Whether you’re a Seahawks, Packers, Colts or Patriots fan, you’ve been closely following the hard-fought road to Super Bowl XLIX. The big game between our very own Seattle Seahawks and the New England Patriots kicks off on Sunday, February 1 at 3:30 p.m. (PST), and now is the prime time to prepare your home for the best Super Bowl XLIX viewing party!

From tons of snacks, drinks and treats, to football-themed decorations and creating the best seat in the house from which to watch the game, we’ve got eight handy tips to help you host a winning Super Bowl party.

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1. Arrange the room

Project completed by Advantage Contracting, LLC

Before the guests come over and the game begins, you’ll want to make sure your living room is arranged in the best possible way. This means optimizing space and the number of seats–all with a view of the TV, of course. If you have multiple sofas, place them in an “L” formation facing the TV, leaving space in the center for a small table, and spots on the end for extra chairs.

Try layering seating behind each other (similar to theater seating) for more space and seats. You can even throw a few larger pillows on the floor. Having extra coasters and TV trays will help with placement of drinks and snacks to prevent spilling.

An occasion like the Super Bowl (depending on how many guests you plan on having over) may require you to temporarily rearrange your entire living room. Some hosts actually remove all the unnecessary furniture and move in folding tables or chairs.

2. Set up a projector/TV
If you already have a plasma screen TV or one that’s big enough for your Super Bowl viewing needs, then feel free to skip this step. But, imagine a close-up view of the players on the field from the seat of your couch. Doesn’t sound too bad does it?

Setting up a home projector to play the big game can easily make your home the best place to be. Check out this home projector screen DIY you can create for only $20 (not including the video projector), or look into purchasing your own for long term use.

3. Offer a variety of snacks

Aside from the killer commercials, friendly competition and the game itself, the food is by far one of the most important details of a Super Bowl party. While standard snacks are a must–potato chips, onion dip and chicken wings–try stepping up your game with a few fun foods. Pull out your Crock-Pot and try out some new recipes:

DIY Nacho Bar

Photo courtesy of The Magical Slow Cooker

Setting up a nacho bar is a great way to feed your friends in a self-serve manner. Just cook the meat and beans beforehand in your Crock-Pot and set up each accompaniment that you wish to include.

No-Cook Appetizers

Photo courtesy of Gimme Some Oven

If you don’t want to mess with the oven or intense food preparation, try this quick and easy no-cook football bites appetizer recipe that’s loaded with summer sausage, cheddar and ranch.

Football Potato Skins

Photo courtesy of Family Foodie

Potato skins or twice baked potatoes are a classic Super Bowl party appetizer. Whip up this buffalo chicken wing dip potato skins recipe, along with more than 40 other game day recipes for your football party!

Watermelon Helmet

Photo courtesy of One Crafty Thing

For those of you who prefer a healthier snack…This watermelon helmet acts as both food and decoration! See how you can create one on your own, here.

4. Never run out of drinks

Photo courtesy of Hostess With The Mostess

With all of that delicious unhealthy food, you’ll need to balance it out with a variety of refreshments. Always have your standard sodas from Sprite to Coca-Cola, but don’t be afraid to get festive with your refreshments.

Set up a beer tasting bar or combine Sprite and beer to make a beer punch. With an assortment of drinks and a big group of guests, it can be easy to lose track of your own cup. If you’re feeling crafty, check out this duct tape mason jar idea. Or you can keep it simple and disposable with peel-and-scratch plastic cups.

5. Don’t forget dessert

Photo courtesy of Baked With Love and Butter

From finger foods to fun drinks, a party is not complete without the menu’s finishing touch…dessert! Give these Oreo ice cream sandwiches a try or go with these easy-to-make football cake pops.

6. Games and bets on the side

Photo courtesy of Hello Love Photography via Style Me Pretty

Commercial break festivities like Super Bowl commercial bingo can help fill awkward spaces of time throughout the game. Download the free printable here. If you want to take it up a notch, open up bets for the final score and winner predictions. Just be prepared for some heavy and intense competitors!

7. Fun props for your guests

All guests love to be able to take something away from a party, whether it’s a gift bag, prize or little trinkets. Try adding the following ideas to your Super Bowl party to impress your guests:

Eye Black Stickers

Photo courtesy of Pen and Paper Flowers Blog

Referee Whistles & Water Bottles

Photo courtesy of Three Little Monkeys Studio

Super Bowl Rings Favor

Photo courtesy of Michelle Paige

8. Decorations, decorations, decorations

Photo courtesy of Bite Me More

Decorations are the core of any themed party. Deck out your home in football gear, garlands and team colors. Try dressing up your walls with a printable football banner or create an easy football field party table.

Once you’ve decided on your food, drinks and decorations, make sure you have all the supplies ready for a big clean up after the game is over. Peruse this Super Bowl party checklist to make sure you score big with your guests.