Super Bowl Party Tips from Super Restuarateur and lead judge of the Next Iron Chef Donatella Arpaia

MUST DO PRE-GAME
1.    Positioning: Arrange the living room so that each person has a comfortable seat and good viewing of the TV. Position the buffet table near the TV so your friends don’t have to miss out on the action if they’re hungry
2.    Buy plastic – it’s the only time I would dare say this but for Super Bowl you don’t want to be stuck doing a ton of dishes at the end of the night. Opt for good quality plastic napkins, plates and fun colored solid tablecloths but use REAL utensils.
3.    Clean up fridge (everyone is going to be opening and shutting it). You may even want an easy access cooler in the living room but make sure to put down plastic under and empty out the garbage
4.    Present a KEY BOWL to all upon entering so that everyone drops their keys in before they start drinking
5.    Have enough to drink. My estimates say for heavy drinkers allow about 6 beers per person and if you have extra so be it! Go light with your beer selection – no one wants a heavy beer to weigh them down. Opt for Coors or Bud Light but have wine at close reach just in case the plus 1 doesn’t like beer. I like to have some vodka, makers mark and tequila on hand just in case.

FOOD
And you don’t want to be stuck in the kitchen so my biggest tip – know how to outsource! In Miami the best wings come from Tobacco Road. Order ahead to avoid the last minute rush. – present nicely

GAMES
It always adds an element of fun when you put a bit of competition in the mix. Start with the classic football game grid but take it a step further and vote on the best commercials and the best show during half time. One friend of mine, gets all his guests (normally 20 people) do pitch in $50 and he buys a 60 inch TV. Then at the end of the night, whoever wins the football grid gets the TV. Great for the guests and even better for the winner!