Hosting the Ultimate Big Game Party
The entire 2019 pro-football season will come to a head on Sunday, February 3, when the Los Angeles Rams face off against the New England Patriots, and millions of people will be parked in front of their TV sets with eyes on Atlanta to witness the Big Game.
Even if you’re not a big football fan, don’t fret. There is plenty for you to look forward to, such as the halftime show, the greatest commercials of the year and amazing party food. Even more importantly, it is a great excuse to invite family and friends over to join the fun!
Make sure to check out our recipes at the end of this post!
If you want to be sure everyone has fun at your party, don’t be afraid to ask them what they want. See if there are any particular foods or drinks they are craving. This particular Sunday has a traditional menu as much as any other unofficial holiday, and people arrive with certain expectations of what the grub will be like. Essentials usually include wings, pizza, chili, nachos, and other salty and sweet snacks. The butcher shop at Farmview Market has a delicious selection of chicken wings, hot dogs and steaks. Consider throwing a veggie plate into the mix for balance.
There is nothing inviting and comfortable about a dirty home, so be sure to clean the areas of your house the guests are most likely to see, like the bathroom, kitchen, and TV room. Invite your guests to make themselves at home by showing them where everything is and telling them to help themselves. Make sure there are enough comfortable places for people to sit; bean bags, throw pillows, and camping chairs are completely acceptable.
The easiest way to communicate with your guests is online. Evite, Paperless Post, and other online invitation websites make it simple to share details and keep track of your attendees. Make sure to send an auto reminder a few days before the party to help prompt more RSVPs.
Mixing friend groups or inviting people who don’t know each other can be uncomfortable and awkward. A good host introduces their guests to each other. When you introduce one friend to another, say how you know each other and give a nugget of information about each of them so that they have a jumping off topic for conversation.
Nobody likes to be running around trying to prepare for guests right up until the moment the doorbell rings. Do as much of the work as you can in advance so that you’re not exhausted by the time everyone arrives. Farmview Market has a variety of snacks and prepared foods to make things easy. Pick up Peachey's Mild Fine Chopped Salsa, We're Nuts Wagon Wheels, Willie's Microwave Pork Rinds and Montane Sparkling Water in a variety of flavors.
Greet your guests when they arrive, and spend a few minutes visiting with everyone one on one or in a small group. Let them know that you’re happy they came. Be attentive to your guests and keep an eye out for anything they might need.
Most kids probably won’t be up for watching the entire game with a laser-like focus, and without proper planning, you could end up with bored and fussy kids. Stock up on a variety of coloring books, puzzles, board games, and children’s movies.
Spills happen; it’s a fact of life. Keep the spot remover handy and be prepared to jump in quickly, take care of the mess, and don’t let it ruin your mood or your night.
Keep in mind that for some of your guests, the commercials are just as important as the game. In fact, almost half the people who will be watching the Big Game could care less about football and are watching mainly for the commercials and half-time show. Be aware of this fact, even if you’re not a super fan of the ads yourself, and make it fun for all your guests by keeping it quiet during the breaks. Ideally, serve food in a separate area so chatter is kept to a minimum for those who want to see the best commercials of the year.
Here is an important rule hosts often forget: When the festivities kick off, let go of details and have fun!
2 cups Chicken, cooked and shredded
1 (8 oz. pkg.) Cream cheese, softened
1/2 cup Hot sauce
1/2 cup Ranch dressing
1/2 cup Blue cheese crumbles
Directions:
Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
Mix all ingredients in a large bowl.
Spoon into shallow 1-quart baking dish.
Bake for 20 minutes or until mixture is heated through.
Sprinkle with green onions, if desired, and serve with chips, crackers and/or veggies.
1 tbsp. Ground black pepper
1 tsp. Cayenne pepper
1 tbsp. Ground white pepper
2 tbsp. Chili powder
2 tbsp. Coriander
1 tbsp. Brown sugar
1 tbsp. Dry oregano
1/4 cup Kosher salt
1 Boston Butt/Pork Shoulder
Heat grill or smoker to 225 degrees.
Rub seasoning mix over all sides of the pork.
Place pork on grill/smoker. Make sure grill/smoker temperature remains around 225 degrees.
Cook pork to an internal temperature of 190 degrees, approximately 12 – 14 hours.
Once proper internal temperature is reached, remove pork from grill/smoker and let it rest (at least 30 minutes).
Pull the pork apart using a pair of forks or chop with a large knife.
Serve with your choice of sauce.
Directions Oven Method:
Combine all seasonings in a small mixing bowl.
Preheat oven to 275 degrees.
Rub seasoning mix over all sides of the pork.
Place pork on a rack in a roasting pan. Add ½ inch of water to the roasting pan.
Cook pork to an internal temperature of 190 degrees, approximately 4 – 6 hours.
Once proper internal temperature is reached, remove pork from oven and let it rest (at least 30 minutes).
Pull the pork apart using a pair of forks or chop with a large knife.
Serve with your choice of sauce.
1 Whole, trussed, trimmed beef tenderloin (approximately 4 lbs)
1 cup Sour cream
¼ cup Horseradish
1 tbsp. Lemon juice
1 tsp. Chopped, fresh parsley (or ¼ tsp. dry)
1 tsp. Kosher salt
2 tbsp. Lemon juice
1 tbsp. Ground black pepper
3 cloves Garlic, minced
Preheat oven to 375 degrees.
Combine cream ingredients in a bowl and refrigerate until ready to serve.
Combine seasoning ingredients and rub over all sides of the tenderloin.
Place tenderloin on a roasting rack in a roasting pan and place in preheated oven.
Cook meat until it reaches an internal temperature of 120 degrees (medium rare) or 135 degrees (medium). Approximately 30 to 40 minutes.
Remove meat from pan and let rest on a cutting board for 10 minutes.
Slice the tenderloin and serve with horseradish cream.
Even if you’re not a big football fan, don’t fret. There is plenty for you to look forward to, such as the halftime show, the greatest commercials of the year and amazing party food. Even more importantly, it is a great excuse to invite family and friends over to join the fun!
Make sure to check out our recipes at the end of this post!
Here are Farmview Market's top 10 tips to help you throw the ultimate Big Game party:
1. Crowdsource
If you want to be sure everyone has fun at your party, don’t be afraid to ask them what they want. See if there are any particular foods or drinks they are craving. This particular Sunday has a traditional menu as much as any other unofficial holiday, and people arrive with certain expectations of what the grub will be like. Essentials usually include wings, pizza, chili, nachos, and other salty and sweet snacks. The butcher shop at Farmview Market has a delicious selection of chicken wings, hot dogs and steaks. Consider throwing a veggie plate into the mix for balance.
2. Create a Comfortable and Inviting Atmosphere
There is nothing inviting and comfortable about a dirty home, so be sure to clean the areas of your house the guests are most likely to see, like the bathroom, kitchen, and TV room. Invite your guests to make themselves at home by showing them where everything is and telling them to help themselves. Make sure there are enough comfortable places for people to sit; bean bags, throw pillows, and camping chairs are completely acceptable.
3. Invite Electronically
The easiest way to communicate with your guests is online. Evite, Paperless Post, and other online invitation websites make it simple to share details and keep track of your attendees. Make sure to send an auto reminder a few days before the party to help prompt more RSVPs.
4. Make Introductions
Mixing friend groups or inviting people who don’t know each other can be uncomfortable and awkward. A good host introduces their guests to each other. When you introduce one friend to another, say how you know each other and give a nugget of information about each of them so that they have a jumping off topic for conversation.
5. Prep in Advance
Nobody likes to be running around trying to prepare for guests right up until the moment the doorbell rings. Do as much of the work as you can in advance so that you’re not exhausted by the time everyone arrives. Farmview Market has a variety of snacks and prepared foods to make things easy. Pick up Peachey's Mild Fine Chopped Salsa, We're Nuts Wagon Wheels, Willie's Microwave Pork Rinds and Montane Sparkling Water in a variety of flavors.
6. Make Your Guests Feel Special
Greet your guests when they arrive, and spend a few minutes visiting with everyone one on one or in a small group. Let them know that you’re happy they came. Be attentive to your guests and keep an eye out for anything they might need.
7. Keep the Kids Entertained
Most kids probably won’t be up for watching the entire game with a laser-like focus, and without proper planning, you could end up with bored and fussy kids. Stock up on a variety of coloring books, puzzles, board games, and children’s movies.
8. Have Cleaning Supplies at the Ready
Spills happen; it’s a fact of life. Keep the spot remover handy and be prepared to jump in quickly, take care of the mess, and don’t let it ruin your mood or your night.
9. Commercials Are Not Just for Snack Breaks
Keep in mind that for some of your guests, the commercials are just as important as the game. In fact, almost half the people who will be watching the Big Game could care less about football and are watching mainly for the commercials and half-time show. Be aware of this fact, even if you’re not a super fan of the ads yourself, and make it fun for all your guests by keeping it quiet during the breaks. Ideally, serve food in a separate area so chatter is kept to a minimum for those who want to see the best commercials of the year.
10. Relax!
Here is an important rule hosts often forget: When the festivities kick off, let go of details and have fun!
You can't go wrong including these dishes in your spread!
Buffalo Chicken Dip
Ingredients:
2 cups Chicken, cooked and shredded
1 (8 oz. pkg.) Cream cheese, softened
1/2 cup Hot sauce
1/2 cup Ranch dressing
1/2 cup Blue cheese crumbles
Directions:
Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
Mix all ingredients in a large bowl.
Spoon into shallow 1-quart baking dish.
Bake for 20 minutes or until mixture is heated through.
Sprinkle with green onions, if desired, and serve with chips, crackers and/or veggies.
Pulled Pork
Ingredients:
1 tbsp. Ground black pepper
1 tsp. Cayenne pepper
1 tbsp. Ground white pepper
2 tbsp. Chili powder
2 tbsp. Coriander
1 tbsp. Brown sugar
1 tbsp. Dry oregano
1/4 cup Kosher salt
1 Boston Butt/Pork Shoulder
Directions Grill/Smoker Method:
Combine all seasonings in a small mixing bowl.
Heat grill or smoker to 225 degrees.
Rub seasoning mix over all sides of the pork.
Place pork on grill/smoker. Make sure grill/smoker temperature remains around 225 degrees.
Cook pork to an internal temperature of 190 degrees, approximately 12 – 14 hours.
Once proper internal temperature is reached, remove pork from grill/smoker and let it rest (at least 30 minutes).
Pull the pork apart using a pair of forks or chop with a large knife.
Serve with your choice of sauce.
Directions Oven Method:
Combine all seasonings in a small mixing bowl.
Preheat oven to 275 degrees.
Rub seasoning mix over all sides of the pork.
Place pork on a rack in a roasting pan. Add ½ inch of water to the roasting pan.
Cook pork to an internal temperature of 190 degrees, approximately 4 – 6 hours.
Once proper internal temperature is reached, remove pork from oven and let it rest (at least 30 minutes).
Pull the pork apart using a pair of forks or chop with a large knife.
Serve with your choice of sauce.
Whole Roasted Beef Tenderloin with Horseradish Cream
Ingredients:
1 Whole, trussed, trimmed beef tenderloin (approximately 4 lbs)
Cream Ingredients:
1 cup Sour cream
¼ cup Horseradish
1 tbsp. Lemon juice
1 tsp. Chopped, fresh parsley (or ¼ tsp. dry)
1 tsp. Kosher salt
Seasoning Ingredients:
2 tbsp. Lemon juice
1 tbsp. Ground black pepper
3 cloves Garlic, minced
Directions:
Preheat oven to 375 degrees.
Combine cream ingredients in a bowl and refrigerate until ready to serve.
Combine seasoning ingredients and rub over all sides of the tenderloin.
Place tenderloin on a roasting rack in a roasting pan and place in preheated oven.
Cook meat until it reaches an internal temperature of 120 degrees (medium rare) or 135 degrees (medium). Approximately 30 to 40 minutes.
Remove meat from pan and let rest on a cutting board for 10 minutes.
Slice the tenderloin and serve with horseradish cream.