On February 1st, 2009 a huge event is coming to Invitation Consultants hometown of Tampa, FL. It’s the Super Bowl. While most people are energized about the rivalry, the teams and the players, I am excited for two completely different reasons. Reason # 1: It’s officially the end of another NFL season. Now don’t get me wrong. I don’t hate football…I just don’t love it either. And after 17 weeks of planning my Sundays around the Buccaneers’ game schedule, I am definitely ready for a much needed, six-month vacation. Reason # 2 why I can’t wait till the Super Bowl: It’s a GREAT excuse to have a party. For the last two years, my husband and I have hosted a party at our house, and since neither of us plan on shelling out the $600 per ticket for this year’s game, I think we are going to make this year 3 for 3 for party-hosting. In case you’ve never thrown a Super Bowl bash, or you are just looking for some new ideas, here are some of my tips on Super Bowl party success:

Invitations- Before your party even starts, your Super Bowl invitations will set the theme for your event. If you’re inviting your guests to arrive early to drink or barbeque before the game, choose an invitation that reflects this. If your event is more about the game, and less about the pre-party, consider an invitation featuring a Football, Helmet or Stadium. When wording your invitation, make sure to include an email address or phone number where guests can RSVP (and don’t forget the date to RSVP by!) Not only will this help when ordering food, but it will also ensure you have enough seats for all of your guests around the TV. Last but not least, on the invitation be sure to include the exact time your party is starting. True, the game may not start till seven, but if you don’t specify an exact time, Cousin Jack may show up at two, ready to party hard. Trust me. I know from experience. In this situation, it’s better to be safe than sorry.

Decorations- If ever there was a time to break out the vintage jerseys, helmet collection and foam fingers, a Super Bowl Party is it. Show your team spirit and purchase plates, napkins and cups in your favorite team’s colors (added bonus: disposable plates and cups mean no late Sunday/early Monday clean-up!) Are you and your best friend rooting for opposing teams? Divide the room in half, and decorate half with signs and decorations supporting your favorite team, leaving the other half for your friend to decorate however they wish. Once guests start arriving, they can choose their seats based on which team they are cheering for. Just remember…don’t spend too much money on decorations. A majority of the party will be spent staring at the TV…not the décor you slaved over for hours. The key is to find the perfect balance. Use enough decorations to get your guests revved up and ready for the game, but don’t break the bank doing so.

Food– For me, food is the most important part of a successful Super Bowl Party (it is is the second-largest U.S. food consumption day afterall.) Try to accommodate all of your guests with a little something from each food category. For your health-nut friends, pick up a fruit and veggie platter and pair it with some hummus and whole-wheat pita chips. For your junk food junkies, whip up some buffalo wings, chili cheese dip, and nachos. When setting out the spread, be sure to keep your snacks as close to the television as possible. No one wants to miss the game’s big play because they were in the next room chowin’ down. This rule also applies to your beverages. Fill up a cooler with ice, beer, soda and water and keep it close by so your guests won’t have to miss a minute of the action.

Last but not least, just remember to relax, eat and have fun. Yell at the refs, laugh at the commercials and sing with the musicians during the half-time show. This event only comes around once a year, so you might as well enjoy it.