Its Big Game Time: Are You and Your Home Ready to Host a Party

You’ve felt it coming for the last few weeks.  Aisles in the grocery store have been filling up with chips, dips and more canned beverages that you can shake a stick at.  Everywhere you turn a distinct sports theme has begun to permeate everything from bakery cupcakes to commercials to (heaven forbid) real estate website blogs.

This epidemic of favorite-team-colors induced madness happens about this time every year and doesn’t end until you and a host of friends hash out your differences around the television this Sunday.  While the Football game of the year may be about just who will come away the pigskin victor, its also a traditional reason for friends to get together, alternating hosting duties for gatherings of friends.  If you’re in charge of the game day party this year, read on.  We have a host of tips for getting your home big game ready.

Seating, Seating and More Seating

Whether it’s a football viewing party or an elegant dinner party, the first thing to consider when having people over is where will everyone be parking their tushes during the festivities.  The easiest solution would involve a quick trip to your local home décor or big box retailer for a host of folding chairs.

If you’re short on storage space though it can seem a bit inefficient to store extra seating for the other 364 days of the year when you don’t have guests.  If you have the time and forethought, consider stocking your living areas with convertible seating such as ottomans with built in storage.  Converting a bay window into a sitting area is also a simple project that can help take the load off your guests and maximize on space in smaller homes.

Separate Viewing Rooms

While most of your guests will be there for the football festivities, consider a separate viewing room in your home for those that want to step away from all the yelling, screaming and popcorn throwing that will be going on in the third quarter.  Another room in the house, such as the kitchen or dining room, with a smaller television turned to a lower volume, can provide a place where your guests can keep an eye on the game while enjoying a glass of wine or a few minutes of conversational catch up.  This is also a great way to allow the less enthusiastic fans in your group to socialize while not feeling like party poopers.

There’s Always Next Year

Let’s face it, there will come a time when your social circle outgrows your current even hosting capabilities.  Whether the kitchen is too small or there’s just no way to cram 30 guests into your one bedroom unit, this is the perfect opportunity to start making plans for next year’s big game.  Super Bowl season marks the beginning of the hectic spring selling season in most communities.

Spend a few minutes this game day perusing the current available listings or making a wish list of items for a new home.  Narrowing down some basic broad details such as neighborhood, approximate size and whether you need room for that outdoor grill, can all make the home buying and shopping process smoother.

The Final Analysis

Whether hosting a couple of friends or a dozen, don’t despair.  Stores are packed full of items from snacks to seating that can help make you game day party a smash hit.  And if you find yourself sitting at someone else’s place, playing Monday morning quarterback on all the ways you could have thrown a better party, don’t despair. Homegather.com has all the resources you need to help get you into the place of your dreams in time for next year’s football extravaganza.