfort of our own home with a lot less work and even more fun.
After planning tailgate parties for years I put together this quick guide to show how easy it can be done.
I break the planning into sections… food, decorations, and entertainment.
Before we start on anything we have a family meeting and talk about what to serve before the shopping begins. typically try to stick with choices that are easy to make, serve and eat, since I too look forward to spending time with my family and getting in on the fun.
I don’t place the food out on the table all at once so that way we can enjoy our conversations before we dive in with the main dish. Normally, I’ll have the traditional chips, fresh fruits, veggies, and dips, out first because everyone loves these! After we have enjoyed those snacks I bring out the main course, pizza, and breadsticks or veggie hamburgers and hot dogs. Both are huge hits and my family always looks forward to them.
Once the fourth quarter starts I bring out the dessert. This dish varies from fresh fruit to cookies or even a cake. It depends on what was agreed upon when we had our family meeting.
Decorations are the easiest part.
Emmy is the head of our decoration committee; she decides what goes where, and when. I love letting her take charge of decorations because she takes so much pride in making the living room feel like a party. She puts the tablecloth, football cups, and football dishes on the coffee table; she even brings a few footballs out of storage and places those around the room. We don’t typically use a ton of decorations for our party, but a little goes a long way.
Entertainment is the most fun of all.
In addition to having the game on the TV, the players are not the only ones playing football. Pete and the girls toss the balls back and forth. If the weather is nice and we don’t mind missing some of the entertaining commercials or half time show, we head outside for a moment to see who can throw the football the farthest. I love watching the girls laugh and have such a blast during our own fun games. Moments like these really make me take a step back and appreciate when we are all together enjoying each other’s company.
That’s it. Our Championship Game party is fun and super easy!
How will you enjoy the Big Game with your family? Share on Facebook using #SavorItAll
This is a sponsored post on behalf of Hidden Valley® Ranch. We are partnering with the makers of Hidden Valley® Ranch in celebration of family mealtimes while savoring it all: the little, big, and sometimes chaotic moments of everyday life.
This is a great guide to get ready for the big game. I bowl in a tournament in the morning and go over to my dad’s house after to watch the game. I still need to figure out what I am making.
I love that you have some healthy snacks. You are a great mom 🙂
What an awesome way to celebrate game day with the family. I like that you guys have a family meeting to pick out what you want to make.
I love the big game. We spend time as a family snacking and hanging out. Although I think my kids just like to snack!
I love the football cups! And the best party to throw is the easiest one to prepare for! Thanks for sharing your game day preps!
We’ll be enjoying the big game with lots of chips and dip. We eat chips and dip until we pop around here. LOL
Hidden Valley Ranch is the only way to go for chip dips. Also, I may or may not be guilty for putting it on my sandwiches for game day, but I won’t admit to it openly.
We are doing lots of food and stocking up on the drinks. We can’t wait for the big game because the Broncos is in the Super Bowl. Woohoo!
yummy stuff – but as far as i’m concerned, two words when it comes to next Sunday – PUPPY BOWL! 🙂
Such great snacks. Healthy is the way to go for most parties now-a-days, and I love that you had fruit included too!
Looks like you hae a good spread set up for the big game!! I love hidden valley it makes such a nice dip for veggies and chip!
Those are healthy snacks. How cute that you have a family meeting first about what to serve.
My kids love healthy snacks severed this way! I am such a huge fan of cool crisp treats!
I love that Hidden Valley uses such fresh ingredients. It is what makes their foods so delicious.
Healthy snacks are a great alternative to some of the snacks I’ve seen served at parties!!
It’s fun to be able to do this with family! Especially with your kids. It’s nice that you guys each have a task.
My friends used to host a “Soup-er Bowl” Party, which was quite fun. I like eating all the soups and chilis. Yum!
This looks like such a great flavor to go with all of those awesome veggies!. I love your game day spread!! The cups are great.
The snacks look yummy. My family is big on snacks and I love serving healthy snacks as much as possible.
Hidden Valley Ranch is one of my favorites! We love to use that for our vegetables! I think it makes them taste a bit more delicious! A great way to get someone to eat their veggies too!
That sounds like a great guide for partying. I love the healthy snacks idea!
I love to dip, not just for entertaining but just for at home snacking. My favorite is ranch and onion, hubby would love that spinach parmesan.
I think snacking is the best part of the Super Bowl!! LOL. OK maybe I like the commercials too! That dip looks awesome!
This is a great guide for throwing a game party. I just started to think about our little get to gather next weekend.
This article has some good set up ideas for the big game day.
The snacks look great.
I love getting together with friends and family to watch foot ball games!! It’s hard to believe that it’s time for the big game already!
This is a great party spread!! I can’t believe it’s already Super Bowl time!!
Loving those glasses and that you are offering fresh options. Thanks for the ideas =)
I love using Hidden Valley Ranch to make dip for my veggies. This is a great game day table. I like to stagger the snacks threw out the day.
I love to dip my veggies. It is a great snack for watching movies or the big game. Hidden Valley is my favorite dip to make.
This is a great game day party guide. I always make a ton of different snacks to have. I like to decorate for the big game. My favorite part is the commercials.
What a great idea to see who can throw the football furthest during halftime or other breaks. It sounds like you have a great committee at your house and wonderful snacks and food to keep everyone happy.
Great spread , perfect for family time and the super Bowl !
What a fun way to celebrate game day with family! I haven’t tried any Hidden Valley ranch products
You can not have a game day party without a good dip. This one looks delicious and so easy to make. Adding it to my list of stuff to make on Sunday.
This is a great way to have more fun during the big game. I’d love to try your party guides!
You guys are gonna have an awesome Game day! Love your cute family set up!
It’s always fun to watch the big game with family! I love that your snacks are healthy too!
Now, you make me want to throw a game party! Sounds like so much fun! 🙂
Great games call for good food and memorable bonding with the family. I am happy to see that your three daughters love watching sports!
How that’s what I call healthy but fun snacks for game day or even ordinary family days.
This is a great party. You guys looks really enjoy i love those snacks. i’m so glad you share it
We are doing a small get together this weekend, and I can’t wait. I love that you had healthy snacks out! Food is a huge deal at super bowl parties, but it is important to put out healthy options too.
This looks like a fantastic time to spend with family!
Sounds like a plan to me. Hurrah for familiy time and hurrah for football! 🙂
What a great guide for party. You looks have a fun time with the family. Thanks for sharing
My sister and her boyfriend always through the game parties. I will have to share this with her. I do know I will have to bring the Hidden Valley Ranch but the Creamy Spinach and Parmesan they would love to try too. Thanks for sharing the tips.
Your kids are such great sports to take those great shots! 🙂 Some tasty snacks you have there.:)
I didn’t get the importance of football food since I grew up in a baseball family. But when I moved to the Midwest and South, where football is serious business I got it!
I love to use Hidden Valley Ranch for a few recipes i make. It is delicious on chicken. This looks like a great Super Bowl party.