Sports Sunday Celebration
Love to party? TV game time is just one more excuse to get friends together and celebrate with good food. Let the games begin!
Throwing some chips and dip out on a table is easy, but why not have a party with some kick? With a few suggestions and the recipes we're giving you as well as some easy ways to prepare and serve them, you'll soon be known as that fun and favorite party host!
Make It SpecialLet Your Invitations Bowl Over Your Guests
- Make an invitation to resemble a scoreboard. Decorate it with sports stickers found at party and gift stores. Indicate "The clock is running, so don't be late."
Get to Know the Stars
- Pin the name of a football player or coach on the backs of guests as they arrive. Guests then have to guess who they are by asking questions of others.
Decorate with Style
- Create team pennants from colored card stock, and attach to wooden sticks. Place a bunch in a spray-painted foam ball for a centerpiece. Scatter collector sports cards around the centerpiece.
Make a "Soup-er" Table
- Set up a chili bar that can't be topped with a variety of toppers. Include crackers in fun shapes, taco chips, croutons, salsa, shredded cheeses, sour cream, pesto, sliced green onions, red pepper sauce, chopped fresh cilantro, toasted nuts and chopped sun-dried tomatoes. Make the chili self-service by placing cooked chili in a slow cooker.
- Short on table linens? Use an assortment of bright-colored napkins to place condiments on. Roll up flatware in assorted bright-colored napkins, and place in a flowerpot or basket.
Preparation Guide
Up to 1 Month Ahead
- Make Chili for a Crowd; freeze tightly covered. (Thaw one day in refrigerator.)
Up to 2 Days Before
- Make Chili for a Crowd if not already made and frozen.
The Day Before
- Prepare fruit and jicama for Jicama-Citrus Salad; store separately in refrigerator. Make dressing; cover and refrigerate.
- Bake brownies.
The Morning Of
- Prepare Caramelized-Onion Focaccia Wedges up to the point of baking; store wrapped in refrigerator.
- Mix salsa and preserves for Cream Cheese Fiesta Spread; store covered in refrigerator.
- Place toppings for chili in serving containers; refrigerate the perishables.
- Make Big-Batch Corn Muffins.
About 20 Minutes Before Serving Main Course
- Warm covered breads in 350°F oven.
- Set up toppings buffet.
About 10 Minutes Before Serving Main Course
- Place chili, breads and salad on table.
About 15 Minutes Before Serving Dessert