How to Host a Super Bowl Party on a Budget: 7 Smart Tips

Last updated on January 2nd, 2025 at 05:15 pm

Hey football fans, are you ready for the big game? If you’re hosting a get-together and you’re on a budget, we’ve got some ideas for you! Keep reading for some of our favorite tips for planning a Super Bowl party on a budget!

By the way, these ideas will work for any game-day party for any sport with just a little bit of modification.

Our Favorite Tips for Hosting a Super Bowl Party on a Budget

Make a Plan & Set a Budget

The first step to throwing a budget-friendly Super Bowl party is to plan ahead. You’ll also need to set a budget, and stick to it. Deciding how many guests you’ll be inviting will help you in both the planning process and deciding how much you’ll need to spend.

Next, I like to make a list of everything I need, and then see what I already have on hand. For example, if I have some football-themed decorations from previous years, I can put more cash toward food and drinks.

[We LOVE these football stadium serving sets! You can find them online.]

Decorations

Decorating for the Super Bowl is part of the fun of hosting a game-day get-together. I’d even say some kind of football-themed decor is a must for any Super Bowl party, but that doesn’t mean it has to be expensive.

Use items you already have, like streamers or balloons, and decorate with team colors. Here are some more ideas:

• Go online to pick up some football and team printables.
• Display a football helmet(s) and/or football(s) you already own to set the mood.
• Pick up party supplies inexpensively online or from the dollar store. You can get napkins, paper plates, and plastic cups in team colors. You may be able to get balloons and other decor in these colors too.
• If the weather allows, create a tailgate experience. To feel like you’re at the stadium cheering on your favorite team, consider setting up a tailgating experience in your garage or on your driveway. Bring out the TV, camping chairs, an outdoor grill, and a cooler filled with beers and other beverages. You can add a cornhole game too. This is a terrific way to get everyone in the football mood while keeping your home clutter-free!

Food and Drinks

When it comes to food and drinks, homemade is the way to go. Instead of buying expensive pre-made party platters, opt for homemade snacks and appetizers.

Some budget-friendly options include chips and dip or salsa, veggie platters, and meat and cheese trays.

For drinks, consider having a keg or a punch bowl instead of buying individual bottles or cans.

To go along with the football theme, you can serve snacks that double as decor. There are tons of ideas online, but to get you started, how about these:

• A football-shaped cheeseball.
• Cupcakes frosted in team colors.
• Carve a watermelon into the shape of a helmet for serving fruit salad.
• Make cookies in a football shape and ice “laces” on them.

You might also want to make the party a potluck. Just be sure to assign each guest something to bring so you get a variety of dishes.

(Here are some game-day recipes to try.)

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