The Super Bowl is coming up, and we’re ready for a day of food, fun, and lots of football! Whether you’re a diehard football fan or just like to tune in for the commercials, hosting a Super Bowl party is a great way to spend time with your family and friends, and hone your home cooking skills.
We sat down with Mary Beth Worrilow, party hosting pro and local football mom to Paul Worrilow, linebacker for the Super Bowl-bound Atlanta Falcons, to get her tips for throwing a party and creating a Super Bowl spread that’s both healthy and indulgent, and of course, delicious!
When it comes to planning a tailgating party, Mary Beth makes her guests her top priority, and the same goes for the Super Bowl. “I think about their likes, dislikes and any dietary considerations like gluten-free options or Paleo-friendly dishes,” she says. Knowing who’s attending and what they love can help alleviate the pressures of planning a menu. If you don’t know everyone’s tastes, don’t worry! Get creative by including new recipes alongside classic dishes.
“Super Bowl parties call for more planning than a regular season game,” says Mary Beth. “This is the big one, so you want to bring your A game! I try to incorporate football themes as much as possible when it comes to my decor and menu. Giving your dishes creative names adds a little extra flair.” Who wouldn’t want to dive into Touchdown Taco Dip or Field Goal French Fries?
As for decor, Mary Beth relies on a tried-and-true theme: team colors.“I take into account the football teams’ colors and names of the food if possible. Desserts are easy - cupcakes with team colors, sugar cookie cut-outs in the shape of footballs or the team mascot. Make it fun!”
“For football parties in general, you need the basics: wings, pizza, hoagies, and beer. We usually add crock-pots full of mac and cheese, meatballs, beef and bean casserole, crescent wrapped hot dogs, and veggie dip, too. You want to have a nice combination of hot and cold foods that will last throughout the game.”
Tasty foods are always fun, but for the more health-conscious football fans, having dishes they can enjoy is a great way to make sure everyone is well-fed. For many, New Year resolutions are still in full swing, so providing healthy options is a great way for them to stay on track. “My menu has changed over the years,” said Mary Beth. “Many people are on low-carb diets nowadays, and I find myself preparing more low-carb dishes and protein-based dishes in addition to the more starchy finger foods.”
“You want to have enough food that’ll last throughout the game, and you don't want anyone going home hungry,” advises Mary Beth advises. Whether wrapped leftovers or custom party favors, sending guests home with an extra treat is a great way to cap off the celebration.
This year Mary Beth and her family will be attending the Super Bowl in Houston, TX to cheer on Paul and the rest of the Falcons--including quarterback and Exton-native Matt Ryan. For everyone who’ll be hosting the big game at home, we hope these tips help you throw a winning bash and score a victory with friends and family!
Mary Beth Worrilow lives in Wilmington, DE and teaches English as a Second Language at the University of Delaware. Her son, Paul Worrilow is a linebacker for the 2017 NFC Champions Atlanta Falcons, and is a former All-American linebacker for the Division 1 University of Delaware Blue Hens.
