Game day theme

A big game watch party

Wings, a pot of chili, and the big game on the biggest screen.

Photo: Unsplash

Game day invitations

Free designs with an RSVP link that tracks every reply. Tap one to start yours; your names, date and place fill in, and you can change the design any time.

Ideas for your game day party

Pick one or two from each and keep the rest simple.

Decor

  • Team-color balloons and pennants, for your team or both
  • A turf runner with yard-line tape down the food table
  • A poster board grid for the squares game
  • Extra chairs and a cooler by the TV

Food

  • Wings with two sauces
  • Chili or queso in a slow cooker
  • Sliders and a seven-layer dip
  • A cooler of drinks with non-alcoholic options

Activities

  • Squares game for small prizes
  • Commercial bingo
  • Halftime cornhole
  • Score prediction board

Cake

A football-shaped brownie with white frosting laces, or cupcakes in team colors.

Favors

Optional. Something small and edible travels best.

Colors

DeepBrightPopSoft

Pick one bright color for balloons and napkins, and keep plates plain.

What to do and when

The plan for a house party, counted back from the party day. Festidy puts real dates on it.

  1. 6 to 8 weeks out

    • Pick a date, a start time, and a backup date
    • Set a budget and choose your big two
    • Write the guest list
    • Choose a theme or a look
    • Lock in the location and a rain plan
    • Note food, accessibility, and comfort needs
  2. 4 to 6 weeks out

    • Send the invitations
    • Decide on music and one main activity
    • Book rentals if you need them
    • Decide: cater, order trays, or cook
    • Book a photographer or pick a friend to shoot
    • Order the cake or dessertsCake idea: A football-shaped brownie with white frosting laces, or cupcakes in team colors.
    • Ask helpers and give them roles
    • Make one contact and confirmation list
  3. 2 to 3 weeks out

    • Order decor, tableware, and favorsDecor idea: Team-color balloons and pennants, for your team or both
    • Plan the menu and check allergiesMenu idea: Wings with two sauces
    • Plan the one or two moments that matterActivity idea: Squares game for small prizes
    • Follow up on RSVPs
    • Plan drinks, including good non-alcoholic options
    • Build your one-stop shopping list
  4. The week before

    • Confirm every vendor
    • Plan one group moment
    • Lock the headcount and shop for food and drinks
    • Prep favors, decor, and a playlist
    • Write the party-day schedule
    • Send the final party note
  5. The day before

    • Pick up the cake and set up what you can
    • Pack a party-day kit
    • Charge devices and share the run sheet
    • Make the final weather and space call
  6. Party day

    • Set up an hour before
    • Run the party and finish on time
    • Reset the space and check for left-behind items
  7. After the party

    • Share photos and settle any remaining balances
    • Send thank-yous
    • Save photos and notes for next year
    • Leave a quick note for your future self

Party-day run of show

For a 3-hour party starting at 2 pm.

  • Final setup and safety checkSetup crew gets food, activities, and the entrance ready.
  • Arrivals and drinksGreeter welcomes guests and handles coats.
  • Food outFood lead opens the food and keeps it stocked.
  • Group momentEntertainment lead runs the toast, gift swap, or game.
  • Dessert and coffeeFood lead sets out dessert.
  • Wind-downThe host thanks everyone and sends leftovers home.
  • Quick resetCollect gifts and check the space for left-behind items.

Free game day printables

Print at home on letter paper or card stock.

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