March Madness Parties, Part 1
Ready for a NCAA themed bash? Of course you are! Here’s what you need for a fun March Madness viewing party:
- A big TV. It’s a current trend, but expect it to last. If you volunteer to host the game, you’d better have a big, beautiful TV with high definition. If you don’t want to buy one, you can always rent it for a day.
- Comfy seating. Since games run for hours, don’t expect guests to sit in regular dining room chairs. Couches and club chairs are ideal, but it’s also a good idea to invest in floor pillows for extra seating.
- Refreshments. A range of sodas (both diet and non-diet), water, and beer should suffice. Make sure the beer is chilled ahead of time. While a keg is classic, bottles are convenient and usually go over well. Chilled glasses are also sure to earn you a few points with guests.
- Snacks. Chips and salsa or chips and dip are classic, but be sure that all guests can reach the tasty treats. If not, have a few separate bowls of chips and dip or salsa so that all guests can enjoy without trekking across the room–and potentially blocking the TV. For a more health-conscious NCAA bash, try trays of veggies and low-fat ranch. A tray of cheeses, mini sausages or sausage chunks, and rolled lunch meats (salami, ham, turkey) is also a winner!
- Grill it up! Hot dogs are classic March Madness fare–Nathan’s are our recommendation–as are burgers (don’t forget the cheese on top–try pepper jack for a spicy take on the original). If you’re going all-out for guests, BBQing tri-tip or steak is a great way to impress. Finally, for those who want something easy and tasty, order a pizza. Get a range of toppings (pepperoni, sausage, mushrooms, double cheese, veggies, etc.) and ask before ordering if anyone has any allergies you need to know about.
- Decor. The type of party you’re planning will dictate how much or little decor is necessary. For hardcore fans, “decor” may consist of limiting the glare on the TV. For a stylish March Madness party, feel free to go crazy with basketball team logos, including napkins, plates, pillows, blankets, glasses… you name it! For a middle-of-the-road approach, buy solid color napkins, paper plates, and plastic cups with the colors of the teams.
- The Brackets. To add some competition and spice to your basketball bash, have everyone pick the champs. The uber-prepared host can set up an online pool ahead of time and have everyone complete their picks. You’ll be able to track who’s coming out on top quickly and easily–and there’s no cheating! A more low key approach is to hand out copies of the empty bracket form and have guests fill it out–including their name (facetious names like “Phil the Destroyer” are fine). Then, gather them all in one place to keep track. Have a whiteboard posted where the winners of the day can be filled in.
- Focus on the game. Don’t worry about e details too much. Let the guests enjoy the game, keep cups filled and food trays replenished (and perhaps napkins flowing as well), and your NCAA March Madness party will be a success!
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