2011 Super Bowl: Nine Things Your Party Needs

As Sunday's Super Bowl showdown between the locally hated Pittsburgh Steelers and the Green Bay Packers approaches, most residents are looking for a way to make their gameday party all it can be.

The outcome of the game is usually irrelevant -- especially when the two teams involved are not from New York -- but a successful party is based on the environment, not the game.

Believe it or not, a lot goes into hosting a Super Bowl party. We've already provided you with nine of the best caterers in Bellmore. Now that you've got your major foods covered, here is a list of nine things you need for your Super Bowl party to be a success.

• A Big TV: When you're hosting a party and the focus is on the game of games, you're going to want to make sure everyone can watch it in all of its greatness. Think big, flat screen and high-definition if possible. Surround sounds wouldn't hurt either.
• Beer: You're bound to see at least 30 different beer commercials throughout the course of the game and partygoers are going to be thirsty. When it comes to beer, make sure you have enough and some variety. Mix it up between taste and light beer. Be sure to head to either Thrifty Beverage Centers on Newbridge Road or All Island Discount Beverage.
• Soda and Water: While some of you might go all out for beer and other alcoholic beverages, keep in mind that not everyone drinks alcohol. Make sure you have enough for everyone. Stop & Shop and King Kullen will come in handy, along with a few of the suggestions below.
• Decorations: Banners and all football-related items work well here. Hang them along your ceiling or in doorways.
• Chips/Pretzels: While some of you might have food catered, others of you might just need to pick up a few bare essentials. Chips, pretzels and some sort of dip are always home run, or in this case a touchdown, with whoever might be coming over for gameday.
• Napkins and Plates: There should be a ton of food, so definitely make sure there are enough napkins and plates to go around. Again, football-themed works well here.
• Kids Room: If you're going to have a mix of kids and adults, don't be afraid to have a separate kids room complete with snacks and drinks. The kids would rather be amongst one another, while the adults would like to do the same.
• Betting Pool: Again, not everyone is going to be invested in this game, especially with the New York Jets losing last week, a betting pool is a good way to get everyone involved in the game and hand out some money. The Super Bowl "squares" are the most well-known gameday gambling ritual.
• A Football: The biggest day of the year for football usually brings with it the need to play football either before the game, at halftime or after the game. Make sure you have a football or two lying around in case a few partygoers get the urge to go outside and throw the ball around.