Daily Party Dish

Super Bowl Party Menu

I focus on 3 things when I put together my Super Bowl Party Menu.   

1. There will be more people than chairs so finger foods or meals you can eat while standing are key.
2. The food has to stay out for a long time. People eat before the game and again at halftime.
3. I don’t want to miss any football so no muss, no fuss foods are key. I like to make simple foods I can use a couple of different ways. You’ll see what I mean below.

The menu below is what works for me. We have about 30 people over and start about 3 hours before kickoff.  Our group is not shy around the table so this menu is pretty large. You can certainly trim this down with no problem. Make sure you leave time for conversation, eating and watching The Game!

Jimmy’s Super Bowl Party Menu

Appetizers. I'm looking to do more than pizza, pretzels, peanuts this year. Not that I'm against those, but I want to spice things up this year. 

• Quesadillas. Good Housekeeping has an easy to make Cubano quesadilla.   I would cook my own pork and use a sharper cheese. I cook enough pork loin so I can use it here and as a main course.
• Kielbasa Puffs. This is easy enough to do and it lets me serve kielbasa for sandwiches.
• There are many options for dips including commercial dips and salsas or Rachel Ray’s 7 Layer Dip which I think I will be making.
  
• Nachos. I empty a bag of nacho chips on a cookie tray. Then cover it with hot chili and lots of shredded cheddar. Ten minutes in the broiler, add some jalapenos and bam! Great nachos. Of course you could always make Super Chili Nachos.
  
• Healthy stuff.  As we get older my friends are much more conscious about what they eat so I try to put out some healthy options. The vegetable tray is always a hit and I’ve had good luck with a simple fruit bowl.

Main Course. Yes, you read that correctly, a main course. Even after all of these delicious appetizers. All of these allow you to put them out early and they will last (and still be delicious) at halftime.

• Roast pork.  I use a 3 -5 pound loin with a simple recipe of garlic, olive oil and black pepper. I serve it on a cutting board and let people cut it how they like it. Don’t forget to serve a very good mustard with this.
• Chicken Wings. I would offer a variety of spices because not everyone likes hot. These are sure to be a hit. And yes I consider them part of the main course.
  
• Sausage and Peppers.  This is probably overkill. If you have two main courses you are probably good but this is one of Jimmy’s “signature” items so my guests expect it. Holds up well during the afternoon.  I use Sicilian Sausage and a mix of hot and mild peppers.
• Chili. You all have a great recipe for this. I go spicy but not 5 alarm.
• Grilled Veggie Wrap.  Again you have to have a healthy option. This works for me since I don’t mind grilling the vegetables before-hand but there are easier options. 

Beverages. You have to remember to have something for your guests to drink during the course of the game. I like to put two coolers out in the main area so guests are able to reload without missing any of the game.

• Beer. This is almost guaranteed. I think though this year I'm going to attempt to find local beers from the cities playing in Super Bowl XLV.
• Pop. There will be kids running around so I have to keep them happy as well.
• Wine. Now this may seem as a surprise, but last year when I had my Super Bowl party, we had wine when the party started, and none when the party ended. Give your guests what they want.
• Bottled water. Some people want nothing to do with Beer, Pop or Wine, so give them bottled water. It's simple and easy.

So cheer on your team with a full and happy stomach!

• Super Bowl Party Ideas from Party411.com
• Super Bowl XLVIII Theme Party
• Super Bowl Party Games and Activities
• Super Bowl Invitation Wording
• Super Bowl Party Supplies and Decorations

 

December Graduation Parties

I teach at a local university and am very aware of the work and effort necessary to get a degree. (Trust me, they earn their degree.) So I always feel bad for those students that graduate in December.  A December graduation is every bit as meaningful as one in the spring. My students are just as excited and just as proud of their accomplishment.

But they never seem to have a graduation party. Like December birthdays these very special occasions seem to get swallowed up by the holidays.

We here at Party411 say, Don’t Let It Happen!!! This is our official reminder to celebrate the occasion. The graduate deserves a celebration on par with the spring graduations.  No matter what your graduate says they will appreciate the celebration. 

Be proud of your graduate and reward them with a December graduation party!

• Graduation Party Ideas from Party411.com
• Open House Graduation Party
• What's Hot for Graduation?
• 7 Tips for Graduation Thank You Notes
  

Thanksgiving Idea: Turkey Bowl

When I was in college I loved Thanksgiving weekend. It was my first trip home since the start of school and it was fun to see my friends. You could always count on 3 things. Wednesday night was quite the party. Thursday afternoon was a huge feast.  And Thursday morning was the Turkey Bowl.

We would all get together and have a fairly brutal game of football. No quarter asked and none given. We survived only because we were young (and not particularly bright). As years went by we got married and the game changed. It was a co-ed game and the reduction in testosterone led to an increase in intelligence. A much friendlier game and just a good reason for friends to get together before going to their families.

Since rules vary by family I am going to give you the rules that my group follows every Thanksgiving and you can modify them to fit your own playing field. We play two hand touch. Count to 5 before you rush the quarterback (and trust me those rushes aren’t very enthusiastic). Since our yard is small there are no 1st downs. Score a touchdown or punt in 4 plays.  We go for two point conversions to help avoid ties. But the rules don’t matter. Just have some fun.

You will need the proper gear for the game. I suggest the following:

• Sweat pants (don’t wear your favorites because these will get trashed).
• Layers of tops including a hoodie. As you warm up you can shed a layer or two and have something to throw on after the game.
• Cheerleaders. We brought the kids when they were little and some friends that were either injured, hung over or unwilling to play.
• A sideline reporter (hopefully with a sharp tongue and a willingness to berate the level of play) adds to the event. 
• A well rehearsed celebratory dance on the off chance you make a good play.
• Your favorite pain reliever. You’ll need it!

Playing the Turkey Bowl will help build a great appetite for your Thanksgiving feast!

• Thanksgiving Planning Guide from Party411
• Turkey Bowl
  
• Thanksgiving Crafts Party
• Thanksgiving Kid's Table Pilgram Hat Straw Toppers

5 Reasons MLB Playoffs are a Good Reason to Party

I love a great baseball party so I’m a little prejudiced but I have 5 good reasons you should consider a baseball theme party. This will work as an end of summer party or for the MLB Playoffs.

1. They work inside or outside. A beautiful fall afternoon or evening gives you one more day on the deck or patio and if it rains it’s easy to move the party inside.
2. The pace of the game is slow.  I know this is a reason that many people don’t like baseball but it’s a good thing for a party. Giving people plenty of time to chat, mingle, eat and do other party things.
3. It’s easy to host. Put out some baseball themed party supplies and/or noisemakers and cook burgers and dogs. Doesn’t get much easier than that.
4. Not everyone has to play. Just like some players don’t get into the game you’ll find some guests don’t get into baseball. No problem. Just have a room or area in the yard away from the TV or radio where they can chat and they’ll have as much fun as anyone else.
5. It’s easy to find someone to cheer for.  Of course, if your hometown team is playing you have to root for them. If not, just root against the favorites, because really everyone loves a good underdog.
   

Follow these tips and your baseball party will be a homerun. You can check out more baseball party ideas at Party411.com. If you want to share any other baseball tips leave them in the comments section!

Celebrating Mardi Gras.... with food!

Today’s Mardi Gras! You know, parades, masks, hurricanes and King Cake.  Our family doesn’t celebrate the day as much anymore. I guess we got too busy. But when I was younger this was a big day. Carnevale! For us it was all about family getting together to eat (we put the Fat into Fat Tuesday), to talk and if the wine flowed a little too freely to sing.

We’re Italian so we didn’t eat the traditional Mardi Gras foods. For us it was polenta. I know, peasant food but hey you can’t deny your roots. Don’t worry though by the time we added sausage, ribs, olive oil, garlic and parmesan cheese we had a meal fit for a king (at least we thought so!). 

When the family all lived on the same street we would have about 30 people around the table. A huge pot of polenta would be spread right on the table, covered with meat (we didn’t use red sauce too much although it was available). Then we would dig in. We usually tried to cut off pieces so that eventually we ended up with the map of Italy, made from polenta, on the table.  Great fun!

As the family moved away from the old neighborhood my Mom and Dad would host Carnevale just for our family. It was good to get there early since it was one of the few meals they made together. Needless to say there was “serious discussion” about the right way to cook, to serve, etc. My poor father tried hard but he was usually wrong and Mom was right.

Unfortunately the tradition seems to be ending. Too bad, because while it lacked the glitter and history of New Orleans it was still a blast. Wait I still have a couple of hours, hmmmmn?

- Jimmy

Five Great Fall Parties

 

I know the kids are back in school but I’m tired of hearing that summer is over and we’re back to the old grind. Come on we’re party people!  Fall is a great time to have a party. Your friends are back from vacation and they are not busy with the holidays yet. The result is plenty of people showing up at your celebration.  Here are my five favorite fall parties.

1. Backyard Clambake. Whether you do a traditional New England clambake or a clambake on the grill there is not better way to spend a fall evening. The food is messy enough that no one is too formal and sitting fireside on a fall night can’t be beat.
2. Tailgating Party. We have a pro team in town so Sunday is the day to tailgate for us but this works just as well on Saturday for a college game.  A fun way to get ready to watch the game. In fact, I know a lot of people that don’t go to the game but just to the tailgating party.
3. Oktoberfest Party. Beer is served by the barrel.  Need I say more?
4. Texas Hold ‘Em Party. Ok, maybe this doesn’t scream fall but if you have to come inside why not have a card party.  Hold ‘em parties can be for 8 people to 100 so they are easily scalable to what you need. For the not too serious players there is always food and the occasional cocktail.
5. Halloween Party. Let’s see. I get to decorate my house and myself. I spend a whole night role playing. My friends dress silly and act silly. Count me in!

Help me out folks and fight the end of summer blues. We have months of good weather left and plenty of good party ideas. Let’s enjoy!

-Jimmy

The Birthday Outing, A Guy's Party!

I can’t believe my 58th birthday is almost here. Yikes! I guess I better start getting serious about having some fun. I’ll start with the birthday outing. The basic party is similar to the Guy’s Birthday Party on our site.  It’s a pretty easy party to throw if you remember the basics about the male of the species.

1. Give the guys some time to be guys with the guys. I know it’s shocking but we behave a bit differently in front of ladies than we do with our fellow men.  It’s fun for us to have a couple of hours where we can, frankly, misbehave.  For us that means a golf outing.  Forty golfers this year and I simply refuse to let women play. Is that wrong? Probably, but I’m pretty sure most of my guests are ok with it.
2. Competition is in our blood.  We bet on the golf course. We compete later at horseshoes, bocce and cornhole.  It might look like we’re arguing but we’re just having fun.  LET GUYS PLAY!
3. We really like beating our kids.  This has become an inter-generational party with the Fathers vs. Sons golf match a very serious affair. Of our forty players half are over 50 and half are in their 20s. I guarantee this adds to the fun for both generations.
4. It is inexcusable to run out of beer and ice.  I don’t condone overdrinking but this is one day when having a beer in your hand just feels right.  The bar is easy.  No foo-foo drinks, no umbrellas.  Just some beer and a bottle or two of liquor and your work is done.
5. Again keep it simple.  We are meat eaters and we like to grill.  Burgers and brats for sure. As we’ve gotten older we’ve embraced chicken so some grilled chicken sandwiches can work as well.  A pre-made salad or two, cut up a watermelon and once again your work is done.

The ladies join us after golf. We try to get done on the course by 3:30. Dinner is served by 5. Summertime is busy for everyone so why try to fight it. If people have dinner/evening plans they can come early for a bit. If they are busy in the afternoon they can come later and join the frivolity. Almost an open house type of deal.  Remember it’s a party for guys so informality is just fine.

Sure it’s a simple plan but we’re simple creatures. Enjoy!
Jimmy

Five Reasons for a Banner at Your July 4th Party

Banners are fun at any party but they seem to work even better on July 4th.  Here are five reasons you should use a banner at your Independence Day party.

 

1.    Get Found in a Crowd.  Many of us go to the Community Park to cook out, throw the Frisbee around and watch fireworks. It’s tough finding your group in a sea of humanity, especially if you are lugging a heavy cooler around.  A banner, even a small one, makes it a lot easier for everyone to locate the party.

2.    They Last. These parties are outside and weather can be an issue.  Even a brief shower can ruin your best home made effort.  Getting a weather resistant banner gives you one less thing to worry about.

3.    It’s an inexpensive welcome sign.  This is just one man’s opinion but I always relax a little when I see a welcome sign (or welcome flags) at a party. I immediately assume it will be a great party. I guess it makes me feel the host paid attention to the details which is always a good “sign”.

4.    Acknowledge special people or events.  Whether it’s Scott and Amy’s anniversary or Grandma’s birthday there always seems to be a special occasion worthy of fireworks.  Most custom banners let you send a personalized message while keeping the patriotic theme.

5.    To celebrate the USA.  This is probably the best reason.  July 4th isn’t just a party but a celebration of the American dream.  We should all remember the dream and the work we have to do to make that dream a reality.  Seems like this year that message should be shouted across the nation.  A banner is a good way to start.

Happy picnicking and God Bless America!

Jimmy

Autumn Cocktails

 

Okay, I admit it. I like the occasional cocktail at a party. But deciding what kind of cocktails to serve is a challenge. Sure beer and wine is always acceptable but I’ve been looking for some Autumn Cocktails that are different I can serve for our Halloween party and at our football gatherings. Found some fun sites and thought you might be interested.

• Epicurious has a fun section that features videos about “Solid Cocktails”  (whoever heard of eating your drink) and there’s a Bubble Gum Vodka recipe that sounds interesting.
• The Bar.com is kind of slow to load but it has tons of great recipes. Go to thebar.com   and click on occasion. You’ll find drink recipes for Halloween, autumn and Thanksgiving
• If you are looking for some non-alcoholic drink recipes try these easy autumn drink recipes. 
• Of course this time of year you have to go on a pumpkin binge. Recipe4Living has some Pumpkin Drink Recipes that sound really good. 
• Having said all this I’ll probably end up drinking some Oktoberfest beer from our own Great Lakes Brewing Company. Fabulous stuff like all of their beers.

Fall is a great time to party. Clambakes, Halloween, Oktoberfest and football parties are all good reasons to get together with friends to share good food and great drinks.  Enjoy!

 

-Jimmy

A Vote for Spontaneous Parties

I am surrounded by some of the best party planners in the world. I’ve learned to value party planning and strongly believe that good party planning will help make your party great.

Having said all that sometimes I think we over plan parties. Especially in the summertime. Today it seems like a party requires invitations, checking calendars, planning a menu and decorating. All this planning makes for some great parties but also means some lost opportunities.

I think I spend too many gorgeous summer evenings “doing nothing” because nothing was planned. Well, that has to change.

Remember, all you need for a successful party is good friends, good conversation, some music, maybe some finger food and the occasional adult beverage.

So the next time it’s a beautiful summer night I’m going to call a couple of neighbors and ask them to drop on in. Someone will have some chips in the pantry, or a cheesecake in the freezer. We usually have a decent bottle of wine in the cupboard. I’ll throw in a CD or turn on a ball game and instead of doing nothing I’m going to have a “spur of the moment” pleasant little party on the patio.

Sounds like fun, doesn’t it?

- Jimmy