Host the ultimate March Madness party
The thrilling spectacle that is March Madness is almost upon us, so it’s time to start thinking about planning your viewing party. While the men’s and women’s college basketball teams are sweating it out on the court, you’ll be kicking back with your guests, savoring each moment of exciting play and lamenting over your busted bracket. To create the perfect conditions for this, take the following aspects of the party into account.
Multiple TVs. If you’re holding your party during the opening round of play, chances are pretty good that your guests are going to differ on which of the games they want to see the most. So gather your screens into the room and tune them to the channels that are covering the games. This way, everyone will be together, even if they’re interested in different teams.
Decorations. No party would be complete without a little decorating! Obviously, if you can find basketball-themed plates, napkins, and disposable cups, don’t hesitate to use them. There’s no need to go overboard here, as most guests will be focused on the games. Streamers in the color of your favorite team is a nice touch. And if you don’t have a favorite team, you can hang up a toy basketball hoop on one of your doors for that extra touch.
A great viewing area. When choosing which room the action will be in, opt for the one with the most seating space, and the best angles to watch the games from. Most living rooms will work. Bring out enough comfortable seats for each guest; it doesn’t matter if chairs are mismatched, or don’t fit the rest of the decor of your room. This is a day that’s all about friends, family, and basketball.
Top-notch snacks and drinks. While chips and dips are always nice, you’re going to want to serve something a bit more filling. A round of games can last for several hours, so it’s a good idea to serve courses of snacks. Start with some cheesy spinach and artichoke dip or bean dip and tortilla chips, then move on to things like small meatballs, pigs in a blanket, mini quesadillas, or a few pizzas. Beer always goes well with these things; be sure to keep it on ice, and make it accessible via a strategically placed cooler.
As for what kind of drinks you should serve, everyone has different preferences for beer and wine, but you generally can’t go wrong if you have two kinds on hand: one lighter beer or wine, and one heavier one. Non-alcoholic drinks should be available, too, like soft drinks, seltzer and bottled water.
Make your wi-fi accessible. Even with multiple TVs, you won’t be able to watch all the games at once. Give your guests the wi-fi password so they can go online to check the scores, their brackets, and of course post about your awesome party on social media!
How to Host a March Madness Viewing Party [Party Blueprints Blog]
How to Host an Epic March Madness Party [Nebraska Furniture Mart]