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

St. Patrick's Day Party Ideas

Whoop it up this St. Patrick's Day with fun ideas for party-goers of all ages who want to celebrate their Irish heritage or who just want to be Irish for a day! Below, find the fixin's for favorite party foods, drinks, decorating, games and activities, with related St. Paddy's Day party resources from around the Web ....

Irish Food & Fixin's

Boil up the traditional corned beef and cabbage with sides of potatoes, carrots (and lots of butter) or head off the main road to serve an old-fashioned Irish Lamb Stew, or Colcannon (in the UK it's called "bubble and squeak'). If you're really feeling your oats, how about a traditional Shepherd's Pie made with chunks of lamb and vegetables?

Goin' Green

A splash o' green on party streamers, tableclothes and tableware will get guests in the mood for some serious St. Patrick's Day partyin'! Have plenty of green food dye to color the beer and other St. Patrick's Day party drinks (and don't forget a mug of Irish coffee for dessert!)

And what would St. Patrick's Day be without an authentic recipe for Irish soda bread?

St. Patrick's Day Songs, Games and Activities

Get them rolling in the aisles with an Irish Jig Dance Off with prizes for the best, most creative or funniest interpretation set to traditional Irish music on the CD player.

A round of Irish trivia is always fun, or get your guests moving at a St. Patrick's Day scavenger hunt with Irish-themed items hidden about the house. Of course, for a real authentic party atmosphere, decorate a part of the house to look like an Irish pub and let the darts game tournament begin!

Meanwhile, you can keep the little ones busy with downloadable St. Patrick's Day coloring pages, puzzles and craft activities. Just for laughs, also get the adults involved in constructing a Leprechaun trap that's easily made with a cardboard box and an old shoe!

Send guests home extra happy with party goodie bags filled with a combination of treats to take with them including shamrock plants, gold foil-wrapped chocolate coins, green mint candies, shamrock stickers, or "Kiss Me I'm Irish" pins.

Have a Happy St. Patrick's Day!

More about St. Patrick's Day party ideas around the Web:

St. Patrick's Day Party Ideas

St. Patrick's Day Party Ideas from Evite

Elvis Birthday Party Ideas

Yes, the King still lives! His music and films continue to inspire Elvis themed weddings and Elvis birthday parties that are still going strong worldwide commemorating the rock n roll icon.

Celebrating Elvis is as easy as turning the ol' jukebox on (today, that's a CD or DVD player) and letting the good times roll. Decorate with Elvis posters, feature some popular 50's foods, add a party game or two - and you have all the makings for a hunka hunka popular party idea.

Set the mood by selecting a general Elvis theme, or center the party around one of his most popular movie hits like Viva Las Vegas or Blue Hawaii for a fun luau party theme.

To decorate, search online for affordable Elvis posters, rummage around antique shops for old Elvis album covers and records, or simply print out images from the Internet.

And what would an Elvis party be without the party games?

Since music is such an important part of any Elvis party, get the house rockin' with a round of Name That Tune or a hip-shaking Elvis karaoke contest. Prizes can also be given out for the best impersonation or dance moves during the performance.

For the non-musical guests, try "Pin the Tail on the Hound Dog" or an Elvis trivia contest. Finally, buy a life-size Elvis cutout so that all guests can gather round for a picture with the King!

Food ideas "Fit for a King" can include fried chicken, 50's burgers and shakes, chicken "love me" tenders, or the famous fried peanut butter & banana sandwiches that Elvis loved so well. And don't forget the guitar shaped cake for a sweet ending to your Elvis celebration.

Say "thank you, thank you very much" by sending guests home happy with a goody bag filled with Reeses Pieces, toy sunglasses, a CD of Elvis hits, and photos from the party for an Elvis party keepsake they'll long remember.

More about Elvis party themes around the Web:

Elvis Party Ideas

Elvis Party Ideas for Preteens

Elvis Fan Site