The Seven Things You Need for a Great Super Bowl Party

 If you're hosting a Super Bowl party this Sunday, make sure you've got everything you need BEFORE the game starts.  No one wants to run out at halftime and miss Madonna lip-synching.

#1.)  Enough People.  There's never been a "great" Super Bowl party where only three people showed up.  But at the same time, you also don't want a roomful of people who don't even LIKE football.

--Great Super Bowl parties have a mix of passive football fans, and a few CRAZY fans to keep the energy level up.

#2.)  At Least a 42-Inch High-Definition TV.  That's according to the website MidwestSportsFan.com . . .  but it's probably about right.

--People EXPECT a big TV at a Super Bowl party.  So if you don't have one, see if you can borrow one from a friend or a neighbor.  And if you do, obviously make sure you INVITE them.

#3.)  Enough Beer.  Again, you don't want to run out in the middle of the game.  It depends on the crowd, but to be safe figure at least five beers per person.  That's assuming it's a mix of men and women, and some of them won't drink at all.

--If your friends are total lushes, obviously buy more.  Just don't let them drive.

#4.)  Lots of Food.  Chips and dip, or chips and salsa are the one snack you absolutely HAVE to have.  But definitely make sure there's a main course too.  Since you're offering alcohol, there needs to be plenty of food to soak it up.

#5.)  Plenty of Soft Chairs.  If you've got 10 people coming, don't make five of them sit on folding chairs for three-and-a-half hours.  Obviously ANY chair is better than NO chair.  But if it's possible, have a cushioned seat for every person.

#6.)  Something Else to Do at Halftime.  A lot of people don't care about the halftime show.  So the best Super Bowl parties have alternatives.

--It doesn't have to be anything crazy.  Halftime is only 30 minutes, and a lot of people just use that time to eat and use the bathroom.  So even just having an actual FOOTBALL lying around is good enough.

#7.)  A Plunger.  Don't advertise the fact that you have one.  Just make sure it's available.