Super Bowl Party Etiquette by Etiquette Expert Diane Gottsman

Super Bowl is this Sunday and you are most likely hosting or attending a football bash. Here are a few Super Bowl Party Etiquette tips to keep the festivities going strong:

Don’t arrive empty handed. Call ahead and ask what you can bring. Your host will most likely appreciate a few extra plates of hot wings or an assortment of Super Delicious Dips courtesy of Celebrate Magazine. My favorite hot wings come from Mars Mobile Kitchen and I routinely take them as a treat for all to enjoy. I’m as big a hit as the commercials when my friends see me walk in with these tasty gems.
Know the teams. You may not be a sports expert, but at least know who is playing and have a few conversation starters to carry you through the evening. Wear a jersey or team colors to show your support but skip apparel from a team that isn’t in the game.
Keep your voice down to a roar. Cheering is part of the fun, but throwing beer cans at the television set and using profanity is stepping over the line. Be respectful of fellow guests and your host’s gracious offer to include you in the event.
Sideline your chatter during the commercials. Some of the best highlights go on during halftime. If you aren’t interested in watching the show, move to another part of the house to grab a drink, take a restroom break and stretch your legs.
Help your host. If you see your host running in several different directions, don’t hesitate to offer assistance. The answer may be a kind “No thank you,” but he or she will appreciate your courteous gesture.
Eat but don’t graze. You may find the food set up on a buffet table for you to enjoy at your leisure during the evening. Put selections on your plate and walk away from the buffet table before beginning to eat. Don’t take samples with your hands or nibble while walking through the buffet line.
Put your glass down before going through the buffet line. Carry one plate at a time, and serve yourself only what you plan to eat at one sitting. Return for dessert after the main course.
Dress for success. You will most likely be sprawled across the living room floor or sharing a couch with several of your friends. Wear something that won’t wrinkle and will be easy to maneuver when you find yourself being spun around by an excited football fan.
Select a designated driver. If you plan to celebrate the occasion with your favorite brew, ask a friend to drive you to and from the party or take advantage of Uber, Lyft, or a local taxi.
Be a good sport.[Tweet ” Regardless of whether your team wins or loses, don’t be obnoxious with overly animated taunts and rude rants.”] Poor sports are ugly guests!

For more of my etiquette tips check out my blog, Tailgate Etiquette: Touchdown Tailgate Tips.