No matter which team you pull for, watching the Big Game can be fun. Even if you’re just there for the snacks and commercials, you can enjoy Super Bowl Savings this year. Here are the tips you need to keep in mind when you’re planning your party, big or small.
Go With What You Have
The aisles are flush with bargain upon bargain when it comes to snacks, decor, TVs, and more. I’m here to tell you, you don’t need 85% of that stuff. Even a great deal isn’t good for your budget when you have what you need already. So before you head to your favorite big box retailer or warehouse store, head to your pantry and cabinets.
- Food: See if you have basics like salsa, items to make dips, chips, frozen goodies, and/or boxed dessert mixes.
- Decor: It’s time dig out any sort of football equipment you own! Obviously, stick to anything you have that can be cleaned and not muddy. You may also have items stored from years past, too. It’s smart to look for items that feature the team colors, too.
- TV: Friends, your TV is awesome. It’s easy to get the gimmes this time of the year. But making a major purchase based on one day is never smart.
Hit the Valentine’s Day Aisle
It’s a great year to do a 2 for 1 when it comes to February celebrations. Since both the 49ers and the Chiefs feature red as a primary color for team spirit, you can capitalize on the solid color Valentine’s Day party goods and get double duty from your purchase. From napkins and plates to reusable tableware like reusable bowls and serving dishes, you can never go wrong with red. Most holidays and children’s characters use red in their color scheme. You’ll be set for years to come.
Stick to Simple, Affordable Snacks
Rather than buying the farm (or the entire frozen foods section), choose simple and affordable snacks for your celebration. But the best foods aren’t difficult to make or even that expensive.
A few affordable ideas for your feast might include:
- Chips and Salsa: Buy a few varieties of chips and some different salsas for your guests. Both items will be on sale at grocery stores this week.
- Popcorn Bar: Pop large amounts of popcorn and select some toppings to let party goers specialize their own variety. You can purchase different speciality salts or add in nuts, chocolate chips, or marshmallows to create a trail mix of sorts.
- French Fry Platter: Snag a few bags of frozen french fries and cook them in the oven. Choose a variety of types and some different sauces. Forget the fancy pants meat and cheese boards, everyone loves a good french fry.
- Wings: A football classic, load up on wings either cooking up your own or purchasing some from the grocery store or a BBQ joint. Price out works best for you.
- Pizza: I’d always suggest picking up a large pizza from ALDI or Papa Murphy’s and baking it yourself. Or you can order pizza fairly affordably, too. Stick to toppings the majority of the crowd will enjoy and be sure to request the pizza to be cut in a Party Cut (think squares instead of triangles). This simple step helps spread items a bit further.
What You Should Skip:
- Veggie Trays: You can definitely eat healthy on Super Bowl Sunday, but you’ll save more money if you make your veggie trays yourself instead of opting for the prefab variety. Plus, you won’t end up with that one weird veggie that no one in your family eats or enjoys that you end up throwing away.
- Deli Trays: Ok, almost any tray should probably be on the no-list. Yes, it will cost you a wee bit more to put together your own, but the savings are worth the time.
Ask for Help
Anytime you host a gathering, invite your guests to bring a dish and/or drinks. Not only will you save on cost, you’ll end up with everyone’s A-game. Let your tribe determine what they will bring or divide everyone into two groups – savory or sweet. Even if you have some duplicates, no one will complain.
Order Is Everything
When setting up a buffet, place the most affordable foods first in the line. After years of hosting get-togethers, I’ve learned that whatever is first in the line, everyone takes. So place the foods that are affordable first as plate fillers, leaving the pricer items for the end of the line. It’s also smart to place healthier alternatives first, too.
Think Through Your Space
This last tip is more of a keep the peace tip rather than save money. Be sure you set up areas of your home where those who are more serious about the game can watch without interruption and those who are less involved can chat or snack. You can also get the kids in on the action with fun extras like team coloring sheets (49ers & Chiefs) and one of our favorites – Commercial Bingo.
Don’t get flustered! Hosting a gathering doesn’t have to be a hassle or drain on your finances. Think smart this year for Super fun without super spending.
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This post contains an affiliate link. That means when you get a great deal, learn about a way to save, or maybe even something for free, I may end up making a small commission. All prices are subject to change.
