Oh the games we play. This one's a poker party with a totally cool Vegas vibe. A good time is definitely in the cards.
The Menu
When it comes to poker party food, fork-free is the hands-down favorite. This menu takes inspiration from the 4th Earl of Sandwich who--as legend has it--didn't like to break for meals while the cards were hot. But everyone has to eat sometime, so he turned to the bread-meat-bread option as a way to handle his food and his cards at the same time. These days, eating at the gaming table is a big no-no, so set up a separate buffet.
Drinks can be a dealer's choice of cocktails, but a shaker of martinis gives your party that dash of casino cool. Then again, Irish coffee keeps players alert and mellow at the same time.
Bar Stool Pretzels: Whet your appetite with these salty appetizers.
Lorraine's Club Sandwich: Classic club sandwiches offer double-decker satisfaction.
Two Ton Bourbon Pecan Cake: This rich, bourbon-laced cake is a game night winner.
Irish Coffee: Irish whiskey and Irish cream give this coffee just a bit more kick.
Party Tips & Ideas
It's not about the winning. It's about the friends and the fun. But poker parties do require some key accessories to get your guests in the game-playing groove.
- Tables: One large round table for every 8 or 9 guests.
- Cards: Two unopened packs per table.
- Chips: Figure 50 to 100 for every player. Give yourself extra style points for using clay or clay-composite chips instead of the cheap plastic kind. For poker party hardware: Casinosupply.com
- House Rules: Are you playing for fun or money? If you're playing for money, check local laws to make sure that's legal. Let your guests know what the stakes are ahead of time.
Print out basic poker rules so even beginners know how to play: Mastersgames.com - The vibe: No smoky back room here. We're going for high-roller haven. Spin some cool jazz and have a softly-lit lounging area for between-game drinks and conversation. Think retro Rat Pack. Think "Ocean's Eleven." Think sophistication, baby!