The Big Game is almost here and you’re looking forward to hosting friends or family to watch the world’s biggest event. Hosting parties is always great fun, but hosting costs can add up just like your favorite back piling on the rushing yards. So we’ve put together some hacks to help you pull off the party of a lifetime without breaking your budget.

Tackle the food together

Ask your guests to help with the food coverage. You can go potluck and have everyone bring one dish, order takeout and split the bill or set up a spreadsheet with all the menu items and have each guest choose one to bring along.

Skip the platters

Fast-food chains and grocery stores aggressively advertise “game day platters” ahead of big events, but these are rarely worth the cost. Instead, make your own for a fraction of the price and just a few minutes of work. You can put together extra-long hero sandwiches and cut them up for an easy sub platter. For your health-conscious guests, slice up everyone’s favorite veggies and add a dip for a low-cost veggie platter.

Save on pizza

If you’re going with a pizza party, consider doing it partially homemade by picking up some frozen pies at a great price in stores like Costco or Aldi. Just pop them in the oven before the party. If you want it hot-from-the-pizza-store fresh, maximize the rewards and coupons with chains like Papa John’s and Domino’s.

Consider your lineup

When setting up your buffet, place more affordable items at the head of the line. These are typically grabbed first, and putting them front and center, with the pricier stuff in the back, will help to ensure you don’t run out of any buffet item too quickly or blow your budget on one pricey food.

The Alternative

Let’s face it; not everyone at the party is all that crazy about football. Prepare some games to help keep the party fun for those who aren’t that interested in the game on the screen. You can download bingo cards here, or set up some old-fashioned board games in a quiet corner.

Now you’ve got a party fit for champions that didn’t defeat your budget. Use the tips outlined above to keep costs down while throwing a party that’s truly fit for champions. Dig in and enjoy the big game!