The 2008-2009 regular season of Monday Night Football (MNF) kicks off this evening and I couldn't be more excited to host a "shindig".
The art of hosting a MNF party, however, is in many ways totally different from hosting a Super Bowl viewing party. For one, MNF is, for many of us, on a "school night". It isn't the same as the quasi-national holiday of the Super Bowl. Most of us have to go to bed a decent time, without having consumed to many adult beverages so that we might drag ourselves into work on Tuesday morning. For me, the key to a great MNF viewing party is a chill, low-key atmosphere. This isn't playoff football here, people. No need to get all crazy.
Here are some tips to hosting the perfect Monday Night Football get together.
-Despite the fact that John Madden no longer annoys the viewers of MNF with his blabbering, television commentary for most sporting events continues to be pretty pointless. Keep the volume low so that people who are so interested in the game can carry a conversation. Invite a mix of football and non-football fans. Your favorite team will probably only be featured on MNF once or twice over the course of the season. If you make this a regular thing, focus mainly on keeping your guests happy. Is there enough beer and chips on the table?
-Grab a Heineken Light mini keg. The novelty of a mini-keg is cool for any party and the imported light beer will satisfy most beer drinkers. Here is an added tip, buy a plastic pitcher and put it in a bowl surrounded by ice. Pump out the foamy beer from the keg into the pitcher and let it settle before pouring.
-Because your team will probably only make one appearance on MNF this season, make your viewing party a celebration of all things football. Grab a couple of football themed glasses, napkins and bowls this week at the story, and consider hanging a vintage jersey from the wall in your tv room.
-If your team is playing, especially on an away week, expect a higher turnout than usual and be prepared with additional food and drink.
-If you're going to a MNF viewing party, the same rule applies as with the Super Bowl, you are allowed to wear a jersey from your favorite team, even if they aren't playing that evening. Here is an important tip however - don't go overboard. Vikings fans, leave the horns at home unless Minnesota is actually playing in the game.
-If all else fails, wear a well broken in vintage t-shirt from any sport.
Have fun and enjoy the game!
