As summer comes to a close, there's a silver lining on the horizon: NFL season is just around the corner! The countdown starts now, with the season kicking off with the Ravens vs. the Chiefs on Thursday, September 5. Week one games include exciting matchups like the Eagles vs. the Packers in Sao Paulo, Brazil. Oh, and don’t miss Tom Brady making his broadcast debut when the Dallas Cowboys head to the Cleveland Browns at 4:25 p.m. ET on Sunday, September 8.
There is so much good football, so why not celebrate with a kick-off tailgate party at your place? It's a winning formula: FRIENDS + FOOD + FANS = FUN! Of course, there are a few other key elements to consider. Don’t worry—we’ve got your ultimate party plan all set.
- Set the ambiance.
Don’t worry about decor—your guests only care about a big TV and plenty of comfy sitting spots. Consider hosting a backyard tailgate with heaters or a fire pit as the season progresses. For outdoor viewing or just for pre-or post-game celebrations, enjoy a convenient outdoor fire pit, like a Solo Stove. These smokeless fire pits can be set up almost anywhere, making them the perfect spot for the “after-game breakdown.”
- Look the part.
Check out the nflshop.com and grab your team’s jersey. And get game-ready with MicroTouch's line of grooming products. No hair, no problem! Keep your bald head closely shaven - and with no nicks - with the MicroTouch Titanium Head Shaver. If there is too much hair everywhere - try the MicroTouch Titanium Max Multipurpose Trimmer; it has a perfectly angled head and side-mounted blades that can go where other trimmers can’t!
- Help guests connect over something funny.
Assemble a mystery grab bag filled with team-colored accessories. Whatever your guests pull out, they have to wear. Think mohawks, tutus, and oversized sunglasses—the sillier, the better!
- Try gourmet grilling.
Hot dogs and hamburgers are classic crowd-pleasers, but why not elevate your game? Take the time to craft a BBQ experience that stands out from the ordinary. Here are some options that are anything but ho-hum:
- Southern Living’s Baby Back Ribs with Coffee Bourbon BBQ Sauce will impress your guests. You can imagine what a perfect combo these two ingredients are - a mouthwatering dish your guests will love.
- Take your guests on a culinary journey with a Vietnamese-inspired marinade from Bon Appetit that is sweet, spicy, and goes with just about any kind of meat.
- Potluck the rest.
Football games can be long, with the pre-show and all the commercials, so set out food that guests can snack on throughout. Consider hosting a potluck, inviting your friends to bring their favorite dishes to share. The Pioneer Woman has a fun and festive football snack board that you can “throw” together with your team colors.
- Have a themed cocktail or mocktail.
We love this list at vinepair.com. It features a specialty cocktail for every team in the NFL. Some favorites include The Miami Dolphin’s Miami Vice - part Piña Colada, part Strawberry Daiquiri, and the San Francisco 49ers’ Pisco Punch, created by an SF bartender at the Bank Exchange Saloon in the 1880s.
- Try a new halftime game.
While football is the main event, it’s always fun to have other activities to keep the energy high. Classic yard games like cornhole and ladder golf are crowd favorites, but consider adding a twist by introducing something new and unexpected. Halftime is perfect for a quick and entertaining game, like Football Charades. It’s simple: have everyone jot down two or three football-themed words or phrases on slips of paper and toss them into a bowl. Split into two teams and let the charades begin—guaranteed laughs and a good time for all!
- Keep the kids happy.
Consider renting a bounce house for the kids or setting up a crafts and games station to entertain them. Parents will love it if you hire a babysitter or a responsible neighborhood teen to look after the little ones, allowing the adults to stay fully engaged in the game.
- Capture the memories.
Set up an instant camera station where guests can snap and then take home memorable snapshots. Design a photo booth with a backdrop showcasing your team’s logo and colors, and enhance the fun with props like foam fingers, helmets, and footballs for the perfect game-day photos.
- Don’t stress.
The more relaxed you are, the more fun your guests will have. As long as the game is on and there's plenty of food, everyone will be content. Remember to savor the moment—having your friends and loved ones together is something to treasure!
Check out MicroTouch blogs for more ideas on entertainment, grooming, fashion, and more!