Get up close and personal with exclusive, inspiring interviews and taste profiles delivered with a cheeky twist to your inbox daily.

Success! You’re all signed up. 🎉
Please enter a valid email address.

By subscribing to our email newsletter, you agree to and acknowledge that you have read our Privacy Policy and Terms.

Your Guide to Throwing a Super Bowl Party That’s Actually Chic

All together now: New England Patriots vs. the Atlanta Falcons. Bronson van Wyck fills us in on the rest.

Entertaining
Your Guide to Throwing a Super Bowl Party That’s Actually Chic

The Super Bowl has a way of bringing people together, whether you’re a sports fan or not. There’s something about the idea of a Sunday spent surrounded by friends and super tasty food that is very enticing (obviously). But if there’s one thing we know for sure, it’s this: if we’re going to be hosting a Super Bowl party (hello? then you don’t have to leave your house!), we’re doing it our way. Which means consulting our (and Diddy’s) go-to party planner, Bronson van Wyck, to get a few tips and rules on exactly how to go about this. (We knew he just got us as soon as he advocated for putting Fritos in a bougie crystal bowl).

 


EMBRACE THE HIGH-LOW MIX

“Your guests are coming to watch the game, but really they are coming to see you, and maybe meet a new friend or a fellow fan. You’re creating a warm, welcoming space for each other to cheer together, agonize in defeat, or just be over-served. Think about the high and low. Football is a democratic sport and we can’t forget that. Everyone has a memory of watching it, playing it, or just waiting for that shot of Tom Brady in the fuzzy hat between plays. Take the classics and the expected elements of a Super Bowl party and elevate them—like Fritos in a crystal bowl.

“Keep the plastic tucked away. Popeyes looks beautiful when served on family china. Skip paper napkins, and use linens in team colors and crystal or hand-blown glasses for beers, cocktails, and wine. Hire a server to clear used plates and glasses to keep the viewing area clean.”

 

JUNK FOOD CAN BE LUXE, TOO

“There is something comforting and indulgent about ‘cheating’ on Super Bowl Sunday. Like Christmas morning or your birthday, calories don’t count, so dive right in. Serve classic tailgate fare, but with a twist, to make it feel special and unexpected. Swap sour cream dip for caviar served with Lays potato chips. Forgo messy wings for homemade fried chicken—extra points for serving the breasts airline style. Skip hot dogs and offer pigs in a blanket baked with phyllo dough from your favorite bakery and a mix of sausages from your local butcher. Create a colorful condiments bar in little silver bowls, complete with ketchup, a variety of mustards (whole grain, Dijon, spicy), freshly pickled relishes, olive tapenades, homemade salsas, and more. Not a bottle or jar in sight!”

 

REMEMBER IT’S SUNDAY FUNDAY

“I like craft beers, pitchers of pre-batched cocktails (my line of Arrowhead Farms all-natural cocktail mixes were made for luxe tailgates), and champagne—we are celebrating one of America’s finest traditions, after all. If budget allows, hire a bartender or two (each dressed in opposing teams colors). Each one can serve a signature cocktail related to their team of the night.”

 

NEVER HAVE “TACKY” AND “DECORATION” IN THE SAME SENTENCE

“Incorporate both colors into the decorations with linens, flowers, and objects. Bright primary colors from both sides in shades of red, blue, yellow, green, and black give a wide range of options. [Since] Falcons clinched a spot, add some feathers or brass birds and layer in stars and stripes for the Patriots. Stock koozies from both teams at the bar to keep your lagers chilled and show a hint of team spirit.”

 

NO PARTY IS COMPLETE WITHOUT CASHMERE

“Ensure your seating is plush and welcoming for guests to curl up and watch every minute (and every commercial). Lay out cashmere blankets, fur pillows, luxurious throws, and floor cushions so every guest has a cozy spot to get comfortable.”

 

ADD AN ELEMENT OF SURPRISE

“Create a selfie nook complete with flair from both teams: helmets, foam fingers, pennants, flags, and more. Guests can take selfies, snaps, and family photos to remember the night and share with friends.”

 

PRO TIPS

“Keep the remote handy to rewind for any close calls or wardrobe malfunctions, and have tequila and a dance playlist ready for when the game is over.”

More From the series Entertaining
You May Also Like