HOORAY, are you ready for some football? I LOVE the Super Bowl every year, no matter who is playing. It’s a great time to eat yummy food and watch TV with people you love. What’s not to like? Oh yeah, what’s not to like is overspending on your festivities. So let me cut straight to the chase and save you some money without a whole lot of work this Super Bowl Sunday.
1. Simple Foods
One of the best things about the big game is that you don’t have to try out fancy new recipes. Stick to tried and true, delicious and detail-less. No need for fancy recipes when basic favorites do the trick. We love stove popped popcorn, chips and guacamole, and a sweet treat like brownies. Don’t waste extra time or dollars going gourmet.
2. Party Cut Pizza
Pizza is an easy crowd pleaser that isn’t too expensive or tricky to make. If you want to stretch your dollar even further, buy deli pizzas from ALDI, Sam’s Club, or Costco. And then, instead of cutting the pizza into traditional triangular shaped pieces, party cut it into small rectangles instead. If you order pizza, you can ask them to cut it in this manner, too.
3. Pitch-In
Instead of taking all of the responsibility upon yourself to buy and prepare all of the food and snacks, ask that your guests bring something to share. You can ask for specifics, but I usually find it’s better for your friends and family to bring their A-game and choose a dish they love to share. Also, be specific about what beverages you will provide and allow others to fill in the gaps, bringing their favorites.
4. Order Is Everything
After years of funeral dinners and church pitch-ins, I learned an essential law of the universe. What you place at the beginning of the buffet line always disappears first. So place, more affordable (and healthier!) snacks at the front, saving higher priced items until the end. You won’t run out of the items that are in limited quantity.
5. Skip Pre-made Trays
While the cheese/meat/fruit/veggie trays your grocery store sells look like a great deal, you’re paying upwards of twice the price for the items placed on the tray. And many times, some of the veggies/fruits/meats are outside of your family’s taste preferences and will get tossed anyway. Make your own trays and save the money. It really doesn’t save you that much time either.
6. Free and Cheap Decor
Skip the team specific napkins. No need to buy anything with specific dates on the paper goods. Instead, stick to solid colors that can be used for other events. Have your kids color team logos or helmets. Find football gear from your closet. Don’t give in to the impulse buys at the front of the store.
7. Play Super Bowl Bingo Commercial
Every year, I love to print cute Super Bowl Bingo Commercial cards for my family! We don’t really play for prizes, just bragging rights. But it’s a great way to enjoy the game without spending any extra money.
You don’t have to spend a lot of money to have a fantastic time! Enjoy gathering with your friends and family. Enjoy great sports and great food. Cheer on your favorite team. But don’t drop a ton of cash on a one night event.
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