Etchings From The Man Cave: The Super Bowl Party Playbook

Meatloaf Sandwich

Having the gang over on Sunday for the big game? Here are a few rules to keep from getting a personal foul on the host/hostess:

1. Its a Super Bowl Party. You will most likely have guests that fall in one of two categories. The Game Watchers and The Commercial Watchers. As hostess, it is your job to run interference between the two. Identify ahead of time the possible issues. For instance, if you know that your friend has no clue what a first down is and prefers to talk about Beyonce's outfit for the entire first quarter, be prepared to redirect. Maybe she has a skill that you can ask for help with like making the bean dip, etc.

2. Be Ready for Kick Off.  Serious Game Watchers want to be BIS (bum in seat) by the coin toss. Have the  seating set up, TV on, and first round of snacks ready to go. Tell your guests the arrival time is 30 minutes prior to the game.

3.  Football Food not Fu-Fu Food.  This is not a cocktail party. The tradition of the tailgate is good comfort food that is easy to grab and eat. Fancy has no place here. Now I'm not against adding a couple healthier options like Chicken Chili, but I wouldn't take it too far. Stick with the classics and make sure that you have plenty of it. Consider that your guests will be attending for approximately three hours, which is why hearty snacks are the MVP.

4. Don't get stuck in the locker room. When planning your menu give yourself time to relax and enjoy the party. Stay away from dishes that need to be prepared at the last minute or require a lot of constant attention. I like the idea of food that guests can eat throughout the game. Some of my favorites are the good old deli bar or different flavor wings and baked potato boats. You can't go wrong with this plan because everyone create what they like. Don't stand over the grill making burgers for everyone. Instead, make a couple of  meatloaves (make Turkey and Beef  if you want to throw in a healthy variety) ahead of time, slice them up and serve as meatloaf sandwiches with lots of different toppings. Meatloaf is awesome because it will be yummy hot or cold.

5. The Pee Wee League. Sunday afternoons, food and football are family traditions. If you have the kiddos attending keep in mind that they may not be as fixated on the game as the Varsity kids.  Have activities planned in advance to entertain them. Remember, it's not fair to expect the kids to sit quietly and color while the grown ups are jumping and screaming at the TV. Find ideas that are active but not distracting to the others. Give them bingo cards to play during the commercials. Include topics like cars, soda, fast food, etc. Set up a table for them to play origami football or make their own pom-poms and banners. If you have a  teenager at home who could care less about football, hire them to be activity director.

You can do it! This year your Super Bowl Party will be epic. "Winning isn't getting ahead of others. Its getting ahead of yourself." -Roger Staubach. Go 49ers! Oh yeah, I said it. Ta! THM