Party planning is not your thing, and yet you've invited 25 people to your house to watch the game? Do not panic. We've got your back.

First, the food you serve is almost more important than who is playing. In fact, it is, unless you're an Indianapolis Colts or New Orleans Saints fan. Those are the teams that will play on Feb. 7 in Miami.

Kickoff is 5:28 p.m.

The following tips will help you put on an affair to remember.

THE SETTING

To theme or not to theme? Decorate in football kitsch or go with Colts (blue and white) or Saints (black and gold) colors for paper products, beads and streamers. You could theme the food if you want to serve jambalaya or gumbo (New Orleans) or breaded pork tenderloins (Indianapolis). Unless you're a die-hard fan, keep the menu more about the food and less the teams and their cities.

Make sure you have a TV big enough for the big show. Two or three might be better. Designate one TV for serious game watchers. Consider turning a third to Animal Planet, which shows puppies playing all day on Super Bowl Sunday, for the kids.

Have plenty of seating. Drag the folding chairs out or ask guests to bring some.

Have enough toilet paper. Enough said.

Keep an eye on trash. Pay a kid to scour the house regularly to pick up dirty plates, napkins and cups. If guests stay until the game is over, it could be a long party.

If you're worried about rings on your furniture, set out coasters or lots of cocktail napkins. Stock up on paper plates, napkins and cups. (Or go green and rent the real thing.)

Don't get fussy. This is football, for heaven's sake.

THE FOOD

Call today if you're ordering takeout. You aren't the only one considering pizza, wings or party trays.

Make as much food as you can ahead of time. Dips, chili, burger patties, veggie and meat and cheese platters can be put together on Saturday.

Think finger food or one-bowl dishes. Knife-and-fork food is difficult because many people will be standing or perching plates on their laps. No pasta, unless it's in a salad of mac-n-cheese.

Know your audience. Are you entertaining the girls or former football players? Nibblers or big eaters? Will they stay until the game is over (likely after 10 p.m.) or head home after the halftime show? Plan the menu accordingly.

Make a couple of show-stopping dishes and fill in with dips, chips and veggies, takeout dishes and store-bought desserts. Ask close friends to contribute signature dishes.

Pace the food. Have nibbles set out when people arrive, and then put out the main course within an hour or so. Offer sweets a little later. Don't wait until halftime to eat big. Your guests will be starved by then.

Have food in several places to prevent a logjam. Use a dining room table for the main show and put nibbles in the areas where the TVs are. Set up drinks in another spot, most likely the kitchen or a nearby nook.

Keep the bar simple. Wine and beer is good, but watch for overindulgence. Have lots of soda and water on hand for nondrinkers and really push it as the fourth quarter starts for those who are indulging.

CHILI CHEESE BAKE

Yield - 16 servings

2 (8 ounce) packages cream cheese

2 small cans chili with no beans

1 pound lean ground beef, cooked

1 bag restaurant-style tortilla chips, crushed

12-ounce bag shredded Cheddar or Monterey Jack cheese

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

2. Spread cream cheese evenly in a lightly greased 9-by-13 baking pan.

3. Layer chili, cooked ground beef, half of the shredded cheese, crushed tortilla chips and the remainder of the cheese.

4. Bake uncovered 15 to 20 minutes, or until cheese melts.

Recipe adapted from Dollar General stores

CHIPOTLE MAYO SLIDERS

Yield - 8 burgers

Chipotle mayonnaise:

1 cup mayonnaise

2 chipotles in adobo sauce

1 tablespoon adobo sauce

1/2 lime, juice

Salt and freshly ground black pepper1. Add all the ingredients to a food processor and puree. Season, to taste, with salt and pepper.

Sliders:

1 to 1 1/2 pounds ground chuck

Salt and freshly ground black pepper

8 cheese slices, your choice

8 mini burger buns

Chipotle mayonnaise

Red onion slices, if desired

Pickles, if desired 1. Preheat grill over medium-high heat.

2. Form the meat into 2 to 3-ounce portions, packed tightly. Season with salt and pepper.

3. Place the sliders on the grill. Wait until they are nice and crusty on the first side, about 4 to 5 minutes, then flip and cook another 4 minutes. When the sliders are about done, top with cheese and close the grill, allowing the cheese to melt.

4. Place the slider on mini burger buns and top with chipotle mayonnaise and any other desired toppings.

Recipe courtesy of Food Network