It’s Football Season! Another chance for men to relive their glory years, another chance to wonder why their wives don’t get it. I admire the way my better half loves to throw a party and save money at the same time, so let’s share a few ideas on how to throw a football party on a budget, and where you can find party supplies for cheap.

Can’t-Do-Without Items

No self-respecting football party is without something to eat. While you won’t find chips and dip or all the ingredients needed for a taco bar at your local second hand store, you can and will find all of your serving needs.

I know that sometimes the man of the house simply Must Grill Meat! So, we’ll cover that a little later in the article. Right now let’s talk munchies. Everyone I know has a secret recipe for dips or some type of salad, and you want to be sure to impress your guests with a wide variety of goodies.

Gather your list and go down to your local second hand store to discover party supplies for cheap, such as a useful segmented serving platter or some artful looking bowls that your usual guests haven’t seen before.

If you’re going to put out a taco bar you’ll need a lot of small containers to hold all the toppings. These are readily found gently used at your local Arc Store in Chico, Paradise or Oroville.           

Grilling Supplies

Ok, now we’re getting serious! I’m not a fan of deserting my game on TV to spend time over a hot grill, but let’s face it: I’m good at grilling and my loyal guests demand it. My specialty is either ribs or tri-tip and both require certain utensils that have sometimes disappeared. I question the dog’s guilty looks, but I can never find the incriminating evidence. I have learned not to turn my back when getting ready to put the meat on the grill.

It’s a good thing you’ll find a host of useful tools for grilling and parties supplies for cheap prices at your local second hand store, such as: large tongs and forks that will hold a three pound tri-tip, hinged corn on the cob holders that make you look like a connoisseur, or a really handy vegetable grilling utensil that goes right on the barbecue and keeps the softer veggies from falling inside your grill.

If you’re in need of larger parties supplies for cheap, like a place to showcase your culinary delights, pick up an inexpensive patio table with chairs or a couple of small outdoor tables, one for chips and dips and one for plates and silverware.

Sometimes the weather might be a little too cold or rainy – it’s the fall and winter season after all. This shouldn’t slow down your grilling. Just move it inside. There are cast iron grilling plates that you put on top of your stove whether it’s gas or electric, or similar looking pans with grill ridges that render the barbecue effect without getting a chill.

These are cheap and available at almost any second hand store. While I question the wisdom of trying to grill a tri-tip on the stovetop, there are many smaller tasty items which will cook up just fine.

Keeping the Thirst Quenched

You can find a number of vessels to put any beverage on ice and buy it cheaply at a second hand store. From stemware made of crystal or plastic to large clear beverage containers, perfect for punch or sangria that also makes a beautiful display.

Take up the challenge, go down to your local Arc second hand store and find all the football party supplies for cheap you need to host a great afternoon.

We’ve even provided a free event budget template below to help you get organized!