Kicking Off at Home

I LOVE September. I can feel my adrenaline starting to pump and butterflies swarming in my stomach. Why? Football season. I’m a born-and-raised, Cleveland girl, and I’ve learned over the years that every season could be THE season for the Browns.


Naturally, I’m an Ohio State Buckeye fan, but living in Hawaii for last year’s UH Warrior season showed me just how intense UH fans can get. This year, with a new coach, a new starting lineup and a challenging schedule, Warrior fans are just as eager to begin and see what lies ahead.


Where I’m from, football parties at home are a way of life. Here are 5 great ways to outfit your home for a great football party this season:


1. Plates and Serving Dishes Instead of the generic chips and dip on paper plates, consider personalized ware to show your team spirit. Serve dip in an upside-down helmet, or affix decals to dishes. (I found these at Rainbowtique at Ward Centers.)

2. Team Flag You’re not the only one who can wear team spirit. Your house can, too. No, I’m not talking about a jumbo T-shirt. I’m talking about a team flag. Fly it outside or hang it on your wall on game day.

3. Corn Toss What to do at halftime? In Cleveland, as well as all over the Midwest, we play corn toss. It’s perfect for relieving pre-game jitters or as a halftime pastime. This backyard tossing game, played with bags and two wooden boards, requires skill, yet can be done with a brew in one hand. It’s easy to make and you can download step-by-step instructions online. City Mill can even cut the wood to fit for you.

4. Team Pillows Throw pillows. Bed pillows. Heck, why not all of the above? Use them for extra floor seating when your house party gets packed.

5. Team-Colored Paint If you really want to show your commitment to your team, theme out a room with team colors. Glidden makes interior paint in official team colors, and the brand is available in Hawaii.




Have a comment or suggestion? E-mail me at joanner@pacificbasin.net.