So you want to throw an unforgettable Super Bowl party without breaking the bank? You came to the right place, because we’ve got some great ideas to help you entertain and feed your friends on a tight budget.

• Host a Potluck Party:
  No one minds bringing a dish to an event (unless of course you call them an hour before they’re supposed to show up and request they bring some off the wall or expensive item). You provide a few main dishes, and ask your guests to bring their favorite side, snack or football food. Set up the buffet and user your real dishes and silverware, you’ll have more to clean up, but you’ll be saving case and the environment! 
• Dollar Store Decorating:
  I get all of my party decorations from 99 cent and dollar stores. They tend to carry a lot of seasonal items so there’s a pretty good chance you’ll find some football streamers and signs. In the event they don’t have football decorations, use solid colors of the teams that are playing. It’s festive and can really liven up the party. If you’re friends are rooting for opposite teams, consider splitting the room decorations in 1/2 so one side is black and gold and the other blue and white. Or better yet, if you aren’t a fan of either team, decorate in your favorite teams colors instead, it might throw some people off to see Red and Gold (49ers) but at least you can feel like you’re showing your team pride even though they didn’t make it.
• Drink Basics:
  Stocking a full bar could add up pretty quick between alcohol, mixers and garnishes. So stick with the basics, beer and soda. You can offer a variety of beer if you know your friends like a particular one, but if you aren’t certain they’ll like an off-the-wall beer, stick with something you like, that way the leftovers won’t go to waste. Another idea is to make a big batch of a drink (my friends used to make the best Jungle Juice) but if you buy just the ingredients for one specialty drink, you can make the batch before everyone gets there. Check out the recipe page for some food and drink recipes.
• Make your own desserts:
  You don’t have to be a baker to make some great desserts. Have you tried the premade cookie dough lately? I have to admit, they always turn out better than my ‘made from scratch’ chocolate chip cookies. If you do sugar cookies, grab a tub of frosting in the team colors and decorate the cookies yourself. Baking your own desserts will take a little more time, but can save you upwards of $20! 
• Appetizers are a MUST:
  Your friends will eat less of the main dishes if they’ve been snacking on nachos for the last hour. SO stock up on appetizers and fill up your friends before you spend too much money on the main dishes. Best tip? Avoid the guacamole…. I know it’s a crowd pleaser but it gets very expensive when you have to make it for a large group.