(ISS. 5/GEN. 1)
�by The Whack*A*Doo Chef
At a very young age I was bitten by the entertaining bug. I believe my mother was the one who brought it into the house. She would always be planning or executing some seemingly impossible tasks prior to having hordes of people to host for the evening. Cut the cheeses, make the dips, and ice the waters; these were all of my pre-party chores.
My Co-hosting duties began when the guests would arrive. I was gracious and more than willing to take their coats, while offering them a cocktail from the bar, (which, of course, I didn't learn how to prepare until I could see over the bar without a foot stool.)
Watching my Mother float from one conversation to the next, never forgetting her hosting duties, I began to realize why she cared so much about making her guests comfortable. The answer was simple: it was fun! She never forgot that the point of hosting an event is to throw the most entertaining party possible.
I adopted this philosophy immediately thereafter and she helped mold me into the party planner I am today. Throughout middle school and high school she helped me plan and Co-host some of the hottest parties in town. That's why I've decided to bring the readers of INGEST THIS! a fabulous party, each month, from the list I've compiled of personally Road-Tested Parties!
The Beers of the World Party
This is where I must give credit to my sister. She mentioned the success she had with this party, in a slightly different incarnation. The Readers & I both thank you!
THEME: The brilliance of this party is the "Ticket Price." Title your invitation/ e-vite (www.evite.com) "Beers of the World Party," noting: "All you need to get in is a 6 pack of beer. Be adventurous with your own selections, in case all of your guests decide to bring the "Beers of America."
HOUR'S DEVOURS:
What goes best with beer?
� Pretzels!
Buy rods, nuggets and twists, giving your guests the option. Served in separate dishes or together also provides for a decorative esthetic.
� Chicken Wings!
If you can't make them, order in. Spicy, greasy goodness� need I say more?
� The Best Veggie Platter!
Veggie Platters are an amazing addition to any themed party table. Vegans, vegetarians and meat-eaters unite in conversation over this crisp party treat. I suggest celery, a traffic-light of bell peppers (red, yellow and green,) cucumber, cherry tomatoes, and Jicama (seasonal.)
Note: Always have extra blue cheese dressing on hand when serving both Chicken Wings & a Veggie Platter.
BEVERAGES:
This should be painfully obvious by the title of the party.
* BEER!!!
NON-ALCOHOLIC OPTION:
N/A Beer, Near Beer, Root Beer, or Ginger Beer (in bottles.)
Note: Always choose your designated driver before the party begins.
As the gusts arrive and place there beer in the cooler, give them and their guests blank name tags. Where it says Hello My Name is, inform them to write the name of the beer they brought and where it's from. This is a sure fire way to inspire conversation between guests who don't know each other.
MUSIC:
What's great about having a "Beers of the World Party" is being able to play music from around the globe without your friends looking at you too strangely. If you don't already own any run to your local record store. I suggest compilation CD's. Get some that fall under specific countries and some that are classified as "Chill," and you should be safe.
This "Road-Tested Party" is now yours to take for a spin. Enjoy!
THE WHACK*A*DOO CHEF CONTINUES DEVISING & ROAD-TESTING PARTIES IN, EVER BEAUTIFUL, LOS ANGELES, CA.
[that's I.T!]
