A game day themed event in a gorgeous custom home

How to Host a Football Watch Party: The Ultimate Playbook

Posted on Sep 16, 2025 by dreeshomes

Fall means football, and there’s no better place to host the big game than in your Drees home. Whether you're cheering from the comfort of your family room or rallying the crowd in your finished lower level, you’ve got the perfect setup for that classic game day atmosphere. From kickoff to the final play, your home is built to bring fans together, serve up snacks, and celebrate every win in style.



Set your space for a Winning Atmosphere

Hosting a football watch party in your Drees home means there’s no shortage of spaces to entertain:

  • Open concept family room and kitchen
  • Finished basement lower level with a wet bar
  • Outdoor living space equipped with a cozy fall fireplace and TV
  • Versatile and spacious gameroom or media room


The Finley floor plan boasts a spacious lower level. Complete with a living room, wet bar, dining area, and wine room, the basement is perfect for hosting a football game!


We partnered with Drees homeowner and event stylist Tara Berger, who with the help of food stylist Casey Nickels, beautifully styled the Finley lower level for game day. Keep reading for Tara’s best football watch party ideas.

A beautiful football display for an event at a custom home
A beautiful football display for an event at a custom home


The Best Game Day Snacks and Drinks

What’s a football watch party without delicious food? Kick off the football game with classic fan favorites.

“There’s no need to reinvent the wheel for your party menu when game day finger foods and appetizers are beloved by pretty much everyone! Store-bought sandwiches, wings and pizza are great staples to pair with homemade dips, accompanied by chips and other healthy dipping options,” Tara shared. 

A game day themed event in a gorgeous custom home
A game day themed event in a gorgeous custom home


While the food is simple, presentation is key! Tara recommends elevating your football game appetizers by taking just a few extra minutes to plate your wings, veggies and dipping sauces into a mouth-watering spread.


Display your game day snacks and drinks on a nearby bar or kitchen island, so you never miss a play. This Finley bar features a trendy two-tone black and gray look. White quartz surrounds the sink, and matte black fixtures tie the space together.

A game day themed event in a gorgeous custom home
A beautiful football display for an event at a custom home


Bring Football Style into your Home

Get into the team spirit by decorating your home with team colors, banners and signs. Don’t forget to wear your lucky jersey to match your football décor!


“Some of the items I included in my party decor included a drink local sign, burlap game day banner and some DIY printable pennants I found on Etsy. It’s simple, easy and a cute way to incorporate the football theme,” Tara shared.


Complete your space with soft lighting, a cozy fire, team-themed throw pillows and blankets for ultimate fall coziness.

A game day themed event in a gorgeous custom home
A game day themed event in a gorgeous custom home


A Watch Party for People Who Don’t Watch Football?

Whether you're all about the touchdowns or just in it for the snacks and fun, hosting a watch party in your Drees home means plenty of space for everyone.


With an open concept family room or spacious finished basement, everyone can be part of the party. The Finley features a lower level wine room and dining space, perfect for friends and family to socialize and enjoy the appetizers and drinks, without watching the game.

wine room with stone accent walls


It’s Football Party Time: Ready, Set, Go!

Your game day is sure to be a winner if you remember these five tips for hosting a football watch party:

  1. Choose a space with plenty of seating and a large TV, so everyone has a great view.
  2. Set a spread of classic game time snacks and drinks on your nearby bar or kitchen island, so you never miss a play.
  3. Style your home with team colors and football décor. Don’t forget to wear your lucky team gear!
  4. Use the fireplace, soft lighting, throw pillows and blankets for ultimate fall coziness.
  5. Be game-ready. Drees Homes are built with DreeSmart Technology, with optimal WiFi connection in mind. Test your TV, sound system and streaming setup to avoid any party fouls.


Ready to start designing your dream home?

From Instagram inspiration and Pinterest pins to your final floor plan, Drees makes it easy to bring it all together. We know your home is more than a dwelling. It’s an expression of who you are and what you value. Designing a custom home is a very personal endeavor, and we want to be here to help you every step of the way. To get started, click here.



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