<div><p><p>Even if you live in a city with a franchise, it gets pretty expensive catching all the home games. You could fill up your tank for what the average NFL ticket goes for – and that doesn’t begin to cover the beer. Suddenly, Sunday afternoons on the couch seem like a pretty attractive option and since watching a game alone is a lot less fun than it is in the company of friends, it’s the perfect excuse for a party. Too much trouble? The only way it could be any easier is to have it at someone else’s house. Here’s a simple playbook you can adapt to suit your venue and the crowd, along with a few shopping links to save you extra trips to the store.  </p><p>Pre-game </p><p>Besides planning your menu (more on that in a bit), you’ll need to evaluate your entertaining space. Got a fancy home theater setup in your living room? You’re all set. But even if you don’t, you might want to spend a little time moving the furniture around and repositioning the TV for good sight lines. Moving it into a corner might be a good bet. If you’re really serious and have some money burning a hole in your pocket, you might want to upgrade to a big, high definition screen. Trust me, everyone will appreciate the picture a lot more than your famous bean dip.  </p><p>Speaking of food, move your dining room table against one wall and use it as a buffet. Once the game begins, your guests won’t want to have to choose between the kitchen and the next play.   </p><p>If you’re expecting a crowd and not everyone is a diehard fan, it’s a good idea to set aside another room for those who would rather chat than scream at the screen. Similarly, if kids are going to be there, they’ll need a safe and fun place to play that’s not directly in front of the set. It’s also a good idea to move anything breakable out of the room where the big kids are watching the game. In the heat of the action, you don’t want a little exuberant gesticulation to end up as an incomplete pass of a prized vase. Just a thought.   </p><p>Decorate for the party? Only if you want people to think you’re a freak. This is football, not high tea. Just put the snacks out and keep the beer cold. </p><p>Kickoff </p><p>Invite your company to arrive about an hour before the game begins – around noon on the typical Sunday. This will give you time to mingle, nosh and chitchat a bit before coin toss. And maybe place a few bets. Bet on the point spread, the score at each quarter, the number of first downs or even the total yardage gained. While it’s not mandatory by any means, a few dollars running on the outcome does add a little extra voltage to the cheering section. Once the game starts, all the host really has to do is ensure that he doesn’t run out of chips and beverages. </p><p>Halftime </p><p>Halftime was created so that the players could recuperate while the fans rejuvenate. This is the time to load the buffet table with the main course and restock the cooler. Assuming you haven’t decided to have your affair catered by Pizza Hut, keep in mind as you plan your menu that a football party is one of the most casual gatherings it’s possible to have. You won’t be hearing any one ask, “Another splash of Shiraz with your canapé?” Think of simple, easy-to-prepare finger foods and let your guests help themselves.  </p><p>Post-game</p><p>After the final gun, it’s time for the final stage of your party to begin. While your self-appointed color commentators indulge in some post-game analysis, replaying of the highlights and settling the bets, it’s a great time to serve dessert and coffee. This allows for the festivities to wind down and any “injured players” to sober up. (Another advantage of having a party on a Sunday afternoon is that, with work the next day, you’re far less likely to end up with guests who don’t know when to leave and you’ll have plenty of time to clean up the wreckage before you have to turn in yourself.)     </p><p>Stick to the basics, keep things light, casual and fun and this kind of party could be habit-forming. It’s the second best way to enjoy a game.  </p></p><img src="http://admatch-syndication.mochila.com/images/ad.gif?aid=2613068&bid=informcom" /></div><div id="copyright"><div>

Copyright 2007  <a href="http://shopping.msn.com">MSN Shopping</a></div></div>