How to Host an Elegant Superbowl Party

Ah, the Superbowl: that lovely time of year when you can root for your team as loud as you’d like without consequence, catch some multimillion-dollar commercials and perhaps even spot those who never venture near the kitchen to cook unveil their signature annual chili. But debauchery aside, if you’re hosting a Superbowl party, you don’t have to resign to the trite old plastic bowls and messy beer cans for your shindig. While no one will be checking out your china set or fancy silverware, there is still a way to throw your own sophisticated twist on this American past time. Below are a few tips for keeping it fun but still maintaining some panache as well as some links to a few fun recipe ideas that will be sure to make your party a memorable one.

 The setup:

Arrange your decorative color schemes around your teams, be it the Saints or the Colts. And keep platters and serving dishes consistent and simple. Our serving plates and bowl by Jars Ceramics are ideal and come in a variety of colors and sizes. When it comes to the beer – because you know there will be plenty – be sure to eliminate cans and offer micro brews served on ice in large buckets. Don’t forget to nix the unsightly plastic beer cups and use these Match Pewter Mugs from our Web site.

 The food:

Now as we know, there are the tried ‘n’ true Superbowl standbys – dip, chili, the giant sandwich – but that doesn’t mean you can’t put a new spin on old classics. When he makes chili, suggest he use shredded pork rather than beef. Want to really impress your guests? How about these Cuban Sandwiches? Make your own tortilla chips or maybe some homemade crackers served in our Simon Pearce Huntington Chip and Dip bowl. Also, a living-room buffet setup is preferable, with food spread out for quick and easy access to avoid a time-consuming lineup that causes folks to miss the game’s crucial touchdown.

Try Something New: Forcing Paperwhites

At this time of year we seek fresh decorating ideas for our homes that will take us into spring. Forcing bulbs is the perfect way to bring the promise of spring to a dreary winter day.  Forcing bulbs simply manipulates a plant’s cycle to allow bulb blooming any time of year that you’d like. Narcissus flowers, better known as Paperwhites,  are one of our personal favorites  here at Didriks.  They also are one of the easiest flower bulbs for homeowners to force, as they need only a shallow container of water and use pebbles fro support instead of soil. They also require no “cooling period.”

Below are some simple steps to forcing Paperwhites using Match Pewter’s Large Beaded Footed Oval Basin as a container.

Step 1: Choose Your Container

After you’ve purchased your Paperwhite bulbs, the fun really begins! This is where you’ll get to choose what type of container you’d like. Have fun with this and choose something that you think will spruce up that plain window crook or maybe than empty kitchen island. Today we’re using a pewter basin, but if your taste skews to the more contemporary, try our iittala glass vases.  Almost any container can be used, but for Paperwhites, try to keep it 3 to 4 inches deep.

Step 2: Prepare Container and Water

Place 1 to 2 inches of washed gravel or stones in the bottom of the container then carefully, place the bulbs on the gravel or stones; bulbs don’t need to be spaced as far apart as they would if you were gardening outdoors. Next, place enough gravel or stones over or around the bulbs to hold them in place. Add just enough water to bring it to the bulbs’ roots and subsequently maintain it at this level. Do not immerse the bulbs in water.

Step 3: Watch Your Paperwhites Bloom!

For the brightest bouquet, keep Paperwhites in a cool area until they bloom. When the plants begin to flower, move them to the warmest, sunniest area of your home in order to prolong the flowering of the plants. Continue to keep plants moist daily but be sure not to over-water them.

And viola! Enjoy your sweet Paperwhites!

Owl about it

We’ve all seen it happen: One day there’s a hot new item out in boutique store-front windows and within a few months, it’s tossed into the “SO LAST YEAR!” pile with the rest of the has-beens.  So we find it surprising that one of late 2008’s hottest design and fashion trends is still going strong.  And it has even reinvented its approach to invade the realm of household furnishings! That little gem is none other than the owl.

Now maybe it’s a desire for the more whimsical and wise or perhaps it’s just simply the standard trend cycle that’s keeping this nocturnal creature en vogue but HOOO cares! We love them and aren’t interested in asking too many questions. They’ve been popping up everywhere including  big-box stores like IKEA and even online at community sites like etsy.com in everything from fabrics to T-Shirts to accessories and more recently, in household decor. Among Didriks owl offerings is the iittala Toikka Barn Owl figurine by designer Oiva Toikka .

Click here for some of our other Owlish goods

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