In case you don’t follow “sports ball” as a particular writer here calls it, there is a rather big game happening this Sunday. We’ve taken Real Simple’s Checklist to making it the best party ever, and made it even better by telling you how to do it locally.
Decorations
If you are hosting the party at your house (can I come?) there is only one place to go for decorations. Partypro.com {1860 IL-83, Grayslake} is a hidden super store of party celebrations. While the location may not be the easiest to get into but if you generally order from a certain trading company, this is like walking through their warehouse. We have started using it for all our events and they have every theme that you could think of in any color. For locals, they also carry extensive school-themed items as well, perfect for celebrating those Friday Night Lights.
Adult Drinks
Show your friends that you are grown-up and and cooler than them by serving a local brew:
Guide to Craft Beer in Lake County
Food
Food for the big game is all about ease and fun. You don’t want to be balancing a plate of spaghetti when you jump up to cheer because Mr. Brady has been sacked there was a great play.
The first must-have items on game day menus is wings, and let’s be honest who wants to cook their own wings? Okay, fine, if you want to cook your own I recommend these: Emeril’s Oven Roasted Wings. I (gasp!) don’t like wings, so much work for so little reward and so messy! But these, I actually LOVE these and even better they are so quick and easy–just throw them in the oven and BAM!
If you prefer to order themKari (smart girl) has got you covered:
Best Chicken Wings in Lake County
However if you are thinking Franks for the Memories, I would call today… like right now, I can wait.
Other not-to-miss big game day food:
- Pizza – only the best for your crew
- BBQ – slow roasted pig while you watch them toss the pigskin–BBQ’d Productions is the only way to go. Keep the kids quiet with the macaroni and cheese and you may actually hear the commentary
- Dip – for the required veggie tray, or too cool off your wings. Heather’s Ranch Dip is the one you want. I know, ranch, and it’s better than anything you get in a bottle. Head to the Artisian Market in Lake Zurich for ingredients.
Game Day Fun
If you have a larger number kids (or non-game watchers), Shannon at Chicago Parent has a full list of fun, and easy, games you can play… including a commercial rating system.
Big Game Watch Parties
Now if you want to GO somewhere to watch the game, you could try out these locations for somewhat family-friendly viewing. I say somewhat, because, well, they still have bar specials and people who hate Brady the other team.
- Salerno’s
- Buffalo Wild Wings – various locations, but we heard from someone who watched in Round Lake last year that it was good for families
- Emil’s
To really make it a family event, join Let it Be Us for their “Kick off for Kids Watch Party.”Let’ it Be Us works to find adoptive homes for children in foster care (they’re our charity partner this quarter so we will tell you a lot more about them next week!). Their event includes:
- All you can eat buffet featuring your favorite football foods & soft drinks
- Football fun from 4:00 p.m.until the game’s end
- Cash bar available for adult beverages
- Raffle
Open to all ages; children under five are admitted for free. And the raffle is giving away U2 tickets!
Wool Street Grill & Sports Bar
128 South Wool Street, Barrington
$15 for Children $30 for adults – children 5 and younger, free.
Football what?
We hear you, some people don’t get the big game that’s okay. We have a whole calendar of other things to do.
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