How to Host an Epic Game-Day Party

With a little bit of thought and planning, your house may just become game-day central for years to come. Here are some party tips from Que Pasa Chips and Whole Foods Market.

Game-day snacks

It might seem simple: Big game + drinks + pretzels = a successful party. But with a little bit of thought and planning, your house may just become game-day central for years to come. Here are some tips from Que Pasa Chips and Whole Foods Market: 
 

The Menu

A strong dip game opens in a new tab will get you far but the big game can turn into a late-night affair, so make sure guests have satiating food too like Loaded Mexican Street Fries opens in a new tab, vegan BBQ Pulled Jackfruit Nachos opens in a new tab or Roasted Vegetable and Black Bean Quesadillas opens in a new tab. Or set-up a DIY Nachos Bar. You just need a little prep ahead for this easy and fun buffet where partygoers can create their own plate. Here’s how:
 

DIY Nachos Bar

  • Grab a slow cooker or two. These are great for keeping your chosen proteins or homemade queso warm. 

  • Set out platters and bowls. Keep toppings separate and pretty. Have a colorful variety of offerings like shredded lettuce, chopped tomato, pickled jalapeños, sliced olives, sour cream, green herbs like scallions or cilantro, grated cheddar, pico de gallo and diced avocado (or guacamole).

  • Label. Bonus points for dietary-friendly choices such as vegan cheese and sour cream, vegetarian beans and gluten-free chips.

  • The chips. A DIY nacho bar isn’t complete without a solid base, and Que Pasa opens in a new tab organic, Non-GMO Project verified chips offer a tasty variety including gluten-free, whole grain and vegan. Put out an assortment of tortilla chips like the Blue Corn and Thin and Crispy (with a Twist of Lime) along with the more familiar White Corn. Pair it up with Medium Chipotle Salsa and Mild Mexicana Salsa for an all-star lineup. 

The MVP of the Party

Another reason to choose Que Pasa chips and salsa at your party? Their parent company, Nature’s Path opens in a new tab, has a steadfast mission that takes social responsibility to the next level. Inspired by a 2009 talk by the Dalai Lama about putting compassion into action, Nature’s Path co-founder and co-CEO Arran Stephens started the annual “foodraiser” ‘Eat Well Do Good.’ The pop-up organic café and market raises food and funds for local food banks each fall and has already raised over $1 million worth of food and funds. 
 

Guacamole

 

Up Your Hosting Game

  • Seats for all. Make sure there’s plenty of room for people to relax during the game — a game can last a long time. Pull in kitchen chairs, make use of ottomans and even poufs or cushions on the floor are great for a casual atmosphere.

  • Stock up on ice. To keep your beverage selection at the perfect temperature! Provide a variety of canned sodas, sparkling waters and more, have enough ice for filling and replenishing coolers and beverage tubs. 

  • Prepare for a mess. Empty out your dishwasher before guests arrive so it’s easy to load dirty dishes on-the-spot and have trashcans and recycling bins easily accessible. Keep paper towels or dishcloths on hand for inevitable spills. 

 

The Decorations 

Even a slight nod to a football theme will help get any football curmudgeons into the spirit.

Queso dip

RecipeSpicy Vegan Butternut Queso opens in a new tab
 

Make It Family Friendly

  • Have a football or two for kids of all ages to throw around in the backyard if they get stir crazy.

  • Create a craft station for youngsters to make signs for their favorite team.

  • Plan a game of football bingo opens in a new tab — it gets everyone into the game.

  • Set-up a football-themed photo station opens in a new tab with props like foam fingers, stickers opens in a new tab to recreate the black lines under players’ eyes and paraphernalia for both teams.

  • Got an adult around who’s handy with a paintbrush? Have them do some festive face painting!

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