Healthy Menu and Party Set Up: Football Edition

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We are in a period of football lover mourning in this house. As two fervent football fans, the big game is always bitter sweet. And it's especially bitter sweet this year since neither of our teams made it. But regardless of who's playing on Sunday, we're always up for a party and party food. This year I'm showing you how you can make it a way healthier spread but still having your fill of french fries. Yep, I said it: french fries.

Before you freak out let me just say that having a party with a buffet is WAY easier than you might think. In fact, it's my preference to any seated formal dinner. It lets you pull out pretty platters and linens in a relaxed way without really having to concern yourself with timing of dish one, dish two, dish three. And, come on...no one misses the lame paper plates in your team colors when you use the everyday heirlooms you have in your home. Beautiful things are meant to be used. Pretty much everything in this tablescape is from my grandparents' travels around the world. 

Since I wanted to get this party spread up and done for you all before the big game this weekend I was closely watching the weather. If you're from the DC area, or anywhere South of DC, you'll understand what I mean when I say that any threat of snow will drastically alter your intentions, plans and schedule for the day. One minute it's 'no snow...no snow' and the next it's "ALL THE SNOW...nope...YES ALL THE SNOW". So in one of those 'all the snow' situations I ran directly to the first grocery type store on my way home (Walmart) to pick up some party worthy ingredients. If you guys haven't tried Alexia fries before, get thee to the nearest freezer department! These fries never disappoint. 

Crispy Onion Ring Salad

You can have pizza. You can have meatballs. You can have fries. And you can still be healthy. If you want to have those  party foods, the best way to have them is over greens and healthy produce. This is my go to. YES, I like french fries. Pair crispy oven onion rings with soft red and green leaf lettuce, carrot ribbons, cucumber and honestly whatever is in your produce bin at the time. 

Mexican Salad Spicy Sweet Potatoes

Pair antioxidant rich sweet potato fries with healthy fats (avocado), fiber (black beans) and a sprinkle of sharp feta cheese to get a more balanced look at your plate. 

Crinkle Fries with Hummus Dip

I mean...you really can't upgrade these crinkle fries! They're 98% fat free because of the process they use to make them (roasted baby!). I pair them with a savory hummus dip, topped with fresh herbs to get more protein and fiber. And shhh...you can totally buy pre-made hummus. No one is going to think less of you.

How To Build A Table Buffet

This basically comes down to three words: layer, congregate and build. A good buffet starts with good linens. These are insane Indonesian linens in New England team red (only because Seattle beat my GB team...so by default we're going for New England Sunday). The linens you stack and drape over each other do not need match! Think coordination not matching. From there, congregate things either in bowls or on platters. And don't forget to add height! Build visual lines by putting things on cake platters or on tiers or even just adding tall vases or candles. But most of all, just don't sweat it. Have cocktails. Eat fries and a salad. Life is good!

What are you eating for Sunday's Game? Remember you can connect with (Alexia on Facebook) and (Alexia on Pintereset)