The big game day has almost arrived and last minute arrangements are being made all across the Valley as locals prepare to engage in the annual celebration of America’s favorite sport. Forget about the Steelers and the Cardinals or whoever else might have been playing if the cookie would have crumbled differently in the playoffs. Nevermind that it is a late game on a night before Monday morning work and school. This Sunday is as much about the gathering of friends and family as it is about football, and a day when the food and beverages will flow like rivers of competitive pleasure. But will your Super Bowl party or gathering size up? It’s the question of the hour, and if there’s any doubt in your mind that it may not be as good as you are hoping it will be, then you might want to scan through these party tips and spice up your party with that special touch. Super Bowl Party -- Comfort Matters Make sure you have plenty of comfortable seating for your guests along with clear views of the screen. Guests Do Matter Choose your guests wisely. Invite your friends and try to get a good gal/guy ratio. It helps if they're football fans, but isn't necessary. The main thing is that they have fun - it's a party, after all. If you can, invite some friends who don't know one another, so people can meet new people. Also, be sure to include a good mix of singles and couples. The point is that a diverse group of guests makes for an interesting party. But be careful, don't invite more people that can fit into your domicile. Finally, let people know about your party early. Time Matters Let people you're inviting know in plenty of time so that they don't make other plans. Have the party start about two hours prior to kickoff so that you're not rushing around just before the game starts, answering the door, putting out food, etc. This also allows people to trickle in here and there and allows people who have other commitments to stop by and say hello. Also, the early start time will hopefully allow people to get their talking over with so that you can focus on the game when it starts. Preparation Matters Planning is key. Plot out the things you need to do in order to make your party a success and do those things. Make a list of things you need to do ahead of time and do them. Failing to plan is planning to fail, and you'll be a lot more relaxed if you do a little planning ahead of time instead of rushing around the day of the event. The most important thing is to have fun. Otherwise, what's the point? A party is meant to be fun, and so it makes sense to try and enjoy yourself. Don't let the stress of party prep spoil your event! FOOD AND DRINK If it’s going to be a successful party the food and drink menu has to reflect the atmosphere of the big game. Firing up the grill with tasty fajitas or baby back ribs is always a winning idea, and so is fresh grilled fish or shrimp. But try roasting a few ears of corn this year, shuck still on, and put that great earthy aroma in the air. Throw a few chili peppers on the grill for an extra touch. Other traditional favorites include tamales, dips, chips, finger sandwiches, and, of course, fresh-made guacamole. In addition to beverage favorites like soft drinks and beer, consider making a special “game punch” made with lime or orange sherbert and Seven-Up. Serve it up in either black or blue plastic cups reflecting your favorite team’s colors, and you’ll get extra points for your creativity. FUN AND GAMES If you want to add a little fun to the already festive day, stage a couple of games that everyone can play. Holding a scoring lottery by each quarter can make a fun competition between guests, especially if everyone adds a little to the pot. Keep the cost down, perhaps a dollar a quarter or something of value that doesn’t involve money. Balloon Bust This one is easy and is played at the start and after the game is over. You pick team colors for balloons and in one set of each team colors, you place a slip of paper in each balloon. (Hint: mix up the teams inside the balloons, so people don't know which team is in the balloons.) At the end of the game, each person pops a balloon. The person who pops the balloon with the slip of paper that has the total score or winning team gets the good prizes, and the losing one gets to clean the kitchen or some other penalty chore. Pass the CupOne of the classic Super Bowl games to play is pass the cup. It goes like this: If I'm holding the cup, I put a dollar in. If I say "touchdown" then for each play that is not a touchdown, the cup gets passed and another dollar gets dropped in. When a touchdown is scored, the person holding the cup gets the cash. Whoever holds the cup can make the rule, so you can do first downs, field goals, whatever you like. Final GameOf course, the most important game on Super Bowl Sunday is "Hide the keys from your drunk friends so they don't get out on the road." If you can, video tape them and show that at your party next year. Police checkpoints are accelerated during Super Bowl Sunday, so make sure all of your madness stays inside of the house so you can play again next year. ADDITIONAL RESOURCES If you’re thinking you would like to go all out for your last minute Super Bowl party then plan a trip to your local party store to pick up all the right decorations, like colored balloons, crepe paper, paper tablecloths, napkins, cups, plates and the works. Don’t forget to mix and match the team colors. ROLL THAT TAPE Pick up a blank VCR tape or use your DVR to record the game and all the award-winning (and expensive) commercials. Have Fun!