While some husbands may believe the Super Bowl is a good opportunity to invest in the latest big screen TV, for most of us it is a great opportunity to have some friends over for the afternoon and watch the game.  

So if you are entertaining the idea of hosting a Super Bowl party, below are some ideas to put the plan into play.  

The most important thing is to plan ahead.  Remember, you CAN be a guest at your own party.  A buffet works best since the afternoon is more for grazing. You should also select items that can sit out for an extended period of time. 

Set up the buffet or dining room table like a football field.  Set each team's color paper goods at the "end zones."  If you choose to bring in some food from each team's hometown, set these dishes on their side of the table.  For example, you could put out a cheese platter for Green Bay, and Heinz Ketchup since that's from Pittsburgh, so that will be perfect with hot dogs.

For the mid-field, make a pot of your favorite chili.  This can be made a day or two ahead of time.  Use a crock-pot or chaffing dish to keep it warm.  Serve with bowls of your favorite toppings such as sharp cheddar cheese, onions, tortilla strips and sour cream.  You can also serve the chili in bread bowls, which is not only delicious but will save time on your clean up. 

For your guests who are trying to hold onto those New Year's Resolutions, offering up healthier versions of the beloved Super Bowl grub will be much appreciated.  Instead of those deep-fried buffalo wings, opt for chicken skewers basted in hot wing sauce and grilled (easily done ahead of time) and serve with a low-calorie ranch dressing and celery sticks.  Baked pita chips and roasted red hummus still have lots of crunch and flavor, and are a great alternative to nachos.  Finally, although a vegetable crudités sounds a bit pedestrian, if you find more unusual fresh produce it can be a beautiful display.  For example, baby carrots, yellow and orange peppers, golden beets, Persian cucumbers and French green beans can be a crowd pleaser.

Now, what is a game without beer and hot dogs?  My friend and co-worker Suzanne found this adorable hot dog cart from Bed Bath & Beyond.  How fun and functional! The buns are stored in the striped cabana area up top, and heat slowly as the dogs are cooking. 

For the little sportsmen, buy a helmet cookie cutters that can be used to make PB & J sandwiches.  This is one more personal touch that looks like a lot of work, but is so easy.

Finally for dessert, use an Easter egg cake pan and bake mini chocolate cakes passing for footballs once they are iced and laced up!  Your guests will love them.  In the freezer, keep a stash of Klondike Bars, a sweet treat produced in Pittsburgh.

So, no matter which team wins or loses the Super Bowl, you will be sure to have a winning party without missing a minute of playtime!