There is just one Sunday left without the NFL in our lives—a truly glorious time of year. It also means more people will soon be gathered around your TV and eyeing your snack spread. Whether you’re breaking out a sacred queso recipe or assembling an all-star grazing board, it’s time to dial in your game-day hosting setup.
That's why Day 24 of our USA TODAY Shopping Fall Reset is focused on game day hosting. We've covered your essentials for football season, how to host the best tailgate and now we're getting you ready for watching the game at home. From getting your game day needs delivered to finding festive must-haves like this football-shaped slow cooker, you'll be ready to cheer your team on all season long.
Best game day food, delivery and hosting essentials to shop now
Order wings, drinks and more on DoorDash
Fuel up for game day on DoorDash
DoorDash’s Streaks program is back
for football season, rewarding fans for something they’re already doing: ordering on Saturdays to watch the game.
Shop now at DoorDash
Instacart grocery delivery
Get groceries delivered with Instacart
Don't leave the house before or after kickoff, have top groceries delivered with Instacart.
Try Instacart today
Goldbelly game day food
Get game day foods on Goldbelly
Get shippable crowd-pleasers like wings, pizza, barbecue, cheesesteaks, hot dogs, dips, desserts and regional favorites.
Find game day foods on Goldbelly
Boarderie cheese and charcuterie board
Game day charcuterie boards from Boarderie
Game day charcuterie, cheese and snack boards ship ready to eat from Boarderie.
Order Boarderie now
Air fryers make game day snacks better
Cosori 9-in-1 TurboBlaze Air Fryer
Best for reheating wings, crisping frozen appetizers, making fries and turning out quick game day snacks without using the oven all day.
Shop now at Amazon
Slow cookers for dips, chili & more
Pro Pots 1.5-Quart Football Slow Cooker
Best for keeping dips, chili, meatballs, queso, pulled pork or buffalo chicken warm throughout the game.
Shop now at Wayfair
Chip and dip serving set
Godinger League Football Field Chip & Dip
Best for salsa, guacamole, queso, buffalo chicken dip, hummus and easy snack stations.
Shop now at Wayfair
Serving platter or snack board
NFL San Francisco 49ers Tondo Acacia Round Serving Board
For entertaining or display, this acacia board elevates your space for game day.
Shop now at Crate & Barrel
Nugget ice maker
Euhomy Countertop Nugget Ice Maker
This quiet, fast-working countertop nugget ice maker produces crunchy restaurant-style ice in minutes to keep your fall parties fully stocked.
Save at Aamzon
NFL drinkware
NFL Pittsburgh Steelers 20-Ounce Aluminum Party Cups, 20-Count
Bring your team spirit straight to the drink table with these 20-ounce Steelers aluminum cups, an easy game-day upgrade for tailgates, backyard watch parties and football season entertaining.
Shop now at Amazon
Warming tray to keep your game day foods fresh
47x12 Fast-Heating Glass Warming Tray
Best for keeping multiple appetizers hot and making the hosting setup feel more polished.
Shop now at Amazon
What are the best game day hosting essentials?
The best game day hosting essentials are the ones that keep everyone fed without keeping you stuck in the kitchen. Start with easy crowd-pleasers like wings, pizza, dips and snack boards, then add an air fryer or slow cooker for hot appetizers, plenty of drinkware and serving pieces that guests can help themselves to throughout the game. Delivery services like DoorDash and Instacart can also save you from a last-minute grocery or takeout run right before kickoff.
How do I make game day hosting easier?
Do as much as possible before the game starts so you can actually watch it, too. Order food or groceries for delivery, choose appetizers you can make in an air fryer or leave warm in a slow cooker, and create self-serve food and drink stations so guests don't need you every time they want a refill. Ready-to-serve options from Goldbelly or Boarderie can also give you an impressive game day spread without adding more cooking to your list.
What is USA TODAY's Fall Reset?
USA TODAY's Fall Reset is a month-long shopping event in August to help shoppers prepare for the busy fall season before prices increase and popular products sell out. The event highlights the best deals and must-have seasonal items across categories including school supplies, dorm essentials, TVs, mattresses, home upgrades, fall fashion and football gear.
Throughout August, the USA TODAY Shopping team curates product recommendations, discounts and seasonal essentials to help shoppers save money and get ahead of common fall expenses before Labor Day sales begin.
Shop USA TODAY Shopping's Fall Reset by week
- Week 1:Back-to-school and dorm shopping
- Week 2:Fall vibes, home, family and seasonal prep
- Week 3:Home improvement, outdoor and yard prep
- Week 4:Football, entertainment and Labor Day shopping
USA TODAY Shopping will be covering all the best deals and drops, so be sure to sign up for text alerts, check us out on Flipboard, follow us on TikTok, sign up for our newsletter and follow us on Instagram to stay updated!
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Elevate your game day setup with essential football hosting must-haves
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