Throw a Great Game-Time Party

Offer Them Options

"When setting up seating think of the stadium," says Jeanne Benedict, party expert for Celebrations.com. "Some people will sit on the floor, some on the couch and some on stools behind the couch." Ample seating is essential.

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Get Your Color On

Decorating for a big game party is all about team colors, says Benedict.  The important part is setting a tone so guests know exactly which team you're rooting for. PillowsandPillows.com carries throws in any color you could imagine, from Bronco orange to Panther blue.

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Exercise Anger Management

"Know your crowd," says Karen Bussen, entertaining expert and author of Simple Stunning Parties at Home. To help satisfy fans' need to be destructive, provide them with these throwable but completely harmless sponge bricks.

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Bag It

If you want your seating to celebrate your favorite team pick up a handful of these team beanbags available at Wal-Mart.com. Give the bigger fans chairs and let the little ones plop down on top of these.

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Play Smart

Tailgating is the key to getting the crowd excited and even though you're taking in the big game at home you can still party like a true tailgater. Cornhole, a bean bag tossing game popular with the tailgating set, is played inside just as easily as in the parking lot.

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Give Them Grub

One of the most important parts of any party is the food and at football parties, more so. "Comfort foods, spicy foods and foods that are easy to eat with your hands are the way to go," says Bussen. Benedict suggests matching the food you serve with your team colors.

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Keep it Local

Game day drinks can also take on team personality. "Try an interesting microbrew produced where your favorite team is from," suggests Bussen. Serve the brews in icy glass mugs to bring the sports bar feel to your living room.

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Chalk it Up

Food and beverages at football bashes tend to be consumed everywhere except for the table. Help direct your guests to the best spots with crafty placemats. Benedict suggest picking up chalk cloth and cutting it into rectangles, allowing aspiring coaches to diagram plays while they eat their chili.

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Get Sporty Decor

Decorating the outside of your house is just as important as the inside. Not only will a dozen giant football balloons help get guests in the spirit, they'll make it virtually impossible for them to get lost. Once they arrive, toss your guests a glass marker and have them pep up your windows.

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Draw the Line

If your party allows fans of both teams to attend it may be wise to keep them separate. Pick up some tape, the same color as your team of course, and make a line down the middle of the room. If a fan crosses, he gets pummeled with foam bricks.

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Keep Everything in its Place

The most difficult part about having a party is cleaning up afterward. Benedict suggests setting up multiple inflatable football coolers around your party space. Designate one for trash and another for recyclables. "These are an affordable and thematic solution to people piling up trash," she says.

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Serve Smart

If using disposable plates makes you shiver, Bussen has a few suggestions. VerTerra dinnerware is made from fallen leaves and is fully compostable. For cups, she suggests making a small investment in a set of sturdy glasses. They're easy to wash and in the long run, they'll save you money.

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