Super Bowl LIX is just days away, promising an evening of spirited hijinks for football fans, commercial junkies and social butterflies alike. If there’s one thing we can all agree on, it’s that the Super Bowl isn’t just a game — it’s an event. An American spectacle filled with high-stakes plays, million-dollar commercials and a halftime show that sparks more conversation than the game itself. And this year, thanks to a certain pop megastar and her NFL boyfriend, we’ve reached a whole new level of media frenzy. Yes, we’re talking about the Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce effect.
If you’ve been anywhere near the internet lately, you know that Swift has been making waves at Chiefs games, turning even the most reluctant Swifties into football fans. In fact, close friends who, until recently, thought a tight end was just a pair of skinny jeans have suddenly become experts in zone coverage. One even suggested we add “Karma” to our Super Bowl playlist… which, in hindsight, might not be the worst idea.
In addition to the thrill of watching an Us Weekly feature story play out right before our eyes, there will be the highly anticipated halftime show by rapper Kendrick Lamar, who is fresh off of five Grammy award wins last week.
With something for everyone, this nationwide event is the perfect opportunity to elevate your watch party hosting game. Whether you’re cheering for the Kansas City Chiefs’ unprecedented “three-peat” or the Philadelphia Eagles, here’s your foolproof strategy to keep your guests entertained, well-fed and possibly converted into die-hard football fans (or at least invested in the Swift-Kelce romance).
1st Quarter: Setting the Scene
First things first, create an atmosphere that feels relaxed and festive. This doesn’t mean you have to turn your living room into a full-blown sports bar (although, if you do, more power to you). Just focus on the essentials:
• Big screen, big sound: Ensure your TV is the MVP of the night. If you’re working with a smaller screen, consider borrowing or renting a projector. Surround sound? Even better. You want those tackles to feel real.
• Team spirit: Encourage guests to rep their favorite team’s gear (or, let’s be real, Swift’s signature red lip for all the Swifties in attendance). Decorate with team colors, banners and maybe even some football-themed plates and napkins.
• Seating strategy: No one wants to be stuck craning their neck from a distant corner. Arrange furniture so everyone has a good view of the screen. Extra chairs, floor cushions and even a strategically placed bean bag will go a long way.
2nd Quarter: Fueling Your Guests
A great Super Bowl party lives and dies by its food. The golden rule? Keep it simple, indulgent and in constant supply. Here’s your menu playbook:
• Upgraded classics: Wings and nachos courtesy of Ina Garten and a simple but delicious chili recipe from Le Bernardin’s Eric Ripert. Pro tip: Make more than you think you need. Nobody wants to be that person scraping the bottom of the nacho platter by halftime.
• Dips, dips, dips: Guacamole, queso and buffalo chicken dip are your holy trinity. If you want to get fancy, a seven-layer dip is always a crowd-pleaser.
• A Swiftie-approved twist: If you want to lean into the cultural moment, consider serving “Travis Kelce’s Touchdown Tacos” or Taylor Swift Super Bowl Cupcakes.” (If nothing else, it’ll be a great conversation starter.)
• Drinks on deck: A mix of beer, cocktails, wine and mocktails will keep everyone happy. And for the Swifties in the room? Maybe a signature drink called the “Red Zone” (cranberry vodka, anyone?).
Halftime: Keeping Guests Entertained
Let’s be honest — half the room is only here for the halftime show. Make it an experience:
• Super Bowl Squares: This classic betting game is easy and keeps everyone engaged, even if they don’t know a field goal from a fumble.
• Halftime show predictions: Before kickoff, have everyone guess what songs will be performed. Award a prize for the closest guess. Bonus points for calling a surprise guest appearance.
• Trivia time: Mix football questions with pop culture moments for a well-balanced challenge. Sample question: “What snack did Janet Jackson reportedly eat backstage before that halftime show?” (Answer: Chili.)
3rd Quarter: Avoiding the Party Pitfalls
By this point, the food is dwindling, drinks are flowing and the energy is high. Here’s how to keep the momentum going:
• Remote control security: There is always one person who tries to change the channel during a commercial. Identify this person early and keep the remote far, far away from them.
• Preventing post-game blues: Have a post-game plan — whether it’s an instant replay of the best commercials, a breakdown of the game’s biggest moments or a very spirited debate about the halftime show.
4th Quarter: The Final Play
As the clock winds down, here’s how to wrap things up smoothly:
• Dessert time: People always think they’re too full for dessert — until they see a plate of brownies or Taylor Swift’s famous Chia Sugar Cookies. Don’t skip this step.
• The exit strategy: Make it clear when the party is ending (nicely, of course). Something like, “Last call for drinks before we all head out!” works wonders.
• The cleanup game plan: Have a trash can readily available. The easier you make it for guests to clean up after themselves, the less you’ll have to do at the end of the night.
Post-Game Wrap-Up
Whether your team wins or loses, if you’ve followed this guide, your Super Bowl party will be a success. Your guests will leave full, entertained and maybe even with a newfound appreciation for the game — or at least a solid understanding of Travis Kelce’s stats. And if all else fails? There’s always next year… or another excuse to throw a party.
Now, go forth and host like a pro. Just don’t forget the extra wings. Seriously.
Feature image photography by Jamie Squire/Getty Images
