guiltless game day recipes & DIY decor

This shop, Throw the Ultimate Game Day Party, has been compensated by Collective Bias, Inc. and the Coca-Cola Company. All opinions are mine alone. #ReadyForKickoff #CollectiveBias

It’s the start of the new year and the excitement of the holidays is behind us. So naturally, this party planning junkie has turned my sights on gearing up for the upcoming  big game!

This year, I was one of the millions of Americans who made a new year’s resolution to take better care of myself. However, eating light and the big game don’t always mix, so this year I’m resolving to throw a game day party that is both delicious and light. After all, the food is one of the best parts of the day, so no skimping on flavor will be tolerated – by my guests OR me!

Today I’m going to show you how to throw the ultimate game day watch party – complete with lighter recipes and inexpensive, DIY decor ideas.

Last weekend, I pulled together a party spread for the football game, in preparation for the big one!  When I have a special gathering with friends and family such as this, it’s fun to set a theme that makes it feel extra special. I also believe in simple, DIY party decor that makes a big impact, on a budget.

For this occasion, I want something with a  vintage varsity feel to it. I’m started with these fun gold foil balloons.

I decided to make flags and pendents for the table using various bits of felt and fabric I had on hand, and added black stick-on varsity letters I got at the craft store.

I placed the flags in some copper mugs and topped them sponge moss.

To make a simple bunting, I used mini clothes pins from our art wall to attach the pendants to hemp string.

And, I love the way the vase looks like a trophy, with the football and sponge moss topping it.

Now for the best part: the food.

As I mentioned earlier, I’m trying to lighten up my eating, but I wanted to serve special appetizers, desserts, and drinks that would taste indulgent.

I started with a simple appetizer of RITZ Crackers topped with ricotta cheese, finely chopped green onions, and topped with a triangle shaped slice of prosciutto, rolled up.

These Crudité Shooters with Cucumber Dill Dip, served in shot glasses, are always a hit.

The dip is simple to make – combine all of the below ingredients and pipe into the single serve glasses before adding  fresh matchstick veggies:

• 1 C. plain Greek yogurt or light sour cream
• 1 C. light mayo
• 1 C. cucumber, finely diced or shredded, and excess water absorbed
• 1 T. dried dill
• 1 clove minced garlic, if desired

For a sweet treat, I sliced some apples and dipped them in a thin layer of melting chocolate. 

Then, I poured melted, but slightly cooled, white almond bark in a ziplock bag and trimmed a tiny corner off the bottom to create a makeshift piping bag. I piped white “laces” on the skin side of the apples to resemble little footballs. Cute, right?

I added a small fruit bar to infuse the  Coke Zero we served with custom fruit flavors. 

You can serve any fruit that’s in season: peaches, strawberries, citrus fruits or pineapple. Seriously, this is so good and refreshing!

Now for the showstopper! This Pear Baked Brie is simply divine. The flavors of the pears, pecans, and melted brie meld together and pack a delicious punch for your tastebuds . Served on the buttery flavor of a RITZ Cracker, this appetizer is just…everything. But, don’t take my word for it! You need to make this recipe for yourself. (Complete recipe far below.)

First, slice the top rind off of the brie. Top it with diced pears, including a little of the juice, and then top with pecan bits, if desired.

Bake at 350 degrees for 25-30 minutes, or until the brie begins to melt. Drizzle with honey, before serving. Delish.

What do you think of my game day party ideas? If you like my tips for throwing the ultimate game day party, you’ll love the recipes and entertaining inspiration found here.

Then, head to Walmart to find everything you need to prepare these game day goodies!

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