Here’s everything you need to host a memorable NFL or MLB watch party
Here’s your ultimate NFL or MLB watch party checklist
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If you happen to be a sports fan, there are certain times of the year that shine just a bit brighter than others. In fall, when the NFL season is kicking off and the MLB postseason is heating up, the stars seem to align and the watch parties begin to pop up. Should you find yourself hosting a NFL or MLB party, you will likely need the proper gear to pull it off. But don't you worry—we've rounded up all the essentials, from jerseys to larger-than-life TVs, that you will need to host a truly memorable NFL or MLB party.
1. Jerseys, jerseys, jerseys
What good's a watch party if you don't have the proper attire?
What good's a watch party if you don't have the proper attire? Jerseys rank near the top of the approved sports swag list, and there's luckily no shortage of options to rep your team's favorite player.
For football lovers, Amazon has a handy Thursday Night Football shop. And just in time for the playoffs, the MLB Fan Shop offers jerseys for all the postseason hopefuls and then some.
2. A big-screen TV for the big game
No party is complete without a life-sized display
No party is complete without a life-sized display to catch the big game on. Fortunately, in this modern era, there's no shortage of gigantic TVs to select from at a bargain of a price. Whether you're selecting a monster 85-inch TV or something from our lineup of best TVs, a new display will have a huge impact on your watch party. And hey, it (probably) really ties the room together, too.
3. A solid sound system to match
We suggest the Sonos Arc Soundbar, our top pick of the year
Soundbars are just as accessible as 4K TVs these days, and add a sense of presence to whatever environment they're introduced to. You and your fellow partygoers will want to hear the crunching of face masks, or a base runner kicking up dust as they slide into a bag. To feel that impact, we suggest the Sonos Arc Soundbar, our top pick of the year. If you're looking for something different, check out the other selections from our roundup of the best soundbars right now.
Soundbars add a sense of presence to whatever environment they’re introduced to
4. Snacks. All the snacks
You’re going to need snacks
It doesn't matter what kind of party you're hosting, or frankly whether or not you're hosting a party at all. You're going to need snacks. And not just any snacks. Your friends and family will appreciate not just the classics, but more importantly, an excellent variety of stuff to munch on. Here are our favorite snacks to buy for parties, including popcorn, chips, and meat sticks. So feel free to click, scroll, buy, and bite. Hopefully in that order.
5. Drinks, and room to store them
Drinks go hand-in-hand with snacks at a party.
Drinks go hand-in-hand with snacks at a party—can't have one without the other. And while the masses can be satisfied with the generic big-brand beer or seltzer of your choice, this is your chance to wow the crowd with some variety in your options. Pick up a great cocktail book to have a signature drink for the occasion, or stock up on some fun non-alcoholic drinks for a refreshing twist.
6. Halftime activities
Set up the ultimate stoppage in play for your party.
More so for football than baseball, you're going to need something to entertain your guests when halftime hits. When there's no football to watch, folks get restless, especially if they're already pumped up. Depending on where you live, you may have the advantage of favorable weather in the early season. If you do, capitalize on it. Check out our list of the best lawn games for your backyard and set up the ultimate stoppage in play for your party.
7. A grill for the grub
Your guests may be expecting something from the grill.
Look. You can take the easy way out and order pizza. But for the real watch party experience, your guests may be expecting something from the grill. And while you don't need an elite grill to cook up some hot dogs, it helps to have quality equipment to work with. Something from our roundup of best grills should do the trick to keep tummies happy and full for a long day of watching sports.
This grill should do the trick to keep tummies happy and full for a long day of watching sports.
8. Plenty of seating, indoors and out
you're going to want a sizable couch for everyone to watch the game.
A universal truth of watch parties is that people need a place to sit. If they're outside taking a break from the action, that could mean a comfy patio set. Or, if they're inside and glued to what's unfolding onscreen, you're going to want a sizable couch for everyone to post up on.
9. Smart lighting that matches the moment
Nothing impacts the ambience of a space more than great adjustable lighting
Ambience, to put it simply, is everything. And nothing impacts the ambience of a space more than great adjustable lighting. That's where the wonders of smart lights come in. It affords you the ability to tinker with brightness and color as the game goes on to best match the mood of your watch party. Luckily, we happen to have the best smart light picks all in one place.
Nothing impacts the ambience of a space more than great adjustable lighting
10. Cups, utensils, napkins—the whole nine yards
People needs cups, napkins, and utensils at a party.
The fact of the matter is, people need cups to pour drinks into, plates to eat food on, utensils to dig into meals with, and napkins to clean up after. Think two steps ahead and buy items that won't land you in a pit of dishwashing despair after. Score disposable utensils, pair it with some paper plates and fun cups, top it off with napkins, and rest easy knowing the dishwashing gods won't spite you.
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