The 2012 campaign season is drawing to a close and will finally be decided on Nov. 6. Grab a few friends and celebrate this important coming-of-age experience with an election party while you watch the results come in from each state. Here are some tips that are sure to get you a high approval rating among your guests.
American eats
Combine classic American finger foods with some of the candidates’ favorite dishes. Serve mini crescent hot dogs with ketchup and mustard, small slices of flatbread pizza,
watermelon and New England clam chowder. Add the candidates’ favorite foods — President Obama loves homemade chili and Gov. Mitt Romney’s favorite sandwich is peanut butter and honey — for a perfectly balanced menu.
Delicious additions
Draw from the candidates’ home states and American-themed favorites for sweet dessert and drink inspiration. Celebrate Hawaii, Obama’s home state, with Hawaiian shave ice and Michigan, Romney’s home state, with pot pies or fruit pies. Make Blue Hawaiian virgin cocktails by mixing blue fruit punch, coconut milk, a splash of pineapple juice and a can of ginger ale. Serve your guests Rice Krispie Treats and fudge — Snap, Crackle and Pop, Rice Krispies’ mascots, were designed at the Kellogg’s headquarters in Michigan, and Mackinac Island, Mich. is famous for its fudge.
Home décor
American flags and party hats are a must-have at any election party. Make your party
extra patriotic with red, white and blue balloons or American flag paper fans ($10.99 for six fans on shindigz.com) and an assortment of paper lantern lights. To keep the fun going, buy a few patriotic beach balls for guests to toss around and life-size cut outs of the candidates so guests can take pictures with them. Finish by sprinkling the floor with star confetti, and the room will be ready for a celebration.
Party games
Keep your guests entertained by playing fun, election-themed games. Pin the tail on the donkey — and the elephant — is a new spin on a classic game. Split your guests into two teams according to political party preferences to keep the game exciting. Organize a game of trivia by using fun facts about the candidates and their running mates, and have your guests guess whom each fact is about. Throughout the night, hold your own mock election by having everyone vote for the candidate they would like to win. Tally up the votes and proclaim the winner of your game just before the actual results are announced.
Make some noise
Be sure to leave your guests with a souvenir that will last. Pass out campaign buttons your guests can decorate themselves. Also hand out plenty of noise makers — your guests may want to make a lot of commotion in anticipation of the election returns.
A version of this article appeared in the Monday, Nov. 5 print edition. Kendall Hill is a staff writer. Email her at [email protected].
