Party Tips {from a Football Game} and a DeMarco Murray Giveaway

 Verizon provided me with tickets to the tailgate party and the game and provided amazing wireless service for me and all their other customers!  All thoughts and opinions are my own. #GoVerizon

This week, Phil and I got our game on and ventured into Dallas for a little Monday Night Football with the Washington Redskins and the Dallas Cowboys!  We tailgated with Verizon and Bill Bates {Pro Bowl All-Star Dallas Cowboys Strong Safety} then watched every fumble, interception, and touchdown in the game!  And I tweeted and instagrammed throughout thanks to reliable wireless service from Verizon, the official sponsor of the NFL!  I also picked up a few party tips from the game and the tailgate party and I thought it would be fun to let you in on them.  And be sure to scroll down through this entire post because I’m giving away something amazing for you DeMarco Murray fans!

Ready to get started with the party tips?

1. Choose a great venue.

The big game was held in a fabulous venue {everything’s bigger in Texas, right?} and your party should be too.  That awesome venue might be your own home, a nearby park, or a downtown warehouse but wherever you choose to hold your party, make it great.

2. Invite an interesting mix of guests.

We can’t all have Bill Bates at our tailgate parties but consider the guest list carefully.  Choose guests that will mix and mingle well and surround yourself with people that you love.  You want to enjoy your party, right?

3. Provide ample seating for your guests.

Create small groupings of chairs, place guests around a table, or create intimate spaces for great conversation.  And be sure you have enough seats to allow people to get off their feet.

4. Don’t forget the music.

Music adds that festive feel and can really create the mood of the party.  Create a playlist with a fun mix of songs and styles.

5. Use lighting to create ambiance.

Turn down the overhead lights and turn on lamps.  Use dimmer switches to tone down bright lights and use candles to add warmth.

6. Provide some entertainment.

Giving guests something to do is a great way to break the ice and an easy way to add some fun to the party.  A photo booth is always fun and simple props can be found in your home.

7. Give guests a take home favor.

Every guest at the football game went home with a Dallas Cowboys towel.  Send your guests home with something fun: a small, homemade treat, a mason jar filled with cocoa mix, or a small candle.  It’s not a must but it always makes the goodbye a little more fun!

No matter where you are or how you choose to host your party, share it on social media with reliable wireless service from Verizon Wireless!  And if you’re tailgating, check highlights and scores on the NFL Mobile app {and follow Verizon on instagram}.

And now … are you ready for some football?  How about a DeMarco Murray autographed football?

a Rafflecopter giveaway

TERMS & CONDITIONS: This giveaway is open to US residents ages 18 and over and ends at 12:00 am EST on November 5, 2014. By entering you give the right to use your name and likeness. Number of entries received determines the odds of winning. One winner will be selected. This is a giveaway sponsored by Verizon DFW. All liabilities and responsibilities with product is directly responsible by Verizon. Winner will be drawn by random.org from all verified entries, contacted by email provided, and announced on this page at the end of the contest. Winner has 48 hours to respond or prize will be redrawn. Entrant is responsible for the email address they provide. Dukes and Duchesses is not responsible for lost or misdirected emails. All prizes will be awarded. No prize substitutions allowed. Prize is mailed directly by Verizon DFW and may require confirmation of delivery. Protected tweets do not count as an entry method for tweeting. Tweets must come from a public account. No purchase necessary. Void where prohibited by law.