Super Bowl: Throw a party on a budget

Sure, you’re not paying $4,000 for a ticket to this year’s Super Bowl, but that doesn’t mean throwing a get-together is a cheap endeavor.

From different types of snacks to any drink a guest may want, costs can start to add up. And this comes after a time where you may still be paying off some of those holiday credit card bills.

Some viewers may opt to just watch alone at home or head to your local watering hole to save some dollars.

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But throwing a party on Feb. 7 doesn’t have to break the bank. Here are some tips for keeping costs low and still giving your guests a good time.

1. Buy generic and buy in bulk. Sure the brand name Chex Mix might be better than store brand, but let’s be real. A few handfuls of the knock-off brand isn’t going to kill the mood. Buy the cheaper, store brands of your favorite game-watching snacks — and buy the family size. Just keep the leftovers in the kitchen and refill when things are getting low.
2. Consider time vs. effort. The grocery store will nicely chop up that celery, broccoli and cucumbers and place them nicely around your dip, but is the time you don’t have to spend doing it yourself worth the extra money? Buy bags of carrots, stalks of celery and other veggies and have a friend come a little early to help you cut them up.
3. Plan out the pre-game. Ask a few friends over early to help you set up. They can help minimize stress and work as you prep that food, put up those tables and anything else. Plus it’s just another excuse to hang with your friends before the game starts and everyone’s focus changes.
4. Think about the rest of your week. You’re going to have leftovers. Think about offering up things that you can reheat and reuse for the rest of the week. Maybe that pork can go in sandwiches on Sunday and then in a taco on Tuesday. Or chili can be spread out for lunches during your work week.
5. BYO-whatever. There’s no shame in asking your guests to bring their favorite snack or drink. And in all honesty, most people like bringing a little something so you always end up with more than you thought. Tell people what you’ll be providing (food or drink-wise) and then encourage them to bring anything else they can think of. When it comes to drinks, you don’t have to provide all the beer/wine/etc. Buy something on sale and have a few options. Let others bring something else if they must have it.