The New York Giants and New England Patriots are set to clash in Super Bowl XLVI. For many the Super Bowl means parties and commercials – and a little bit of football, too.

If you are hosting a Big Game party, print out my free tailgate party invitation, then check out my article for Snackpicks.com for some great tips on planning your gathering, ways to keep the party moving, activities for the kids and post-game cleanup.

Some of the tips include:

• Show your team spirit by decorating the house in team colors (or get the Super Bowl XLVI Party Pack from Celebrate Express). For easy clean up, use disposable tablecloths, napkins and cups.
• Cover a card table (or similar) with butcher paper. Put out a bucket (or helmet) full of crayons/art supplies and let the kids be creative. Download and printout a variety of printable football coloring pages and activities for kids (and fidgety grownups).
• Have activities and games set up to keep the kids entertained. Like a football toss, play “hot potato” with a football, make goal posts and have a bean-bag toss, or try a sports trivia contest.

And more party supplies perfect for your SuperBowl party:

Super Bowl XLVI Party Pack for 16 Super Bowl XLVI – 18" Foil Balloon" Super Bowl XLVI – Plastic Tablecover Super Bowl XLVI Latex Balloons (6) Super Bowl XLVI 24" x 36" Super Tickets Poster New England Patriots Navy Blue Tailgate Party Big Sizes Hawaiian Style Polo Football 3D Centerpiece Football Gleam ‘N Burst Centerpiece Football Mini Cascading Centerpiece Football Accordian Centerpiece W/frame Each Football Goal Post Ring Toss Game 6′ Inflatable Goal Post Cooler with Football Super Bowl XLVI Square Dessert Plates (16) Super Bowl XLVI Banquet Dinner Plates (16) Super Bowl XLVI Beverage Napkins (32)

An essential part of any game day gathering is the food! Whether its just you and a friend or two or a larger group of friends, food is going to be a hot topic!

Two recipes my family always requests are my super easy sweet and savory meatballs and pepperoni bread.

Must-have More Meatballs

• 5 lb. bag of pre-made Italian style meatballs (Costco/BJs/Sam’s Club)
• 1 large jar of grape jelly
• 2 bottles of Heinz Chili Sauce (sold near the cocktail sauce)

Place all ingredients in the slow cooker for 4-6 hours, then serve.

Pepperoni Bread

• 1 loaf of Rich’s Frozen Dinner Bread Dough (it’s uncooked – in the freezer case) thawed to room temperature
• Small package of pepperoni
• 1 Cup shredded mozzarella cheese

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Grease flat working surface and roll out bread dough until flat and thin. Cover surface of dough with pepperoni and then cheese. Roll the entire thing up like a jelly roll and seal the seam with a bit of water. Place on cookie sheet and bake on 350 for 30 minutes. Slice and serve with marinara sauce for dipping. I highly recommend making at least two loaves – they will go FAST!

Other recipes I personally love include:

• My sister-in-law’s Avacado Salsa (aka Ugly Dip) with tortilla chips
• Texas Firecrackers
• Apple Pie Spread is a nice change of pace – perfect for fall, too
• Layered Black Bean Dip
• Potato Skins
• Buffalo Chicken Party Sandwiches
• And finish it off with a super cute Touchdown Cake

And serve it all up in a fun serving dish – in your favorite team, of course!!