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by Rachel Lyon, The House Designers’ Assistant Editorial Director
When it comes time for one of the biggest parties of the year, you definitely need to be prepared if you’ve decided to host! What makes a great Super Bowl party isn’t just the competition and food, but also the right atmosphere. How do you go about creating the right space for this kind of hosting? Continue reading to learn about the different pieces that come into play, and whether you’re in it for the football or the commercials, you’re sure to be in the right mindset to enjoy the experience.
The Right Floor Plan for Your Party Style
For the natural host who likes to be in on the action, nothing’s better than an open floor plan that allows the television to be seen from the kitchen where, let’s be honest, a lot of the party takes place. This arrangement is also advantageous because the kitchen island makes a great buffet and is easier to restock and clean compared to constantly bringing numerous bowls, platters, and glasses back and forth. An open floor plan helps to keep everybody involved.
A traditional floor plan can still support a party atmosphere, but it typically suits a different sort of host. If some family and friends are hyped for the game, but others are just along for the ride, having separate spaces is ideal. One group can watch, cheer, and send a delegate for refills while the others can chat. The advantage in this case is that the area that needs to be cleaned up will be smaller and contained.
In either case, it’s important to make sure that there’s a designated bathroom near where the party will be taking place. A powder room in the foyer or off the great room is ideal, but if your home doesn’t have one, just make sure everybody knows which facilities to use.
Seating for Optimum Viewing Potential
Before guests come over, arrange the living room to hold as many seats as possible, and make sure all of them can see the TV! This is the time to pull out any extra furniture that’s been hidden away in storage. Try to use your angles—an L-shaped sofa or placing two couches into that shape, with one against the wall and the other directly opposite the TV, usually provides good coverage. For rooms with plenty of space, try to think of layering the viewing positions with standing room behind the couch and any other seats, and floor seating for the kids. Keep walkways clear for ease and safety, but otherwise, try to fit in as many people as possible.
A Great Entertainment System
The television is the center of attention on Super Bowl Sunday, so it should have the pedestal that it deserves. There are entertainment systems in every style and finish, so you don’t have to worry about not finding something that will match your interior all year round. Whether it’s a simple stand or an entire media center that surrounds the TV, choose something that fits how much you use it.
Units with shelving are great for people who play video games or who want to store movies and books all in a central location. If the TV isn’t a huge part of your life most of the time, you can choose a center that has doors to hide it away when it’s not in use.
Maximum Convenience
Most traditional Super Bowl foods are meant to be eaten quickly. Bowls of chips, nachos, wings, and other finger food appetizers will likely be featured prominently in many homes, but as delicious as these are, they can sometimes be a mess. Try to have the proper receptacles for used plates and empty cans readily available so piles of trash don’t build up during the game. And while convenience is the main concern, why not move a cooler right next to the couch to make sure nobody has to get up for a drink?
From everybody here at The House Designers, we hope that you have a fantastic Super Bowl Sunday!
