The Super Bowl is just around the corner and I for one am so excited to cheer on my favorite Broncos and Panthers players. It’s been a great playoff season for both of these teams so let’s have a party worth celebrating!

Here are a few great recipes and decorating ideas to ensure a party worth sharing!

The Bar:

Here are two great options to try: the Broncos Crush Cocktail or a pitcher of this Carolina Panther Punch. Whether you are a Broncos fan or a Panthers fan you can agree that these cocktails sound pretty great! Another more team neutral option is of course a DIY mimosa or Bloody Mary bar. Have a few ice buckets ready for any guests who will bring beer or other mixers and of course keep the water bottles close by.

The Appetizers (aka the snack course)

A great way to encourage shy party guests, that friend who is on another New Year’s diet, and of course give you something to munch on during those crucial moments of the puppy bowl. Add a little spice with these roasted jalapeño poppers or these spicy grilled sausages. Make a classic even better with some garlic: spinach artichoke garlic bread, oh my! For the “main course” you can even set up a chili bar and let the fans eat to their hearts’ content.

Sugar, spice, and everything nice:

Who else makes a beeline for the dessert table? Savory appetizers and wings always call for at least a little bit of sugar! This peanut butter football dip is great visually and of course a way to rock your taste-buds. For a slightly healthier option try out this recipe for caramel apple nachos. For the chocolate lovers at your party a football shaped twist on the classic chocolate chip cookie!

Decorations:

If you aren’t cheering for a specific team incorporate both teams into your décor. Pick a blue and orange tablecloth for the Broncos and use silver and blue utensils for the Panthers, you could even mix plates and glassware with both team mascots. Add referee stripes to the water bottles and keep them cool with football shaped ice cubes. Buy white and black napkins and stack them on top of each other for a mini referee cleanup station. Label your designated beverages, snacks, and desserts with football or football helmet shaped place-cards and for a stunning centerpiece use empty soda cans & spray paint to create the perfect goal posts for the snacking end zones.

Get crafty and have fun, its Super Bowl 50 after all! And of course consider using football shaped food items for some extra Super Bowl spirit.