Easy Super Bowl Party Foods & Recipes

It's that time of year again, when football fans get together for the biggest blowout of the year while comfortably ensconced on the couch watching the big game on Super Bowl Sunday.

If you're new to football theme parties, take a tip from others who are into entertaining at NFL football games throughtout the year.

That is - think fast and convenient foods and recipes to make it easy on you, and allow your party guests to nosh as they enjoy the game.

As the clock ticks down to the kick-off, it's time to get your game on with these super easy Super Bowl party tips:

Remember that Super Bowl Sunday traditionally starts around 6PM on the East Coast (5Pm Central, 4PM Mountain and 3PM Pacific) so timing is all important when you're planning to send out your Super Bowl party invitations. 

If you may want to invite friends over early to watch the pregame show warmup,  make sure you plan on greeting them at the door with plenty of finger food already on hand. Chips, dip, celery and carrot sticks, olives, deviled eggs (the kids will them, too), and cheese or nacho platters will all be devoured by game time, guaranteed.

For a quick hot dish, remember that the ever-popular buffalo chicken wings broil up fast. Make it easy by having the celery sticks and bleu cheese dip ready the night before for an instant snack that will also really score lots of points with guests.

For the kids, you can't beat chicken nuggets along with their favorite dip. Sodas or sports drinks, together with hot chocolate and marshmallows will fit right in with your football theme. 

And, for the adults what's a Super Bowl game without the beer?

When it's time for the half time show, get ready to seriously chow down with pans of baked ziti, lasagna and other make ahead meals you can freeze and latter warm up on the afternoon of the big game.

Later, don't forget to leave room for dessert. Again, these should be easy to make and to eat, so consider serving up cookies, homemade cupcakes, heaping bowls of ice cream, or try whipping up a quick strawberry shortcake - made from sliced store-bought pound cake smothered in strawberries and cream. 

Finally, whether they're favorite team wins or loses, send your guests home happy with a goody bag filled with foam #1 hands, a football player bobble head figure, protein health bars, beef jerky, team stickers, or other small football-themed giveaways.
Have fun!


More about Super Bowl party ideas and recipes around the Web:
Super Bowl Party Recipes
Super Bowl Party Game Ideas
Super Bowl Party Ideas for Kids and Families

School Class Birthday Party Etiquette

There's no better way for kids to bond with their classmates or make new friends than including their school buddies to help celebrate your child's birthday. 


Before you go start party planning, however, check out these rules of etiquette on the proper way to handle invitations, party food, and other things to consider for a 'no tears' birthday party for your school age child:

• Don't give out invitations in the classroom unless inviting the whole class. Be discreet when giving the invitations to the parents you meet after school or, better yet, mail the invitations to each child's home.

Above all, avoid any ostentacious displays. For example, one mother we know recently distributed balloons outside school with the party invitation enclosed inside. Those children NOT invited kept asking their moms -  "Hey, where's my balloon?" 

Needless to say, the "balloon stunt" was not very popular with other moms. If in doubt, give a thought to how your child would feel if they were excluded from a party and act accordingly.

• While baking cupcakes to distribute in class for your child's birthday is a popular custom, be sure to take into consideration dietary restrictions. Some children are  allergic to wheat or nuts, or are restricted from eating sugary snacks. Ask your child's teacher for guidance and, if it's OK, try to include appropriate treats for those on restricted diets.

• Pick a number of guests and stick to it. You'll find that kids want to add and substract on the whim of the moment. Do ask for the child's input, but remember that your the adult party planner who has the final say.

• Finally, keep control of the invitation list, and don't let it get out of hand. A good rule of thumb is to invite as many children as they age of your child - plus one.

Have fun!


More about school classroom birthday party etiquette around the Web:

Kid Party Etiquette on Sending Invitations to School


Birthday Party Etiquette for Your School Age Child

How to Hire A Limousine Without Being Taken for a Ride...

It's spring as party season is kicking into high gear.

Meanwhile, limousine services' phones are ringing off the hook with calls from prom dates and bridal parties looking for sleek looking wheels to get them to the dance hall or church in style, and on time.

Whether you're hiring a limo for a prom, wedding, a bachelor party or bachelorette party, before you make a final decision take a tip from the experts on how best to hire a limo without getting taken for a ride:

Like all great party planning, don't leave the details to the last minute. Take your time and shop around for the best limo at the best price your can afford.

Word to the wise: When it comes to limo hire, cheapest is usually not the best. Would you entrust cheap, fly-by-night operation to move your precious belongings? The same rule applies to limousine companies and their performance as they safely whisk you and your prom or bridal party from point A to B.

First, check the Better Business Bureau for any complaints against your prospective limo company like no-shows, dirty interiors, or rude drivers.

If you have the time, make a personal visit to the company garage to kick the tires and inspect the cars they have in their lineup. Do they actually have that stretch Hummer limo they advertise? What about the amenities they feature such as a bar, TV, moon roof or any other features you would like included?

Next, ask for references directly from the company representative so that you can call or e-mail other customers about their experiences. Was the driver on time? Did they drive safely? Were they polite & courteous? And, finally, did they know where they were going or did they need detailed directions?

While most reputable professional limousine services will want a detailed itinerary from you anyway, don't sit back and get comfortable just yet. There have been nightmare scenarios reported about drivers not really knowing the best route to a party or wedding - leading to panic, anger and disgruntled guests - before the party ever started. So always have the directions written down, just in case.

Finally, READ THE CONTRACT before you sign it to avoid any unpleasant surprises later, or pay extra for costs already included (like the tip, for example.) If a tip is NOT included, the rule of thumb is to give your driver 15% to 20% of the total fare. Of course, that figure can be adjusted depending upon your experiences with the driver and the company. Hopefully, and with a bit of planning, it will be a happy one.

Have fun!

More about hiring limos around the Web:

How to Choose a Limousine Service for Your Wedding

How To Rent a Limousine: Arriving in Style in a Limo

What Should I Tip a Limo Driver?