Watching the Super Bowl: Planning your Celebration
You can’t control who wins or loses, but you can control how and where you watch the game. We’ve collected the best Web sites to help you throw a Super Bowl party, and all the information you’ll need about scoring the right TV for the game, too.
Expand All Guide SectionsTVs for the Super Bowl
If you want to save your nail-biting a last second field goal, consider purchasing a TV that won't leave you wondering whether that thing on the field is a yellow flag or stray cup of Gatorade.
Dulcinea's Insight
- If you're expecting a big crowd, you'll need to consider viewing angle. Some types of TVs can be seen just as well from anywhere in the room, but others provide a drastically diminished picture for those sitting off to the side. Make use of tools like the Television Buying Guide at CNET and the other background information readily available at the Web sites of major electronics retailers to educate yourself before you buy anything.
- Once you have a pretty good idea of what you're looking for, don't forget to check out the Web site of any warehouse store or wholesale club where you're a member (Costco, BJ's, Sam's Club, etc.). They typically carry limited selections but can be hard to beat on price.
Dulcinea's Picks
For reviews of TVs ...
CNET
has a TV review section with reviews and ratings for televisions and home entertainment systems. You'll find critiques of a wide range of products, as well as the editors' top picks for HDTV. Also visit CNET's HDTV Finder, which helps you narrow down your options and find the model that best fits your room and budget.
To buy a TV ...
Best Buy
has a snazzy and user-friendly Web site that will help you design an entertainment system that meets your needs. The site lists the full range of available products in addition to highlighting special offers and sales. Using the left sidebar, you can easily narrow results based on your criteria, or find a Best Buy store near you.
Sears
has a variety of football-worthy sets, with the option of instant gratification: you can buy online and then pick up your unit at a local store. The “Save a Bundle” program can help you save up to $400 if you buy a TV wider than 40 inches.
How to Host a Super Bowl Party
Now that you've got a perfect TV, you'll need to invite your guests, do a little decorating and put together a spread that will keep them all happy while they watch the game—and the commercials.
Dulcinea's Insight
- For advice on general party planning, including how to send out invitations, decorate your house and entertain, see our Web Guide to Hosting a Party. Do your shopping early: Super Bowl-themed items and foods will sell out fast.
- If you decide to serve food at a separate buffet table, make sure it's one that still provides a clear line of vision to the television set so that your guests can get refills without missing any of the action.
- Use breaks in the game to serve new items or clear others away, but follow the advice of chef Todd English: "Don't overwhelm your guests with too much structure. Remember, you're not the star of the show, the game is."
Dulcinea's Picks
For invitations and party supplies ...
Evite
helps you get your party started on the right note with football-themed e-mail invitations. In addition to providing fun football images, Evite automates your RSVPs so you know exactly who will be attending and plan accordingly.
Plum Party
has a section of Super Bowl-themed party supplies that runs the gamut from Super Bowl XLIII paper plates to football-shaped party lights.
For menu suggestions and recipes ...
Food Network
has classic Super Bowl recipes, including dips, appetizers, wings and dessert. Get advice from Food Network celebrities or check out the healthier menu options. For extra help on what to serve, read the site's tips on tackling the menu for a football party.
Food and Wine
has a variety of suggestions for football food with a gourmet twist, including brioche crab melts, truffled popcorn and chocolate brown-sugar brownies.
Real Simple
knows just which beer helps you show your undying support for your team (or whichever teams are playing). Each NFL franchise is listed with the brew that best exemplifies the essence of its team spirit.
Who knew?
LiquorSnob
is a blog tirelessly devoted to all things alcoholic. It reveals a recipe for Super Bowl Tequila Punch, and although you might not immediately associate Super Bowl Sunday with tequila and hibiscus flowers, LiquorSnob insists the recipe is a worth a try.
Nordic Ware
has just the thing for the overachieving baker: top off the party with a stadium-shaped bundt mold.
© 2012 Dulcinea Media, Inc.
