How to Host a Buffalo Watch Party Without Spending All Day Cooking
Quick Summary
Planning a Sunday watch party? You can keep your focus on the football game instead of the kitchen by relying on Chiavetta’s pick-up or drop-off catering. A standard package for 10 to 15 guests should include a mix of main dishes like BBQ chicken and pulled pork, paired with sides like macaroni salad and baked beans. Setting up a self-serve buffet line ensures your guests stay fed and you actually get to watch the game.
There’s a direct conflict of interest on game day between running a great watch party and actually watching the game. If you’re standing in front of a hot grill flipping burgers or running back and forth to the kitchen every time someone needs a refill, you end up missing half the action.
Hosting your crew should feel like hanging out, not working a shift line-cook style. Bringing in a pre-made spread makes all the difference. Here’s how to pull off a full-flavor home tailgate without cooking a single thing yourself.
Calculate Your Food Needs Before You Order
One of the biggest headaches of hosting is guessing how much food to buy at the grocery store. You either wind up with five extra bags of chips and no main course, or everyone leaves hungry.
When you set up your Buffalo tailgate catering order, it helps to follow a simple formula. A Picnic Spread Package or Sandwich Spread Package easily serves 10 to 15 people.
- For main courses, you can choose half chickens, pulled pork, or a combination of chicken quarters and pulled pork.
- You can also opt for a savory combo of pulled pork and slow-roasted roast beef.
- For sides, plan on ordering a couple of options. Popular choices include macaroni salad, potato salad, coleslaw, macaroni and cheese, au gratin potatoes, or baked beans.
- Make sure your order includes Kaiser rolls for pork or roast beef sandwiches, plus standard rolls and butter.
Set Up a Self-Serve Station That Flows
Instead of serving individual plates, set everything out buffet-style on a side table or kitchen counter before kickoff. Keep the hot trays grouped together on one end and the cold sides on the other.
Set out stackable paper plates, napkins, and plastic utensils at the very start of the line so people can grab them first, then work their way down to the main dishes. Keeping drinks in a separate cooler near the TV helps prevent bottlenecks in the kitchen when the game gets close in the fourth quarter.
Lock In Your Weekend Order Early
You can choose between quick pick-up at our locations or drop-off delivery straight to your door. If you want food ready for Sunday kickoff, place your watch party catering order by Thursday afternoon. That gives our team time to schedule your order and ensure everything arrives hot, fresh, and ready to serve right when your guests walk in. Ready to place your order? Have questions? Get in touch with our team today!
Frequently Asked Questions
How much food should I order for a football watch party?
For a group of 10 to 15 people, a standard catering package covering main proteins (like chicken or pulled pork) and two sides (like macaroni salad and baked beans) is plenty.
Can I pick up my catering order on Sunday?
Yes, Chiavetta’s pickup catering is designed for weekend events. You can schedule a pick-up time that aligns perfectly with the start of your game day watch party.
What are the best side dishes for a tailgate at home?
Warm comfort sides hold their heat well and are always a crowd favorite. Try parsley buttered potatoes, baked beans, and macaroni and cheese loaded with bacon.
