Are you ready for some football — or are you ready to eat?
Holly Robinson Peete knows that some of us will be rooting for the pizza and hot wings over the Seattle Seahawks or New England Patriots come Super Bowl Sunday on Feb. 1. Being married to former NFL quarterback Rodney Peete since 1995, has made the actress a pro at creating the perfect game-day spread.
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"My favorite thing about the Super Bowl is getting together with friends and family to celebrate and eat!" the actress, 50, tells Us Weekly. "I love 'homegating,' which is like tailgating but in the comfort of your home."
To start, add a personal touch to your get-together with a theme. "Since the Super Bowl is in Arizona this year, try a Southwestern theme," she says.
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If Pinterest is giving you one too many ideas, Peete encourages you to scale back. "The Super Bowl is not the day to overcomplicate things — keep it simple!" she says. Instead of going overboard with a huge spread of food, stick to finger goods like sliders, chicken wings, and deviled eggs (Check out the NFL Homegating App for recipes).
Be sure to make your little guests feel welcomed too. "Set a special kids table, so even the youngest football fans can join in the fun," she advises. "Supply them with paper for coloring, crayons, and mini footballs to get them in the spirit."
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Send your guest home with a treat to remember the experience. "Prepare goodie bags for your guests, so no matter if their team wins or loses, everyone leaves with a smile," she says. "It can be simple, try including M&Ms in the team colors, a bottle of water, and a tin of mints. People like things that are edible or useful!"
As for cocktails, in addition to game day favorites like beer, whip up one themed drink in honor of each team. Try these delicious spins on classics courtesy of Mixologist Spencer Elliot of New York City's Bounce Sporting Club.
Seattle Brew Crew
2.0 oz elit
1.0 oz coffee liqueur
2.0 oz club soda
Build over ice in a highball and serve with a straw
New England Sour
2.0 oz elit
0.5 oz maple syrup
4.0 oz grapefruit juice
2 dashes Angostura Bitters
Build in highball over ice and stir
