Football Season - Home Stadium

Football season - a nip in the air and a feeling of excitement, enthusiasm, and a whole lot of fun. But all that cheering, whether in the stadium or in your living room means that food will be a main requirement to keep the momentum going. A sit-down dinner is out of the question and buffet-style is as good as it gets. Lots of finger-foods and snack-items so that during intermission, plates can be filled up and not a minute of the action will be missed. Decor for all your football parties is simple and should not be too "busy." After all, the game will be the highlight of the event. Choosing team colors, banners, and other paraphernalia that represents your favorite team, who you are rooting for, or the colors of the teams that are currently playing will, of course, dominate your choice of "decor." Fall flowers (mums, dried flowers, etc.) can grace your table as well as pumpkins and bowls of fresh apples and Indian apples. Hot foods can be kept at serving temperatures in chafing dishes or in casserole dishes over tea candles. Cold dishes such as fresh fruit should be placed in containers of ice that hold the serving bowl securely but keep the contents icy-cold. A green tablecloth marked with white-chalk goal lines is fun and decorative. Invitations can include an envelope with "game" tickets to your home event, as well as a printed season schedule for the team of choice. Many banks and insurance companies have these for free. A main course of hot, spicy chili with crackers, extra cheese, onions, and hot peppers or an on-going supply of your favorite "hot wings" is a sure-fire bet for success. Beverages can include a hearty punch, beer, wine, slush, carbonated beverages, and coffee. Having a variety of dips, salsas, and spread adds to the festivities. Dessert items: brownies, extra-large chocolate chip or oatmeal cookies, pound cake cubes with strawberry and chocolate sauces available, fruit compote, rice pudding - However you set up your buffet, have fun and ENJOY!