With the big day fast approaching, I, the "Beer Man", would like to offer a few tips designed to help the party hosts survive one of the biggest parties of the year.

I will leave all of the food planning to our very own Chef Mike, so, let's get to the beverages.

It is always important to make sure that your guests have plenty of non-alcoholic beverage choices. This will keep your designated drivers happy and ensure that any guests under "21" are not nipping at the adult beverages.

Beg, borrow or steal (but give back) a large canteen type cooler that has the push release at the bottom to control the flow of liquid. These usually hold several gallons. Fill with water and combine with dry lemonade or iced tea mix. This will be very refreshing for your non-drinkers and easily mixed with vodka for your boozing buddies.

Purchase colored 16oz or 20oz cups. Using masking tape and a permanent marker you can keep the number of cups used down to a minimum while enabling your guests to easily see the names of guests that they may have never met.

Purchase a load of Jell-O and lots of vodka. Jell-O shots are a fun and easy way to make a party get out of hand very quickly (hopefully in a fun way). Follow the instructions on the back of the box but substitute chilled vodka for the water. Pour the mix into individual 2oz condiment cups and refrigerate for a couple of hours.

Remember to make a tray of non-alcoholic Jell-O cups for the kids. Make sure to keep them separated from the Jell-O shots, or a member of the child welfare agency may show up at your door in a day or two.

Keep your coolers or kegs of beer outside. Obviously this will keep everything well chilled (if you live where I do). Also, run a line outside for a television. This will make those partygoers who light up (tobacco only) happy. The last thing you need is a house full of smoke.

Have a handy cooler full of 6oz bottles of spring water. This will allow those who are feeling their drinks to not dehydrate. The small size of bottles will eliminate waste.

Most of the ideas in this article came from friends Mike and Remi (pronounced Ray-Me) who host a Super Bowl blast every year. A few Januarys ago they purchased a chimenea. This is a small self-contained wood burning stove for outside use. They load it up with firewood to keep the outsiders warm. This has worked superbly every year.

Remember to keep all of the good booze and Cubans hidden for your really good friends. You don't want any party crashers guzzling your Grey Goose of Crown Royal.

Mix your own ideas in with some of these thoughts for what will hopefully be a memorable Super Bowl party!

Beer Man's Mixology Department

As always write in suggestions, comments, criticisms, and articles are appreciated. Kevin can be contacted at connections listed on the bottom of every page.