From the Playbook: Throwing a Super Party for the Big Game

It is one of the most exciting times of the year--football playoffs are upon us. Jerseys are being steamed and pressed, brightly colored face paint is being purchased by the gallon, calendars are being cleared for February the 3rd, and "D"s and fences are disappearing from store signs and houses across the nation. The Big Game is coming. Are you prepared to host? From decor to drinks, seating to snacks--read on for our guide to the most epic football-themed soiree your neighborhood has ever seen.

 

Field of Play

_{Top Left: Egyptian Gold Pre-Mix by Starfire Glass, Bottom Left: Pacific Sky Pre-Mix by Starfire Glass, Middle Image: Custom Fire Glass Burner installation by Starfire Direct, Top Right: Custom Pre-Mix (Call for Details!), Bottom Right: Pacific Sky Pre-Mix by Starfire Glass}

To set the stage for your "super" fun party, you will need the right location. Because this February will find you in the dead of winter and potentially knee deep in snow (depending on your location) this gathering would likely be best held indoors. Due to colder temperatures at this time of the year, your guests will appreciate some extra heat. Instead of turning up your home's heater, add some ambiance with a cozy fire. If your house already has a gas fireplace (or a wood fireplace with a gas line), make sure it's in working order before your guests start arriving. For an extra dose of pizzazz for your entertaining space, add a gas burner designed for use with sparkling fire glass instead of traditional gas logs. Browse our giant collection of colored fire glass to find the right shades for your team--to remind your guests who the real home team is. Pick one of our beautiful pre-mixes--or give us a call for a custom pre-mix-- and you will surely be able to find the colors you are looking for. Once you get your glass burner installed, light that baby up and watch as flames dance across your favorite team's colors. Your guests will soon shed their heavy winter coats to reveal their true (team) colors hiding underneath.

Of course, if you don't have a fireplace in your home, don't fret--that just means you will have to get a little creative. Use our sparkling fire glass in your team colors as the perfect filler for a vase centerpiece--just add coordinating flowers or candles.

_{With 12 dazzling color options, the Spectrum Electric Fireplace by Modern Flames is a great alternative for homes without a traditional fireplace.}

Or--opt for one of our electric fireplaces to keep the ambiance going all night long. Our favorite is the Spectrum Series Electric Fireplace by Modern Flames. With 12 different flame color combinations, you will be able to show your pride on game day--without committing to the same color all year round. With a comfortable 5k BTUs of heat, this fireplace will create a cozy circle around itself--without becoming overwhelming.

 

The Bench

_{Stackable chairs, like these Lenon Side Chairs by Urbia, are a total game-changer.}

Don't get caught with too many players--erm, guests--on the field. Because this party will be so epic, you might find yourself running out of seating. Stackable chairs are a must-have for those who love to entertain. Our favorite? Lenon Side Chairs by Urbia. These durable recycled plastic chairs are space-savers--you can stack them and store them away in a closet until you need them--and they are available in a variety of awesome colors. Plus, they come in a set of two, so you will always have an even amount. Purchase more than one set, and you can easily build a stackable and storable collection.

 

The Spread

_{Save your guests a trip to the kitchen with the Matahari Buffet by Urbia.}

No bowl party would be complete without a copious spread of Instagram-worthy food and drinks. Wings, chips and dips, football-shaped cookies, jalapeño poppers, onion rings--the menu is all set. But let's not forget about presentation. Don't make your guests trek back and forth from the TV room to the kitchen to grab a bite. With a buffet table--like the Matahari Sideboard Buffet by Urbia--you can bring hors d'oeuvres to the room where the action is, so your guests won't miss that game-changing interception while they were grabbing a mozzarella stick.

 

Point After Attempt

_{Kick your food game up a notch with Martha Stewart's Tequila Lime Chicken. (Photo: Martha Stewart)}

We've shown you what you need to host a memorable football party. Now, let us pass the ball to the Queen of Social Gatherings herself--Mrs. Martha Stewart. Her recipe for amazing Tequila-Lime Chicken Drumsticks has our mouths watering and will be the perfect kickoff to your game-winning feast.

Tequila Lime Chicken by Martha Stewart

Ingredients:

• 3/4 Cup Silver Tequila
• 1/3 Cup Honey
• 3/4 Tsp. Freshly Ground Pepper
• 3 Tbsp. Safflower Oil
• 3/4 Cup Freshly Squeezed Lime Juice (From 6-8 Limes)
• 1 Tbsp. plus 1 1/2 Tsp. Course Salt
• 4 1/2 lbs. Chicken Drumsticks (about 20)
• Clementine or Orange Wedges (for serving)

Instructions:

1. Combine tequila, lime juice, honey, salt, pepper, chicken, and oil in a large resealable bag. Place in a baking dish and let stand at room temperature, turning bag occasionally, for 1 hour.
2. Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Remove chicken from marinade, allowing excess to drip back into bag; pat dry. Reserve marinade. Place chicken on a parchment-lined rimmed baking sheet. Bake until cooked through and golden brown, about 40 minutes.
3. Meanwhile, transfer marinade to a saucepan and boil over medium-high heat until thickened and reduced to 1/3 cup, usually 15 to 20 minutes. Transfer chicken to a serving platter and immediately brush with glaze. Serve warm or room temperature, with clementine wedges.

_{It's almost game time. Are you ready?}

We may not know yet which teams are heading to Atlanta, but it is never too early to start planning the ultimate gathering. Huddle up, send out the invites, and start making your game plan--but don't be afraid to call an audible on game day and go with the flow. Sometimes the best plays happen when things don't seem to be going according to plan. If you have any questions on any of the products or ideas in this playbook, give us a call at (866) 578-8538, chat us live on the site, or contact us here. Our staff is ready and willing to coach you through the best game day party of your career.

_{Main Image: Starfire Direct is gearing up for the big game.}