11 Ideas for an Upscale Super Bowl Party

For a recent styled shoot, At Your Door Events paid tribute to the very first Super Bowl, held in 1967 at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum.

Claire Hoffman

February 10, 2022

Throwing a Super Bowl party this weekend? You’ve probably already ordered your six packs, chicken wings and seven-layer dip. But if you’re looking to add a bit of an upscale twist, grab some inspiration from this recent styled shoot from Los Angeles-based event company At Your Door Events.

With the Super Bowl returning to Los Angeles on Sunday, the shoot appropriately paid tribute to the very first edition of the championship game, which was held at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum in 1967. At Your Door Events owner Jenny Goodman and a team of local event vendors returned to the coliseum’s 1923 Club event space for the shoot, which aimed to reimagine the modern Super Bowl party.

Scroll down for a look inside the gathering—and learn Goodman’s top tips for hosting your own Super Bowl event this year.

With Super Bowl LVI taking place at L.A.’s SoFi Stadium on Sunday, At Your Door Events owner Jenny Goodman felt like it was the right time to pay tribute to the big game’s roots. “Sure, the new SoFi Stadium is beautiful with all its new bells and whistles—however, there is something grand, nostalgic and splendid about the Los Angeles Coliseum,” she explains. “We wanted to have a modern party in a very classic and historical location. The intention was to bring attention to the history of the Super Bowl and celebrate where we are now—but also where we began.”

Photo: Visuals by Arpit

Goodman wanted to transport guests back to the year 1967, so the design elements—including the fabric, the color schemes and the midcentury modern furniture—all evoked the era. “We used a 1960s Lincoln Continental car [from Continental Rental] to drop off guests,” she adds.

Photo: Visuals by Arpit

Goodman worked with florist White Sakuras and rental company 3 Little Birds Event Planning to bring the shoot to life.

Photo: Visuals by Arpit

To find inspiration for the different elements, Goodman visited the venue to study its existing furniture pieces, colors and background. “Since every party has a budget, our styled shoot was no different,” she notes. “I worked to accentuate what we already had to keep costs down.”

Photo: Visuals by Arpit

Stylish twists on football-themed decor popped up throughout the space.

Photo: Visuals by Arpit

Goodman offers some advice for people who want to create their own upscale take on a Super Bowl party. “After not being able to gather for last year's Super Bowl, most people are excited to get together!” she says. “It's important that hosts are thoughtful in their approach by making sure that the people who are there to watch the game can, and the people who are there to mingle and chat can do that as well.”

Photo: Visuals by Arpit

“The style starts with the invitation,” says Goodman. “It sets the tone and lets guests know what to expect! For example, if you put 'cocktail attire,' it will let guests know the level of formality. Create the atmosphere promised in the invitation.”

Photo: Visuals by Arpit

Goodman also recommends creating a “wow” moment when guests enter the party. “Roll out the red carpet if you need to. Have a drink on hand so guests feel immediately welcomed."

Photo: Visuals by Arpit

As for food, Goodman opts for elevated finger foods. “Think fancy charcuterie stations with vegan cheeses,” she suggests. Goodman worked with Mr&Mrs Creamery on baked goods for the shoot.

Photo: Visuals by Arpit

One cute touch? Vintage jersey-inspired cookies, which tied into the shoot's 1960s theme.

Photo: Visuals by Arpit

“Guests still love photo booths or selfie stations," adds Goodman. "Create vignettes or installations for guests to take pictures at.” Social Prop Balloons provided balloon decor for the shoot, while Oh! Snaptastic! provided a photo booth.

Other vendors at the styled shoot included DJ Keelez for entertainment, hair and makeup from Brelex Beauty, and mixology by BTG Bartending. Models Shelby James and Greg Acuna were also on hand.

Photo: Visuals by Arpit