If you are a man planning a poker party for the guys in your life, set the date well in advance, and then make sure you start early to get commitments from 10 to 12 of your best friends. And be sure to confirm as the date approaches. There’s nothing worse than having only two or three people show up for something like poker. For Texas Hold’em, you really need at least five people playing and games that can be played with fewer are more fun with six or eight serious participants. Your table should be big enough to hold ten players.
You need to invest in a nice set of real poker chips. The varieties are endless but do try to avoid the cheap and flimsy plastic ones, rather buy a nice set of colourful clay composite chips. Most home parties need only three denominations; plan on at least 50 chips per person. Go out and purchase two decks of new cards per table; they are inexpensive and your guests will feel good cracking open a brand new deck. Avoid using cash as you may get into trouble with local lawmakers. In some cities you can rent everything, including chairs, tables and even a croupier, for a truly realistic experience, but even if you don’t go to this extreme you can provide a nice evening for your guests using your own resources.
Naturally you are going to want lots of food and beer or other beverages. It’s a good idea to set up a small table close by each player for his drinks to avoid any spills on the poker table. Poker can be draining and strenuous and your guests will be constantly refuelling. Have a self-serve bar set up close by or in the kitchen. If you do allow drinks at the table, be sure to use absorbent coasters to prevent the cards from becoming wet.
Good ideas for snacks include popcorn, pretzels and other goodies that are not sticky or greasy and bowls should be scattered around the room rather than one large container. If you anticipate needing more, take a break mid-evening and order in pizza. If guests offer to share the cost of the food, do accept their financial contributions gracefully.
Here’s a tasty BBQ Weenies dish that can be made up ahead of time and added to your snack menu.
One cup of catsup
One cup of grape jelly
One package of mini smoked sausages.
Mix the catsup and jelly in a saucepan over medium-low heat, and stir until the jelly has melted into the catsup. Throw in the little sausages and heat through, then keep warm in a crock pot on low heat. Although the catsup/grape jelly combo sounds strange, it will have a delicious BBQ-like flavour.
Or try this one: Make-Your-Own Kabobs
Small chunks of meat: cooked chicken, kielbasa, ham
Grapes
Cherry tomatoes
Cheese cubes
Cucumber slices
Green, red or yellow pepper slices
Any other ingredients you can think of
Soak the kabob sticks first, then alternate your choices on the sticks. Keep in the frig, bringing out a few at a time to the eating area.
Fondue, chicken wings and dip, pickles, and a tray of finger food including cheese chunks, veggies and fruit are popular items as well. Crackers and small sandwiches are other possibilities. Be sure to use small biodegradable paper plates and have lots of napkins available. Don’t be afraid to set some rules about when and where eating is allowed.
It’s a good idea to have a second table set up nearby for those players who are eliminated from the main game early but who still wish to play on in a different format. Alternatively, you might have a quiet area where non-playing guests can enjoy a social time over food and drink once their playing is over.
Start planning today for a truly fun experience with your friends. With a little forethought, you’ll get a reputation for being the host with the most fun parties ever!
