Super Bowl

At The Express premiere, the night’s dessert offerings included truffle pops displayed in glass containers holding layered sugar that was coordinated with Syracuse University’s team colors.

Or, instead of serving potentially sloppy burgers, offer an updated, bite-size take on sliders: Serena Bass for Special Attention Caterers in New York skewers grilled sirloin meatballs with romaine hearts, tomato, cheddar cheese slices, bacon, chipotle mayo, and brioche croutons.

Here's an idea for a thematic viewing area: In 2012, the N.F.L. threw its first fan-focused Super Bowl party in Canada. Sponsored by Bud Light, Toronto’s party took over Sound Academy. On an Astroturf carpet marked with yard lines, tall stools and tables made up the main seating area. A retractable screen was lowered over the stage while the game was on.

Astroturf can also be used in other spots. Food service company Sysco Metro NY served tacos and other hors d’oeuvres from a station covered in Astroturf at Jets & Chefs: the Ultimate Tailgate hosted by former quarterback Joe Namath and Mario Batali. The event was held as part of the New York City Wine & Food Festival in 2013.

Helmets can also serve as decorative accents. Tables at the premiere of football player Ernie Davis’s 2008 biopic, The Express, featured centerpieces with pom-poms, helmets, and pennants.

Or, look for a tablecloth that reflects a football theme. At Diffa’s Dining by Design in Chicago in 2013, an elegant tailgate party inspired the vignette from Sparc Inc., designed by Richard Cassis and Hunter Kaiser.

Tony C's Sports Bar and Grill, a restaurant with two Boston-area locations, is serving up football-inspired fare this season. Clever menu items include a dish called "Pig Skins," which is actually potato skins with two types of cheese, bacon, scallions, and sour cream drizzled to reflect the stitches on a football.

At the preview, Marc Friedland Couture Communications showed off the Oscars' golden envelopes.