Super Bowl Kickoff Time 2011: Don't Miss a Second of This Year's Super Bowl

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Super Bowl Parties Can Be Stressful, But We'll Have You Ready By Kickoff!

This year, you can watch Super Bowl XLV at 6:30 PM EST on FOX, and even the best hosts and hostesses should be able to watch all the action.

But between preparing foods, making beer runs and breaking up the brawls between your drunk cousins (we all have them), who has time to actually watch the football game?

The Answer: You do!

Here are some great tips to help you entertain your guests without missing a second of football:

1. Serve Store-Bought Food

While I do not encourage this strategy for your entire Super Bowl spread, it is perfectly acceptable to give yourself a head start with some pre-made ingredients. Using seasoning packets for your tacos, sloppy Joes or french onion dip is definitely okay (Don't worry. I won't tell.).

2. But Know Where to Splurge

Now, I'm all about shortcuts, serving some frozen pizzas and party subs just doesn't cut it in my book.

If you're going the pizza route, make your own. You can even prepare several pizzas hours before your guests arrive and then just pop them in the oven to cook right before you're ready to eat.

As for sandwiches, there is a way to spice up the average party sub. Pick up some high quality cold cuts from your favorite deli (quality over quantity here, folks), and pick out some yummy breads like focaccia or marble rye.

3. Don't Sweat the Small Stuff

Even with all the preparation in the world, something is bound to go wrong at any big party. A guest is going to spill his beer. You will run out of something sooner than you had planned. The crowd will get a bit rowdy.

The best way to deal with these issues?

Sometimes it's best to just roll with the punches...even when your sister's new boyfriend finds just enough liquid courage to make things extra awkward.

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