Throwing a party that revolves around a television can challenge the most resilient hostess. How to serve food so that plates don't tip off people's knees? Where to seat fans so that they can see the screen—and still carry on a conversation? And what about guests who aren't interested in the game? Don't even ask about how to make it all look good. Well, you can go ahead and invite the neighbors to watch the Super Bowl, Oscar night or the season premiere of your favorite miniseries, because we've got answers for every one of those dilemmas (as well as mouthwatering recipes). Just use our party-planning guide for the easiest (and prettiest) TV party ever, and then get your game face on. We're ready to watch football—or not!

No muss, no fuss

Setting up a central food station will help reduce game-time interference, also known as foot traffic, in front of the TV. Arrange snacks and treats in easy-to-clean trays and bowls for a crowd-pleasing buffet table. And for a stain-proof (yet party-worthy!) table covering, try oilcloth. It's available in brilliant colors and fun patterns and is a cinch to wipe clean at the end of the evening. Tip: Line your serving trays with parchment paper for easy cleanup; toss the paper away at the end of the festivities and you're almost done.

Positively portable

Use inexpensive, old-fashioned fast-food baskets for fewer spills—they hold food better than paper plates and are easy to balance on laps. Stow sodas and beers in ice-filled galvanized buckets for easy kitchen-to-TV hauling (slip a simple circle of felt under the bucket to protect the furniture and floor from drips). And try filling each layer of your forgotten bamboo steamer with goodies; then stack and carry it from room to room.

Party proofed

Serve food on bamboo trays and melamine and forget about broken dishes. A lightweight plastic that's available in a variety of colors, patterns and sizes, melamine is tough enough to survive instant replays performed by pets, children and grown men. And don't be afraid to go bright: combine cheerful greens, sky blues and eye-catching orange for a bold backdrop to the party.

Seating solutions

Game-day menu

Cheddar Cheese Blops

Chicken Nuggets With Chipotle Sauce

Buffalo Pork Meatballs With Blue-Cheese Sauce

Thai Salad Rolls With Peanut Sauce