How to Throw a March Madness Party (and be the MVP of your Friends)

By Chris Frey
March 24, 2011

March Madness Party

You’ve been couch (or bar stool) bound for weeks, watching 64 teams battle it out in the annual college basketball ritual known as March Madness. The Sweet Sixteen games, starting tonight, will determine which college basketball teams play in the Elite Eight this weekend—which, of course, will lead to the Final Four on April 2nd and then the NCAA Championship game two days later. Phew. It's no wonder you've found time for some light reading.

As the last few March Madness basketball games draw near, why not invite some friends to your crib for a March Madness party? No, we're not talking about a Martha Stewart entertaining moment; this is the kind of themed party for which flatscreen #2 makes its way downstairs and the kids' beanbag chairs are pulled out for extra seating.

Ohio State Buckeyes

Ohio State Buckeyes vs. George Mason, March 20, 2011 (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images)

Thanks to that iconic round, orange ball, a basketball-themed party offers endless possibilities. The simple motif is mimicked easily in basketball cakes, balloons, plates and bowls. So start there. Then read below for a plethora of additional details that will take your March Madness party out of the raucous sports bar and into your home.

We’re adhering to mostly orange color themes for the sake of team neutrality (although this OSU alum is betting Buckeyes all the way!) but many of these themed party ideas can be geared to your favorite college basketball teams just by including their colors in your eBay search—i.e. "blue and white streamers" or "red and gray pom-poms." You can also search from among more than 2000 March- Madness- related items on eBay, where online auction sales for these items are up more than five-fold in the 15 days ending March 18 compared to the prior period.

Be the MVP of Your Friends with a March Madness Party Decked Out with these Finds.

New Wilton Basketball Cookie Cutter Set

(buy it now price $13.99)

Round cookies with orange icing are perfectly fine, but these allow for team colors and more.
New Indoor Mini Hoop Basketball Set

(buy it now price, $13.50)

Perfect over a trashcan or for some impromptu competition during commercial breaks.
New Trophy Party Favors

(buy it now price, $9.99)

Use as party favors, or insert little cards to let guests know what’s in all those chili pots and punch bowls.
New Basketball Candles

(buy it now price, $3.95)

Ready to help you celebrate your favorite team’s victory.
New Spalding Basketball Balloon

(buy it now price, $2.84)

Fun indoors, but also perfect outside to let friends know the party is on.
New NCAA Trivia Game

(buy it now price, $8.99)

For pre-game fun, or use it to prepare trivia questions to ask throughout the day.
New OSU Buttons

(buy it now price, $8.90)

Find vintage or new buttons to scatter on the table or to hand out for a little extra team spirit during the game.
New Basketball Plates

(buy it now price, $1.98)

A cartoonish graphic that’s tailor made for the day.
New Duke basketball T-Shirt

(buy it now price, $21.99)

Look on eBay for cool vintage-inspired but NEW team items--usually for much less than at retail. They make great door prizes.
New Basketball Party Lights

(buy it now price, $8.95)

You may not have many occasions for these, but at this price, who can resist?
New Ceramic Basketball Planter

(buy it now price, $3.95)

Another bargain we can’t resist--and perfect for a bowl of nuts or chips.
New Pom Poms

(buy it now price, $2.99)

As with New Years Eve, a few simple props can make partying so much more fun.
New Stars and Stripes Lot Streamers

(buy it now price, $18.99)

Colorful pennant flags strung along a wall or doorway can be a great replacement for streamers.
New Vinyl Bean bag Chair

(buy it now price, $46)

A little something for the kids that doubles as extra seating during the game.