"I’m all about a party that feels elevated but still lets me enjoy the game," says Dallas-based tastemaker Maggie Ball. "The secret is choosing pieces that look fabulous, hold up to a crowd, and make cleanup easy so you can enjoy your party without stressing."
Whether you’re a seasoned hostess or planning your first football game watch party, the key is combining durable, easy-to-clean serveware with the right menu, simple décor, and a plan for keeping everything organized. This guide, plus a downloadable checklist and exclusive Maggie Ball tips will help you pull off game day like a pro.
Keep your set up simple.
Football parties are all about the atmosphere but that doesn’t mean you need an overcomplicated spread.
Here’s Maggie’s game plan for setting the stage:
- Start with a strong foundation. Use a crisp tablecloth to anchor your setup. Napkins are an easy way to bring in your school or theme colors without breaking the bank.
- Add fresh flowers. Keep arrangements low so guests can see over them. Seasonal blooms in simple glass vases add just the right touch. You can also purchase seasonal plants such as colorful mums at your local grocery store or garden center.
- Go for durable, not disposable. "I love my Beatriz Ball melamine pieces because they can take a tumble and still look gorgeous," Maggie says. And you can also throw them in the dishwasher for easy clean-up.
- Keep the bar self-serve. Stock it with ice, mixers, water and garnishes – everything that your guests may need, so you’re not playing bartender all day.
Click here to Shop Maggie’s Must-Have Entertaining Favorites
The Essentials You Can’t Forget
Before guests arrive, make sure you’ve got these basics covered:
- Bagged ice (and plenty of it!) with a small scoop.
- Cocktail napkins in team colors
- Serving utensils for every dish
- Bottle opener & corkscrew
- Trash and recycling bins within reach
- Music or pre-game playlist
- Team décor — think banners, pennants and pom-poms
Pro tips from Maggie:
- Melamine is durable and heat-resistant for serving, but don’t microwave it. Hand off reheating to microwave-safe cookware, then plate on melamine.
- Refill in small waves from pre-chilled or warmed backups so food is always fresh for your guests. These sliders are picture perfect on Beatriz Ball’s VIDA Blue Bamboo Baguette Platter.
Food & Drinks that Last All Game
For a game watch party, choose dishes that can sit out for a while without losing their appeal. Aim for a mix of room-temp favorites, hearty snacks, and one showpiece recipe.
Maggie’s Football Party Menu
- Main: Ham and Swiss Honey Sliders
- Side: Shrimp and Mango Ceviche - click for recipe
- Heavy Snack: Buffalo Chicken Dip
- Light Snack: Football Veggie Platter
👉 Want to make sure you don’t miss a thing? Click here to download our exclusive Game Day Party Checklist and host like a pro!
Hosting a football watch party isn’t about perfection — it’s about creating an atmosphere where friends feel at home and the game takes center stage. With the right pieces, a thoughtful menu, and Maggie’s hostess wisdom, you’ll spend less time worrying about messes and more time celebrating touchdowns.
A beautiful game day is about thoughtful choices, not complicated ones. With stylish, durable pieces and a make-once, refill-often menu, you’ll spend less time managing the table—and more time celebrating every big play.
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