Superbowl Party on a budget. Tips?

[crazymomof4]

OK, It's finally sunk in that the Eagles are going to Jacksonville!

Now it's time to start planning the Superbowl Party.

I want it to be a special party because we have waited so long for this, but.....with a disney trip planned, I've been on a self imposed "spending freeze".
So I need to do a great party with minimum $$ spent.

I'm sure I'm not the only one in this situation, so let's get together and post some great ideas for party food and any great "finds" on Eagles banners,(or Pats, if you are rooting for them ) , balloons, flags and any other party-ware.

I'm sure all the budget minded dis'ers here will come up with some good advice!

 

[RWE2L8]

Here is a website I love to get ideas from:

http://www.kraftfoods.com/kf/

It's from Kraft foods and they have some cute ideas for the game. Hope this helps you!

Go Eagles!

 

[btass]

My advice for the food would be to make it a pot-luck. We used to have a Superbowl party every year and people are always willing to bring something to eat that they made!

 

[Keokagal]

Papergoods at Dollar Tree. We make a chart for each quarter with numbers everyone in the party initials. Whoever wins the quarter score gets an envelope w scratch tickets. We do a separate on for the kids w McD's, icecream, vouchers or little toys. Make the food pot luck as suggested.
The Patriots are going to pluck the Eagles.

 

[MK Familystone]

The Crew of the USS Gillette are already packing their sea bags.
The Master and Commander, The Badman Beyond, The Clock Killer and
the rest of THE T-E-A-M (just a bunch of seventh round draft choices and cast off free agents)cant wait for Super Sunday!

YO!-HO! YO!-HO!
A PATRIOT PIRATE FAN'S LIFE FOR ME!
AARRR!!!
"THE MAGIC HAPPENS!!!

 

[ebhurleys]

We will be rooting for the other side but would love some ideas of things I can make and keep out so I am not in the kitchen. I am probably more into it than my DH.

 

[debaudrn]

We have had a Super Bowl party for at least 10 years. It started when the kids were small and it is a school night. We start early 4-5. Many leave at the 1/2 and head home. Most live right in town and just a few minutes away. It is always pot luck. I make some dips, have lots of munchies, usually sandwich fixins, meatballs, beans and whatever anyone else brings. We always have a pool too like Keokagal described and a raffle. We but football pencils, nerf footballs, banners, t-shirts and raffle them off during the game (for kids and adults). The party is way more fun when the home team is in the game too! GO PATS!!!
Debbie

 

[gigi1313]

check out orientaltrading.com for some ideas... most of their stuff is reasonable...

i agree that a potluck is the most economical, but if you are not willing to go that way, here are a few ideas... chicken wings-make your own, buying them prepackaged/seasoned is much more expensive! chicken legs make great snacks too and can be found much less expensively (and you get more meat than bone!)... pigs in blankets - again, make your own cutting up bigger hot dogs and wrapping w/pop 'n fresh crescent dough (store brand, of course!)... pizza is always a hit whether it be w/dough from your bread machine or the local pizza place (most will sell a few lumps of dough for a few bucks, and you provide the toppings, again, cheaper than buying pre-prepared and more fun, esp for the kids!)... byob... store brand soda/pop... store brand pretzels/chips/dips... another thought would be bread/rolls and roast a turkey and/or bake a ham - typically cheaper than cold cut platters or pre-made sandwiches...

i'm sure you'll get lots of other ideas too!

 

[elgerber]

If anyone lives near Supertarget, they have their brand of the little smokies on sale for $2.00 and if you go to the Target website you can print a coupon for $1 off, so they are $1 for a package. Not much of a tip, but it's cheap food!

 

[mrsboz]

Go Patriots!!!! Can't wait for the game.

I usually put a spiral ham in the oven with scalloped potatoes, coleslaw and some vegetables. It's a great dinner and it is easy. Make the coleslaw ahead. The potatoes cook for a couple of hours - easy preparation and then put the ham in the last hour. I already cut the veggies up beforehand too. Easy. Sometimes I ask others to bring the appetizers so this frees me up. A quick appetizer - slice russet potatotes lengthwise and put pepper and garlic salt on them and the last couple of minutes add cheddar cheese. Really good wicked easy potatoe skins. Have Fun.

 

[Taja]

I like the potluck idea, if you can trust everyone to bring what they should and it's completely prepared before they arrive. Get the feeling I had strange experiences with this process?

If you're cooking yourself, do things you can prepare ahead and keep warm or cool during the party. Sweet & sour meatballs (make them of ground beef, a little oatmeal or bread crumbs for filler, tiny bits of pineapple and egg for binding--they're bite size, so no knives are needed), salad, crudite and dips, crusty bread and inexpensive desserts. My family doesn't like rice, so we usually skip that, but it's easy to make and keep warm. Or go with chili and appropriate fixin's.

Sandwiches tend to be the most expensive option, as deli meat tends to be pricey and people tend to waste a lot.

 

[summerrluvv]

I'm not sure how inexpensive you want to go, but how about a 3 foot sub from a place like Subway? I think they are around $34.99. You could get some other munchies to go with it (chips and dips, veggies and dip, etc.). I know that a lot of the stores have deals on chips and pepsi products this week.

 

[billwendy]

GO EAGLES!!!

sometimes we try to do football staduim snacks like steamed hot dogs, nachos, popcorn, stuff like that,,,,,the hot dogs stay hot in the steamer so people can serve themselves,,,,chili is also a big one with us,,,,,,,,

FLY EAGLES FLY!!!!!!!

wendy

 

[macfamily]

Yep, potluck works for me. People bring their own faves (especially alcoholic stuff) and you can just furnish the chips and dip, and you should be good!

WOOHOO! GO PATS!

 

[pearlieq]

Another inexpensive idea: baked potato bar. Wrap many, many potatoes in foil, bake, and serve with assorted toppings such as chili, cheese, butter, sour cream, bacon bits, chives/green onions, salsa, and maybe some chopped broccoli for the health nuts. Cheap, easy, and filling! You could easly serve 10-20 people for under $20!

 

[gigi1313]

i *LOVE* that idea!! my dd saw a baked potato bar on the tv show zoom and was bugging me to get all the toppings... i think i will do just that for our next party... she'll be thrilled and i will enjoy the ease of it! WOOHOO!! thanks!

 

[crazymomof4]

WOW there have been some really great ideas here! So many things I wouldn't have thought of!

Thanks to everyone for participating!

That Kraft website had some really neat make-it-yourself decorations...check it out. I can get the kids in on making those!

Thanks for the post on Oriental Trading. I forgot all about them!

I'm going to be out shopping this week (and probably next week too) and I'll post any deals I get for the party. Feel free to post any decorations, paper goods, etc. that you find at party stores, dollar stores, craft stores, Walmart, Target, etc. It helps to have a lot of "eyes" out there.

Thanks again!

crazymom

 

[crazymomof4]

Today I found green plates, white plates and green plastic tablecovers and napkins at the dollarstore.

I also found directions on how to make and decorate a football shaped cake.
PM me if you want me to send you a copy of the directions.

My friend is making construction paper chains of green, silver and white to decorate with.