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With the holiday season behind us, the next big occasion is the Super Bowl! Hosting a Super Bowl party is fun- after all, what can be bad about fun, friends, and good food? All good, except for the toll it can take on your budget, but don’t worry- we’ve got your backs here with smart tips on throwing a fabulous Super Bowl party without blowing the budget!

1. Limit the guest list:

The more people you have to provide with food and drinks, the more it’s going to cost you, so don’t invite everyone you know. Watching with a small group of good friends can even be more enjoyable than a huge crowd, plus it’s a lot easier to set up and clean up!

2. Buy on sale:

You’ll find lots of good deals on typical Super Bowl party snacks and drinks, so buy what’s on sale. And don’t forget to look for coupons- and use them- for even more savings.

3. Buy generic brands:

Generic brands are less expensive than popular brands and taste pretty much the same. Worried about looking cheap? Pour chips and other snacks into bowls for serving and no one will ever know!

4. Keep it simple:

Oh, I know a Super Bowl party is all about the food, but you really don’t have to go all out. Have a few really good options and everyone will still enjoy themselves.

5. Make a potluck:

Asking each guest to bring something helps you cut down on the cost and on the work. Most guests even like to contribute to the party, so if this is the way you want to go, don’t feel bad about it at all.

6. Co-host:

Even if you decide not to go the potluck route, you still don’t have to go it alone. Ask a friend to co-host with you and you can split the cost and the hosting responsibilities.

7. Don’t rely on food delivery:

I’ll admit, it’s tempting to order in, but it’s also a lot more expensive, so plan well and prepare most of the food yourself. If you want to make it a little easier on yourself, choose one thing to buy-and look around for coupons and specials- and make the rest yourself.

8. Shop at the dollar store:

Disposable party-ware can seem like an unnecessary expense, but do you really want to be washing dishes late at night? Trust me, you don’t- so buy your paper goods at the dollar store and don’t feel guilty at all! Plates with team logos can be expensive, so skip that and just buy the team colors. Get creative with decorations, too, and you can still be festive without spending too much.

Do you have some budget Super Bowl tips? Share with us on Facebook and Twitter!