Party Game Plan

• Save time by cooking and freezing soups before the party. Transfer cooled soups to airtight containers or heavy-duty zip-top plastic bags. Stand heavy-duty zip-top plastic bags in an 8-cup measuring cup, and fold down top edge. Ladle cooled soup into bag and seal, removing as much air as possible. Lay sealed, filled bags flat on a cookie sheet and freeze. Once frozen, remove from pan, and stack in freezer for up to 2 months. Thaw soups and reheat.
• Purchase a length of artificial turf to fit your serving table. Add helmets and footballs.
• Serve the meal buffet-style away from the television. (Ideally in another room.)
• Set up beverage station away from the food.
• Protect furniture surfaces or the floor from condensation that will accumulate from tubs or buckets filled with ice.
• Consider a kid-friendly (alcohol-free) station for children.
• Have as many televisions as possible available around the party area.
• Designate one area for the really serious fans. Other guests who want to chat can steer clear and not interrupt the game.

Money-Saving Tips

• Buy a whole chicken. They generally cost less per pound than pieces – watch for sales to save even more. Cook whole, or cut into pieces before cooking. Chop or shred the meat to have on hand. Freeze cooked chicken in an air-tight container for up to 2 months.
• Be earth friendly. Use real fabric napkins, soup bowls, spoons, and plates instead of paper and plastic products. They don’t have to match or be expensive. Stick with basic white, and you will use them forever. Shop clearance sales and the dollar store to begin your collection. Consider borrowing bowls, plates, flatware, and any other items you need for the party until you have a supply of your own. You’ll save money in the long run (not to mention keep paper and plastic products out of the landfills) and be prepared for any size crowd at a moment’s notice.

Instant Replay Appetizers

• Melt 1/2 cup peach preserves, and stir in 1 teaspoon minced garlic, 1 chopped chile in adobo sauce, and 1 teaspoon adobo sauce. Let stand to come to room temperature. Serve over a block of cream cheese with assorted crackers.
• Stir together 2 cups thawed frozen corn, 1 can drained black beans, juice of 1 lime, 1 jar salsa, and chopped cilantro for an easy salsa. Serve with tortilla chips.