Thanks so much to Diageo, Anheuser Busch, and Deutsch Family Wine & Spirits for sponsoring this post. This content is for a 21 and older audience.

Today’s post combines two of my great loves: Budweiser and football.

Seriously, anyone who knows me or who has gone to any sporting event with me knows I love Budweiser. Pretty sure every picture I’ve taken at Derby includes a bright red can. It is my game day drink of choice. Always has been, always will be.

No lie, when this opportunity to get game day ready with Budweiser, Bud Light, Michelob ULTRA, Smirnoff and [ yellow tail ] popped into my email, I did a happy dance. I’ve been trying to get the chance to share my love of Bud outside of random race track pics, so here you go.

With playoff season upon us, it’s time to get ready for your big game celebration. I love entertaining, but I don’t have the time to put together an elaborate party. Instead, I’m the gal pulling it all together the day before. I’m guessing I’m not the only one. I feel like it sneaks up on me every year and the week before the game, people are always trying to figure out the plan.

Here’s mine:

Stock the Bar. 

The easiest way to have a great party? Make sure there’s something for everyone to drink. While I am the queen of the King of Beers, I make sure to have cold Bud Light and Michelob ULTRAs on hand so there’s something for everyone. Especially my sister-in-law—she loves Michelob ULTRA as much as I love Budweiser.

Since beer isn’t for everyone, I make sure to have some genuine, vibrant, and fun-loving bottles of red and white wine on hand, too. I grabbed a couple bottles of [ yellow tail ] Cabernet and Chardonnay to be ready for my wine-loving guests.

Last but certainly not least, you’ve got to have SMIRNOFF No. 21 Vodka on hand for what seems like everyone’s signature drink these days: vodka soda with a lime. I also like to set up a Moscow Mule station, mostly as an excuse to break out the copper mugs.

Bring out the Snacks 

Appetizers and dips are the signature dish of game days. So go big or go home. I don’t stress about making too much stuff from scratch. Instead, I raid the app section at the grocery, throw them in the oven, and go.

The only exception: dips. I feel like it’s super easy to make a good dip, so I’m usually game to make at least one. I’m on a big beer cheese kick this year, so I whipped up a batch featuring Budweiser. It took me less than 15 minutes to make and was WAY better than any store-bought version.

I ended up modifying this recipe. I’ll share it below if you want to make a batch. The best part is that you can make it in advance and then break it out when everyone walks in the door.

Serve it in style. 

The easiest way to look like you’ve got your act together: set the stage.

You all know I am a hot mess express but since I’ve collected some fun entertaining pieces, it helps make the whole experience look all tied together. It doesn’t have to be fancy. I love breaking out my cutting boards and setting everything up on them. Add a few pops of color with fun dishes and a simple garland (I picked mine up at the grocery for $5.99), and you look like the hostess with the most-ess.

Set up a serve-yourself drink station, and set out a little of what everyone needs to make (or grab) their drink of choice.

Entertaining is one of those things that can seem intimidating. I know for me, I always feel like my house has to look perfect and be immaculately clean. But I think as long as you have good food and good drinks, you’re covered. Well, that, and a big TV (or a couple big TVs) to watch the game.

I’m planning on recreating this whole spread in a couple weeks. Who’s coming over?

Photos by Tabitha Booth.