Throwing A Fantasy Football Draft Party by Jonathon Hardcastle

When a bunch of guys get together to talk football usually all you need to keep everyone happy is pizza and beer. But, since it actually involves work, a successful fantasy football draft party has a few more important parts.

Set up a large space with enough seating for everyone in your league. Comfortable seating like recliners or couches is a plus, but kitchen chairs will do in a pinch. If you're planning to seat your members in a living room or den rather than at a table, provide clipboards to serve as writing surfaces. Be aware that some of your members may arrive with laptop computers so providing work surfaces like portable tables is a good idea. Of course you'll also need adequate outlets nearby in case anyone needs to plug in.

Collect enough pencils for everyone in your league plus a few extras. Someone always shows up with nothing to write with. Small pads for taking notes can also be helpful. Print out enough draft sheets for each member, being sure to make a few extras.

Music, while an important part of a normal party, should be turned off or kept very low so that members can hear one another's selections. If your draft day coincides with a pre-season game, keep the sound turned off so that people can watch but not get distracted by the play-by-play.

If you have members who are unable to make the draft in person, you will need to set up either a conference call or an instant messaging session so that they can make their selections. Consider using a landline for your conference call since cell phones may lose the connection at a critical moment. Agree ahead of time what instant messaging software you will use and test your connection before everyone arrives.

Pre-order your food and decide when you'll have it delivered. Because some leagues are large enough that the draft lasts all day, some hosts like to provide food throughout their party, starting with breakfast and ending with lunch and snacks. Small leagues might consider taking a break halfway through the draft to have lunch. Finger foods like sandwiches or pizza are easy to eat while working. Load up a cooler with beer, soda and ice and bring it into the draft room. That way, members won't miss out on the action going back and forth to the refrigerator.