Score a Touchdown at Your Next Game Day Party

With summer coming to an end and fall just around the corner, it seems that everyone is looking forward to football season and game-day get togethers. Whether you’re having a few people over to watch the game or planning on packing your house like the stands – don’t go in without a game plan. Home Basics has you covered for game-day essentials with these tips from our in-house football-watch-party pro, Giselle. Your friends and family will be sure to ask for an instant replay!
Your Set Up:
The most scrutinized piece of furniture in your home during a watch party is without a doubt your TV stand. While your coffee table is piled high with snacks and your couch is full of ends (tight or defensive), all eyes are aimed towards your TV. Make an upgrade and make it modern – We recommend this low-profile TV stand that comes in 4 different sizes to fit any living room or tv. Open shelves and drawers give you plenty of storage space for remotes, games, cable boxes and consoles so your guests aren’t distracted by clutter. It’s charred oak finish is super versatile and pairs with just about any living room color palette.
Seating:
Not sure that you’ve got the seating to accommodate your crowd? This faux leather storage ottoman can seat up to two while adding an elevated feel to your living room. It also doubles as extra storage space. Open the top to store extra pillows and blankets that’ll surely come in handy in overtime.

Food!:
Football fanatic or not, everyone can agree that the best and most important part of a watch party is the food. Here are some of our tips for efficiently prepping and serving all of the apps, finger foods, dips and tailgate treats your guests can eat:
Chips – Mixing bowls are great for serving simple snacks like popcorn and chips. Larger serving bowls are necessary for dealing out football sized portions. This ones even got a non-slip bottom to avoid serious fumbles.
Anti-Skid 2.5 Qt Stainless Steel Mixing Bowl
Variety – Make sure there’s something on the table for everyone while wow-ing your guests with a charcuterie platter. This slate cutting board makes the perfect serving tray and comes complete with chalk to label different meats, cheeses and spreads.
Serving – How you serve can make all the difference. This serving tray is an absolute game changer and such a simple way to make finger foods feel much more sophisticated. Handles make carrying from kitchen to couch easy while the marble top makes for super quick cleanup.
Here’s a pro serving tip that we LOVE – Load up a lazy Susan with all your dips. Your guests can rotate for easy access to whichever dip they’re feeling in the moment, and no one will have to reach for a scoop of queso or a spoonful of spinach dip. It’ll minimize the chances of a spill so your guests (and your carpet) will thank you.
For something a little more substantial, break out the grill and whip up a couple burgers. A hamburger press is an absolute must for mess-free prep. This one can press 4 inch and 2.6 inch patties and even comes with an attachment to make stuffed burgers. Try it out with our recipe for stuffed sliders below!
Drinks:
Aside from the awesome food, game-day usually means relaxing with a drink (or a few). Having a couple of these around for an easier time opening bottles is key to keeping the drinks flowing. It features a bottle opener plus corkscrew and foil cutter, so whether your guests want to crack open a cold beer or pair their jalapeno poppers with a glass of white wine, you’ll be prepared.
All-In-One Bottle Opener and Corkscrew
Make sure your cans are cold and quickly accessible with an in-the-fridge dispenser. You should also keep a bottle of wine or a couple of beers close by with this stainless-steel ice bucket.
If there’s an important play, you and your guests are not going to want to miss it to grab a drink from the fridge. Earn big points by making a big batch of margaritas, sangria, or spiked lemonade in this 1-gallon drink dispenser. Let your guests help themselves. Just add ice, fill with your favorite drink, and you’re set to satisfy your crowd for the duration of the game.
1-Gallon Beverage Dispenser With Copper Lid and Spigot
With all these serving tips, you might find yourself running out of room to put it all. Don’t overcrowd your coffee table or countertops. Expand your serving space with a TV table or two. This one is large enough to serve up some extra treats or drinks without taking up too much space. It’s also lightweight and portable so it can be used anywhere in your home. Fold it up to store it under or on the side of the couch when not in use for easy access at your next party!
Jumbo Multi-Purpose Foldable Table
Game day is sure to be a hit at your house if you follow our tips for pre-season prep. For everything you need this football season, Home Basics has you covered.