If you are planning to watch the Super Bowl this Sunday with family and friends, there are some helpful rules that will make your Super Bowl Party fun—and you the MVP guest. Gearing up pre-game with your best manners will ensure people will see you as a true party pleaser. Keep reading for a Super Bowl LVI etiquette primer as well as a delicious Mac and Cheese recipe your guests will love.
Nobody Loves a Party Crasher
If you hear that there’s a party down the street and it seems like everyone on your block is attending, don’t assume you’re invited. People are still limiting their numbers and counting heads. There may or may not be a good reason that you did not make the cut but either way, if you were not contacted by the host, it is a good idea to make other plans.
Don’t Show Up Empty-Handed
Always arrive with a little something for the host of the party, along with a favorite drink or dish to share with fellow guests. If the host asks you to bring something specific, don’t change it up without inquiring if anyone has food allergies to ensure the safety of fellow guests. It’s best to follow your host’s suggestion; otherwise, you may unintentionally duplicate a dish that another guest is bringing.
Don’t Underestimate the Appeal of Commercials and the Halftime Show
For most people, part of the fun is watching the commercials and Halftime entertainment. Keep your voice down to a low roar so you don’t interrupt the festivities. During the game, feel free to cheer excitedly for your favorite team but respect fellow game goers by allowing them the opportunity to enjoy the funny commercials and highly anticipated halftime show.
Arrive With a Full Stomach
Although there will be food at the party, eat a small snack before leaving the house so you won’t be ravenous. The game and party will last several hours, and there is no assurance your host will put the food out early. Furthermore, rushing them to get the chicken wings and mac and cheese on the table at a particular time places pressure on an already stressed-out host. Speaking of mac and cheese …
Serve a Favorite Super Bowl Buffet Table Recipe
My favorite dish is mac and cheese—here is a favorite recipe.
Super Bowl Mac and Cheese
- Select your favorite pasta—it does not have to be shells. Follow the directions to boil and drain, but undercook slightly since the pasta will continue to cook in the oven.
Cheese sauce:
- Use your favorite selection of cheeses. Mine are gruyere and colby jack, but you can use Swiss, mozzarella, Monterey jack, etc. Either buy shredded or shred yourself (I save time and buy the bags).
- Head over the stove with the following: 1/4 to 1/2 cup butter, 1/4 cup flour, a pinch of salt, 2 cups milk, and salt and pepper to your preference. Stir dry ingredients over low heat for approximately 4 minutes until mixture is smooth. Pour the milk into the butter mixture, stirring until smooth, for another 4 minutes.
- Add the cheese to the milk mixture and stir until melted. Fold the macaroni into the cheese sauce and bake until golden brown in a 350° oven.
Engage With People You Don’t Know Well
This is the time to make other people feel comfortable. A good guest mingles with everyone, not only their close friends and family. If there is someone at the party who isn’t familiar, do your part to make them feel welcome and comfortable. Your host will appreciate your efforts to make everyone feel included in the fun.
Wear Your Team Colors
Show your team spirit by wearing your favorite team’s colors. Whether your team wins or loses, be a good sport and stay focused on the camaraderie rather than the competition. This is a great time to reconnect with people after a long hiatus, and you want to make sure your host invites you back next year.
You may also like my Super Bowl Party Etiquette blog post. Be sure to check out The Protocol School of Texas. Read Diane’s posts on Inc., subscribe to her articles on The Huffington Post, “like” The Protocol School of Texas on Facebook, and follow her on Pinterest, Instagram and Twitter.
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