Layers and Lipstick - A Lifestyle Blog by Mika Jade

Let’s get real here if you find me at a football party it is most likely for the drinks and food! Don’t get me wrong I love rooting for the teams but my shirt says it all “I just hope both teams have fun!” I enjoy game days and the excuse to get together with friends to indulge in some tailgating foods.

I am partnering up with Joia Spirit to share with you how to be the hostess with the mostest during the football season and how you don’t need a lot to throw a successful gathering.

VARIETY OF FOOD IS KEY
When it comes to setting out the perfect food, I always go with making one main appetizer, dips, snacks and one main attraction dish (hence the gorgeous graze board created by one of my favorite local gals from @grazingkc) to compliment all the colors we had going on.

My go to- appetizer is Goat Cheese Stuffed Dates Wrapped in Bacon. Not only is it an affordable app but super easy to whip together and a crowd pleaser! You can always find me eating the food 🙂

Goat Cheese
Dates
Bacon
Toothpicks

1. Preheat the oven to 420 degrees
2. Split the date in half
3. Stuff date with goat cheese
4. Cut bacon in half- wrap each date with a piece of half bacon
5. Place toothpick in middle of date to hold placement of bacon
6. Pop in the oven for 20 minutes

DECOR
Football season = Fall season! When I have people come over to my house for gatherings I want the house to be welcoming, minimal decor and cozy. I picked up some cute football themed cups, popcorn holders and some fall signs!

BEVERAGES

Staying hydrated is key when you are munching all afternoon and watching the game! Joia Spirit has a flavor for everyone! All Joia Spirit cocktails are made with real spirits, simple, clean ingredients, and are naturally gluten free and vegan. They’re a modern twist on timeless, classic recipes– Amazingly refreshing premium cocktails ready whenever and wherever you choose. Each beverage is between 6% and 7% alcohol content.

Even Luther wanted a taste! Luther always wants to be in the know with what is going on.

Joia Spirit Original Cocktails
Moscow Mule- A bite of ginger. Engaging apricot. A squeeze of lime. Crisp, clear vodka lightly carbonated with a few bubbles.
Greyhound- Bright tangy grapefruit. A whisper of chamomile. A dash of cardamom.
Cosmopolitan– Sunny, tart cranberry. A polite note of pear. Refreshing lime.

Joia Spirit New Cocktails
Vodka Soda- An aromatic squeeze of fresh key lime. Crisp, clear vodka.
Gimlet- Graceful, aromatic botanicals. The gentle tang of hibiscus. A zest of ginger. Crisp, refreshing gin
Margarita– Bright tangy tequila. A squeeze of lime. A hint of triple sec.

QUICK HOSTING TIPS:

Don’t make it complicated, you never will do it again.
Invite the right people.
Beverages- Joia Spirit is the perfect option! A flavor for everyones taste buds!
Food- as stated above VARIETY!
Use paper products!! Less mess.
Small details make a big difference.
Crank the AC or turn down the heat!
Put the food where people want to be!
Remember people like to just be together.

Getting ready for this game day party was so simple, from the help of some local folks and Joia Spirit. Cheers to many more games this season indulging in yummy food and the perfect beverage to pair!