Dear Kid,

Happy February!

Not only is tomorrow Groundhog Day (I love a holiday that celebrates furry critters), it is also the second most indulgent Day of Eating As Much As You Can in the US (the first being Thanksgiving). It is Superbowl Sunday.

Potato chips Super Bowl Party 10 Things You Have to Know DearKidLoveMom.comSome of us will be watching the Big Game from the comfort of our own home, in PJs, wrapped in comfy blankets. Some of us will be gathered in dorm rooms, passing around big bags of chips. Some of us will be attending (various degrees of) lavish football-themed parties.

Wherever we are, some of us will be screaming at the TV, some of us will be waiting for the commercials, some of us will be focusing on the food. You know who you are.

Having attended four professional-ish events in the last week (yep, it’s been busy), I have a few things to say about parties.

  1. If you are going to serve hot hors d’oeuvres it’s a good idea if they are (what’s the word I’m looking for? Oh, yeah) hot.
  2. If you are going to serve crab cakes, it’s kind of cool if there is actual crab included.
  3. If you are a server, there is no need to be sullen. Especially if you are the coffee refill person at an event that begins at 7:30am in a venue that is–for lack of a better work–freezing.
  4. If someone asks for decaf, do not tell them that the high-octane coffee is decaf. They may come kill you when they’re still awake at 4am.
  5. If you have a drawing for a door prize, it’s better if you pick me.
  6. If you are going to throw a shin-dig in the ‘Nati in winter, you need a place for coats.
  7. If you are hosting an event at which people will be standing around talking, holding drinks, and eating (simultaneously at the same time) do not serve something that requires knives. Especially if you don’t plan to provide knives.
  8. If you’re not sure everyone at your party will be rooting for the same team, hide the knives.
  9. If you’re planning to serve food that spills easily, it might be a good idea to have a hungry dog handy to help with clean-up after especially exciting plays.
  10. Super Bowl Parties need not be over-the-top affairs. Warm up a pizza (if you try having it delivered during game time, you’re probably out of luck), open a bag of chips, and don’t forget to have fun at your own party.

Love, Mom