Make This Sunday A Hit On The Field And At Your Home

The Chicago Bears and Green Bay Packers will meet Sunday for what is sure to be a historic event for football fans. “The Bears and Packers have met 181 times since 1921, but this is the first time they have played in the playoffs for the right to go to the NFL Championship game since 1941, and only the second time ever,” said Roy Taylor of BearsHistory.com.

If you’re opening your home (and your kitchen) up for the big game, you’ll need to make sure you’re prepared. Here are some tips to help make sure your guests have fun, regardless of the score.

Be ready to start early

According to Taylor, “It's always good to offer folks the opportunity to come early to start their eating and conversations in order to be settled in by game time and it's always fun to hang around after the game, especially if there is a win to celebrate!”

Remember: Beer is necessary, but cocktails are fun too

Although beer and football go hand-in-hand, not everyone is a fan of a cold brew. While you’re checking out the Corona, Miller Lite and Heineken deals at , be sure to pick up the ingredients to make these Bears/Packers inspired cocktails, especially the Bear Blitz Margarita and Lovie's Lemonade. If you’re hosting fans from both sides or just want drinks with a football theme, check out the No Huddle Cocktail and other tailgating cocktails recipes.

Don’t run out of ice

Whether you’re serving alcoholic beverages, non-alcoholic drinks or the standard pops and juices, you’ll need ice. The general rule of thumb is at least one pound of ice per person. So check your RSVP list and plan accordingly, throwing in an additional pound or two for those unexpected guests.

Avoid letting the masses go hungry

Taylor recommends serving appetizers that your guests can customize to their own liking, including wings in varying sauces, gumbo and chili with toppings. Whether you’re making kickoff meatballs, beer bread bowl dip, bratwurst bites or even something sweet like confetti bars, you’ll need to make sure you have enough to last past half-time.

Have some alternative fun ready

Even though your party attendees are coming to watch the game, they may want other amusement during commercial breaks or if children are also in attendance. Party411.com recommends the football pool, which includes betting with gag gifts instead of money, or the “TV is the Enemy” game, where your guests can shoot rubber darts at the opposing team on the screen.

Keep safety first at the end of the night

Your guests had a great time and now it’s time for them to head home and recap what a great party you threw. If your “adult beverages” went over well, chances are you’ll need to make sure everyone gets home safely. Make sure to keep the numbers for Des Plaines Yellow Cab, American Taxi, Des Plaines Taxi Dispatch, All Star Cab Dispatch and other local taxi cab services on hand!