But no more!

Now I serve up a game day spread party-bar style. It’s easy to set up in advance and just refill throughout the day – and frees me up to watch the game, visit our game-day backyard bonfire and (gasp!) actually visit with my friends.

For me, the key to a crowd-pleasing Superbowl party bar is to serve up a main dish that works great alone but also offers a few variations. To make game day serving easy, I pull platters, crock-pots, serving tongs and spoons together a few days beforehand so I’m not searching through cabinets and drawers as guests arrive. I also rely heavily on disposable cups and dishes to make game day as fun and stress-free as possible.

If you’re looking for a few manageable menu ideas for your Superbowl crowd this year, here are three party bar setups that have worked great for me:

Menu 1: Chili Bar with Hot Dogs and Frito Pie Fixin’s
This is a great menu for big parties because you can make chili a day or two in advance, or have your own chili cook-off potluck and invite guests to show-off their favorite recipe!

Set up your Chili party bar with:

• A Crock-pot or two of chili
• A platter of hot dogs (save room and serve them up already in the bun)
• A big bowl of Fritos
• A bowl each of chopped onions and shredded cheese
• And don’t forget the ketchup, mustard and relish

Menu 2: Fajita Bar with and Nacho Fixin’s
This is another easy make-ahead menu. You can cook up the fajita meat the day before or morning of the game, and reheat and serve in Crock-pots for the party.

Set up your Fajita party bar with:

• A Crock-pot or two of Beef and Chicken Fajita meat in bite-sized pieces
• A Crock-pot of queso (melted nacho cheese)
• A covered dish with tortillas – our microwaveable tortilla warmer works great for this
• A big bowl of tortilla chips
• Bowls of shredded cheese and toppers like guacamole, sour cream, salsa and sliced jalapenos
• Go authentic by adding some grilled onions and green peppers and a dish of pico di gallo

Menu 3: Monster Sandwich Bar
Instead of serving platters of ready-made sandwiches, this menu offers a variety of hot and cold meats and the usual toppers. Add an assortment of breads and sandwich rolls and everyone is happy!

Set up your Monster Sandwich party bar with:

• A Crock-pot of pre-made meatballs in marinara
• A platter of popular cold-cuts like ham, turkey and roast beef
• A platter of cheeses like American, Swiss and provolone
• A basket or platter with assorted sandwich rolls, buns or sliced breads
• A veggie platter with lettuce, tomatoes, pickles, onions
• And don’t forget the mayonnaise, ketchup, mustard or other favorite spreads and relishes

Start at the Bottom with Individual-sized Crusts
Ready-made mini pizza crusts are handy for MYO pizzas but they can be a little pricey. If you don’t want to spring for Boboli or similar packaged crusts, give Pillsbury’s refrigerated pizza crusts a try and just cut them to size. Or pick up a few french loaves in the bakery for french bread pizzas. And don’t forget the bread aisle. A full pita bread round makes a great individual thin crust pizza, plus it’s on the lighter side.

Top With the Usual Suspects
Set up a pizza bar with sauce, mozarella cheese and a variety of toppings so everyone can build their personal favorite. Premade pizza or spaghetti sauces both work great, or make your own in just minutes. Combine a can of tomato sauce, a teaspoon each of oregano, basil and olive oil and a dash or two of garlic powder. For a thicker sauce, stir in a spoonful of tomato paste. Make quick work of chopping vegetables  – and entice the kids to pitch in – with a finger-friendly quick-chop tool like our Vegetable Chopper.

Add a Twist with Alternative Toppers
Don’t be afraid to challenge tastebuds! Grab a jar of premade alfredo sauce (try Ragu’s lite version – yum!) and some precooked fajita chicken at the store, and add some fresh spinach leaves and sliced mushrooms for a gourmet pizza any restaurant would be proud to serve. Or go even further by substituting monterey jack or feta cheese in place of mozarella. And remember this chef’s tip for “white” pizzas – spread a light layer of olive oil over the crust before adding alfredo sauce to keep it from becoming gummy.

Pop the pizzas in the oven and the movie in the player. By the time the previews end you’ll be enjoying a family night that begs an encore performance.

Please share your own great ideas for family nights in comments — we welcome guest posts, too!

Mingle Easy party plates are great for stand-up affairs

Serving up summertime fun is easier than ever with this season’s hottest outdoor entertaining gear. From party plates with built-in cupholders to insulated carryalls, we’ve gathered a great selection of outdoor dining tools that make patio serving, poolside dining and picnicking a snap. 

Party plates designed with socializing in mind top this season’s list of outdoor entertaining must-haves. If mixing and mingling is on the menu, look for party plates featuring built-in cup holders and stemware cutouts. These clever designs free diners’ hands and minimize spills, perfect for stand-up affairs. Serving up appetizers and dips? Then the newest party plate style to hit the market, the mini chip-and-dip, may be the perfect paring for your event. 

You can find variety of reusable party plates on KidSmartLiving.com and most are made of durable melamine or acrylic plastic so they’ll last for years. For events that call for disposables, our MingleEasy party plate’s versatility fits most any affair. It can hold stemware, cans or cups, plus it comes in several colors. Or, put your own dishes to work as party plates with handy clip-on drink holders and dip cups. 

Napa unbreakable plastic stemware holds up to patio parties and everyday use in style

 Plastic glasses and stemware are an outdoor entertaining staple. This summers hottest line is our Napa plastic stemware with wine, martini, margarita and champagne glasses crafted in BPA-free Tritan plastic. A great unbreakable alternative to fine stemware, Napa’s thin wall tasting-glass styling lets the most discerning connoisseurs enjoy their favorite vintage without the worry of breakage. You’ll even find popular stemless wine glasses in the Napa line. 

Flatware caddies keep utensils organized, clean and easy to get to on buffet tables

 Worry-free convenience finds its way to the serving table, too, with caddies and carriers all designed with the busy host in mind. Flatware caddies keep utensils organized and easy to set out; napkin caddies with weighted arms prevent fly-aways; and multi-use party carriers make transporting, storing and serving your culinary creations a breeze. We’ve gathered an assortment of serving-friendly caddies and carriers on KidSmartLiving.com, and most are crafted in durable, easy-clean plastic for worry-free events. 

For hosts on-the-go, insulated carriers and totes are invaluable, and our newest party-perfect tote, the Insulated Cooler by JAM bags, fills this need in style. Picknickers and beachgoers can

A picnic favorite! JAM Bags Insulated Cooler bags hold up to 45 pounds

pack up to 45 pounds into this soft-sided insulated tote and keep foods cool or warm for up to two hours. Three outer pockets hold soda or wine bottles, cooking tools or serving accessories. Best of all, colorful JAM bags are made of recycled water bottles so spills just wipe off. Great for the Earth, and even better for worry-free summer fun.

Tip 1: Don’t just shop for “plastic,” because not all plastics are created equal
So true! Ever had indestructible plastic glasses that last from year to year, while others break the first time they’re dropped? How about plastic dishes that scratch like crazy after a few uses? What about plastic plates that overheat after just seconds in the microwave — or glasses that clouded in the dishwasher?

Though frustrating, these common issues aren’t really defects in the plastic, they’re just differences. More than a half-dozen types of plastic are used to make tableware – from unbreakable Tritan and budget-friendly SAN, to scratch-resistant Melamine and decorative Acrylic. Each offers its own benefits and drawbacks.

Knowing how different plastics perform and how to tell them apart when shopping can ensure that the plastic dishes, glasses and serving pieces you choose best meet your needs. Tips two and three will help you do just that.

Tip 2: Decide on the features that matter to you before shopping
Shopping for plastic tableware would be a cinch if a single plastic offered it all –unbreakable, scratchproof, dishwasher and microwave-safe. Unfortunately, that plastic is not yet invented. So of the plastics that do exist, which option is right for you?

Do unbreakable, dishwasher-safe products top your list? If so, spending a little more on unbreakable Tritan or Polycarbonate plastic items is well worth the years of use you’ll enjoy. For a little less, SAN plastic products are almost as durable, and casual looks in Polypropylene are equally durable and very inexpensive. Avoid anything in Acrylic or Polystyrene.

Are scratched dishes your pet peeve? Then Melamine dishes are your best choice for long-term satisfaction. But you’ll have to forego the convenience of microwave heating.

Are microwave-safe dishes a must? The selection is slimmer, but there are some choices in plastics made specifically for the microwave. Look for dishes under the brand names Nordic Ware, Miracleware and ExtremeWare – and avoid products made from Melamine, Acrylic and Polystyrene.

Are you drawn to decorative or themed dishes? Trendy designs and seasonal themes are widely available in plastic tableware. Very decorative glasses are generally crafted in Acrylic, but be prepared to hand wash to keep them looking their best. You’ll also find plenty of decorative and themed designs in durable easy-care Melamine dinnerware.

Is cost more important than longevity? Inexpensive seasonal Acrylic and Polystyrene tableware is plentiful on store shelves. But with plastics, you do get what you pay for. These low-cost styles won’t hold up under impact or in the dishwasher for much more than a season or two.

Tip 3: Know what you’re buying – even if the label doesn’t tell you
You now know that the plastics used to make tableware vary indeed, and which type best meets your needs. So how do you tell if a plastic glass is made of SAN or Acrylic? How do you spot Melamine dishes? And what the heck is Polypropylene, anyway?

If shopping online with a reputable seller like KidSmartLiving.com, product information will include plastic types, features and care. If you’re on a site that doesn’t provide these details you may want to shop elsewhere as that seller may not know, or stand behind, their product. In-store shopping can be a bit trickier because not all plastic products are clearly labeled by type. There you’ll need to know a bit more than the label tells you.

Unbreakable products in Tritan and Polycarbonate plastic are easy to identify because they’re generally labeled as “Unbreakable” and “Dishwasher-safe” to offset their higher price tag. Tritan items are also labeled “BPA-free.” Both plastics are generally found in glass-like clear or tinted drinkware and dishes.

Unbreakable, dishwasher-safe products in Polypropylene plastic are easy to identify, too. They’re always opaque or semi-opaque, think Tupperware, and have a rubbery feel unlike any other plastic. These products also tend to be low priced.

Labeling on Melamine dishes varies, but that’s not a problem if you know what to look for. All melamine dishes are opaque – never see-through – and have a rigid feel. Because of melamine’s durability and scratch-resistance, it’s the most common plastic used to make dishes and can be found in a huge variety of colors and decorative designs. Melamine dishes are dishwasher-safe, but not microwave-safe, so melamine dishes are almost always marked “Not Intended for Microwave Use.”

Plastic dishes and cookware made from microwave-safe plastics are always clearly labeled “Microwave-safe” because that’s their major selling point. These items are always dishwasher-safe and sometimes oven-safe, too.

Glasses and dishes made from Acrylic, Polystyrene and SAN plastics are rarely labeled by type, but you can tell them apart. Though shatterproof, they’re not truly unbreakable, so you won’t see that on the label. The major difference is the care. SAN plastic products are dishwasher- and microwave reheat-safe, and usually labeled as such. Polystyrene products are generally labeled “Top Rack Dishwasher-safe,” while Acrylic products are almost always “Hand Wash.”

Tip 4: Care matters! Enjoy your plastic tableware for years
As plastics differ so does their care, but you can extend the life and looks of even the least expensive products if you treat them right.

In the dishwasher, a good rule of thumb for any plastic glasses – even those marked “Dishwasher-safe” – is to wash on a normal, unheated cycle. Some dishwashers heat water excessively in certain cycles, so a normal setting is always the best bet.

Items labeled “Top Rack Dishwasher-safe” should be placed in the top rack, away from the heating element at the bottom – with one exception. Some Melamine dishes are labeled “Top Rack Dishwasher-safe,” but they won’t fit in the top rack. These are fine to wash in the bottom rack on an air-dry setting.

Items labeled “Hand Wash” really should be washed by hand. These products will quickly crackle or cloud if exposed to dishwasher heat and detergents.

Abrasive cleaners or scrubbers should not be used on any clear plastic glasses or plates as they will, without exception, scratch. Melamine plates hold up to most scrubber sponges.

Tip 5: Ignore the #7 recycling symbol – it doesn’t identify specific plastics
Last, save yourself some shopping frustration. Don’t rely on recycling numbers – those little numbers in a triangle on some plastic items – to identify plastics. In fact, these numbers don’t even appear on many plastic tableware items. Why? It’s simple, they’re not disposable.

Recycling numbers, officially known as SPI codes, are intended to identify commonly disposed plastics so they can be efficiently recycled – that’s all. The #7 code is a catchall number used for the non-recyclable plastics – and that includes many plastics used to make long-lasting tableware.

Contrary to some media stories, the #7 code does not denote an unsafe plastic. Anyone suggesting that all plastic items with the #7 code are unsafe because they contain the chemical BPA simply did not do their homework. Most good-quality plastics, including Melamine, Acrylic, SAN, Tritan and even biodegradable Eco-plastics all fall under the #7 code, and not one of them contains BPA.

Polycarbonate is the only tableware plastic that contains BPA. If media reports on BPA concern you, just avoid polycarbonate products. Products made from Tritan plastic offer the same benefits as polycarbonate, without BPA.

So whatever your tableware needs, from unbreakable plastic glasses for outdoors, to durable dishes for everyday, to decorative styles inspired by the season, there’s surely a plastic available that meets your needs. Armed with these tips, you shouldn’t have any problem finding it.

Get the Look! Click the image to see what we used to create this crowd-friendly buffet table

Have you ever been to a party with great food on a beautifully arranged buffet table all served up by an unruffled host? If you’re like me, you’ve probably left a few of these parties wondering just how they pulled it off.

The host who throws perfect parties time after time may seem a magician, but there’s certainly no spell needed to lay out a great buffet table. From weddings and showers to birthdays and family get-togethers, any space large or small can easily serve a crowd if you know these few simple tricks of the catering trade.

Tip 1 – Start with a Plan
The first and probably most important tip is to make your serving plan a few days in advance – maybe even before you finalize your menu. Knowing which foods go on each dish or platter and where those pieces fit on the serving table beforehand can make party day setup a breeze.

Tip 2 – Give Yourself Some Space
Next take a look at your space and furniture arrangement. What works for everyday may not work for a crowd, so don’t be afraid to rearrange your furniture. When it comes to buffet table placement, remember this simple rule: If two people can’t easily pass along the sides of the table, it’s better to move the table and serve from the front. In tight kitchen or dining areas this usually means moving chairs to other spaces for additional seating and placing the table against a wall. This open arrangement gives guests plenty of mingle room and table access.

Tip 3 – Mix it Up with Creative Platters, Plates & Trays
Once you’re happy with the serving table placement, take a look at your serving pieces. If you’re short on the types of platters or bowls you need to serve your party foods, now is the time to hit the party store. And remember, plastic trays and bowls are always ideal choices for a worry-free buffet table. You can find a huge selection on KidSmartLiving.com. 

You can also get creative with what you have on-hand. Repurpose a few casserole dishes to hold rows of crackers or cookies and use napkin-lined baskets to serve breads or muffins. Even wooden or bamboo cutting boards make great bread or cheese boards – just give them a good washing first.

Tip 4 – Arrange Your Buffet Table Like the Pros
Next arrange your buffet table using the selected serving pieces. And remember the secret catering pros use to make it all fit and look fabulous — create height! It’s easy if you have a few cake pedestals or serving sets with stands. If not, you can easily make your own using stemware. To do this, simply turn over two to four stemmed glasses to create stands and set platters or trays on top. Martini and margarita glasses work best since the wide rims create a stable base. Wine glasses work, too, but you might want to use more for stability. Create shorter stands for small bowls or plates using upturned bowls or tumblers. On party day, use double-sticky tape or removable glue dots to keep the raised pieces in place on their stands.

Lay out your buffet table placing taller pieces toward the back of a front-serve table, or along the center of a two-sided serving table. Then place shorter platters, large bowls, and finish off with smaller pieces. Remember to place crackers, dips and other complimentary foods close together on the table.

Tip 5 – Pull in Extra Pieces to Make it All Work
Last, don’t forget to put other pieces to work. If you have shelves, a bakers rack or a side table available, set that up adjacent to the buffet table for plates, utensils and napkins. This maximizes serving space on the buffet table and creates a flow that works well with any size crowd.

Customizable recipe binders and boxes make great Mom's Day Gifts for the family cook

If you have a Mom who loves to cook, collect recipes and try new dishes, then a customizable recipe binder or recipe box might be a perfect Mother’s Day gift – and they’re really easy to make.

See how simple it is to put together a custom recipe binder in the video below. We’ve used materials from our Collected Recipes Cookbook Binder collection , but you’ll also find tips for making a recipe binder from materials available at any office supply store. 

Whether you compile a selection of your own favorite recipes for Mom, or give her the tools organize her clippings, cards and printouts herself, recipe organizers are definitely a gift that she’ll remember — and enjoy – for years to come.

Countertop composters come in several styles, from stainless steel to renewable bamboo.

I admit I’m not likely to be the greenest gal in the crowd, but I try to do my part. So I’m always thrilled to find products that make “doing my part” easy — and countertop composters do just that.

These compact, trashcan-style containers are made to sit on the kitchen countertop so you can easily collect food scraps during meal prep. But don’t be fooled by the name  — you don’t actually compost in countertop composters. They’re really geared for collecting scraps in a tidy, odor-free manner, so you can tote them to the compost pile every day or two.

Get kids involved in composting with kid-sized, trashcan-style countertop composters

I find countertop composters are much better than simply collecting scraps in a bowl for a few reasons. One, they have a lid with a charcoal filter that absorbs odors — so if you don’t take it out overnight, the smell won’t give you away.  Two, they’re pretty cute on the countertop and are even kid-sized, so they’re a great way to get kids involved in greener thinking – and maybe even meal prep.

And if you’re not too hot on the idea of cleaning your countertop composter each time you dump it, biodegradable composter liner bags can help keep it squeaky clean.

Biodegradable composter bags keep countertop composters clean

If you’re already composting – or considering giving it a try this Spring — a countertop composter can certainly make it easier to put your family’s food scraps to work in the garden… instead of the landfill.

That even includes plastic dishes, glasses and other tableware items. Nice ones, too!

Since we specialize in great-quality plastics for kitchen and home, we’ve been able to ferret out several US plastic factories over the years and are happy give them our business. In fact, some of our nicest and most popular plastic tableware and placemat lines are US-made.

This month, you can see many of our US-made plastic products in our featured items on the front page of  www.KidSmartLiving.com.

Here are a few of our faves:

ColorWare offers all the colors of the rainbow in US-made, BPA-free plastic

USA-made Clarus sets a new standard in BPA-free clear unbreakable plastic glasses

Now to be fair, there are some very high-quality plastic tableware lines that come out of China, especially in the made-for-foodservice products which we carry, too. But we’re particularly pleased with, and proud of, our US-made plastic dinnerware lines, and just thought you’d like to know they DO exist!

For example, last year we had more than 60 friends over to watch the game, race an all-day minibike rally in the side yard, sip hurricanes (it was the Saints day, after all) and generally have a great time. Looked like alot of fun from the kitchen!

I’m determined this year will be different – especially since the day before I’m chaperoning an all-day school competition for my 12-year old. Yikes!

So instead of stressing, I’m pulling together a game day menu idea that provides plenty of fan-friendly grub for all comers and lets me take part in the party, too. And since most of my friends love to cook I know we won’t be short on food…

I’m having a Superbowl Chili Cook-Off… With Prizes!

Chili is an easy make-ahead game day favorite and there are a jillion variations - plus, we’re in Texas, so it just makes sense. Instead of making three or four pots myself (aka: work) I thought, why not give everyone a chance to show off their favorite recipe?

Here’s how I’m doing it…

First, I’m offering some game-inspired prizes to entice cooks - and every entry gets a prize like this football-shaped serving tray, or a cool set of plastic mugs. So it’s friendly, our voting system won’t be for the ”Best,” instead, we’ll vote for things like “Prettiest Color,” “Best Smell,” “The Most Ingredients,” and so on.

For serving, I’m putting together two serving bars;  a “Frito Chili Pie Bar” (it’s a Texas thing) with Frito chips, shredded cheese and diced onions. The other is a Hot Dog Bar with basically the same fixin’s, but with hot dog condiments, too. To make mingle-eating and cleanup easy, we’ll serve on these cool Mingle Easy disposable party plates.

What could be easier?!? I’m definitely looking forward to Superbowl Sunday (Feb. 6) this year!

I’m, of course, entering my favorite chili recipe, a slightly altered version of Wick Fowler’s 2-Alarm Chili, and we’ll just see who wins the award for “The Most Like Canned Chili.”

Recipe Binders make it easy to organize all recipe cards, printouts and clippings

Recipe binders are a great way to organize all of those clipped recipes from magazines, recipe printouts and cards all in one convenient go-to cookbook. Customized recipe binders with a few family favorites tucked inside are also wonderful gifts for brides, new moms, kids starting out, or friends and family.

Here’s a look at how easy it is to put together your own custom recipe binder using our Collected Recipes Cookbook Binder collection – plus some tips for creating recipe binders from your own materials, and ideas for making custom recipe boxes, too!