Kickoff to Football Season

For many people, the start of the football season is a much-anticipated event. Start the season off on the right foot by throwing a football opening day party for friends and family. It's a great reason to get together after all the summer festivities and celebrate fall, weekend games, and rooting for your favorite team. Here are some fun NFL opening day party ideas:

• If the weather cooperates, prepare everything on the grill and host the party outside. Take advantage of the warm temperatures and wire your TV (be careful with too many extension cords!) so everyone can watch it luxuriously from the deck or yard. Grill all the traditional BBQ favorites plus vegetables, kabobs, and even some s'mores.

• Even if your favorite team isn't playing on opening day, dress in your team colors or jersey and get into the spirit. Make it a Mexican-themed football party and serve nachos, chili in bread bowls, queso dip, and margaritas.

• Host an old-fashioned football party in your driveway! Hook up the radio, put out some lawn chairs and kick open a keg. If too many fans are frustrated by not seeing the game, take it inside once everyone has enjoyed some beer nuts and watching the kids ride their bikes around the neighborhood.

Let everyone know about the party with a free football party invitation created in Punchbowl's free digital invitation studio. Once you create your event, there are lots of football-themed invitations that can be customized with specific colors and text. Guests will be able to RSVP, add items to a virtual potluck list, and make comments about the party. Once your football party invitations have been sent, start planning all the yummy eats and get the party started!