Theme Party: March Madness

Even if you're not a basketball fan, a March Madness inspired party could be a fun theme for a party at your home. Here are some ideas to get your party started....

Invitations: Invites can be designed to look like event tickets, such as this example below from Party 411. If you prefer e-mail invitations, Evite has some great March Madness invites ready for your customization.

Decorations: Get some paper plates, napkins and tablecloths from Plum Party that fit with the March Madness theme. Buy balloons in the colors of your favorite team. Use basketballs as vases! If you want to get crafty, you could dye white carnations orange and black, and press them into an oasis foam sphere to make a basketball out of flowers.


Dessert: I love cake -and truly believe that no party is complete without it. And here - dessert always comes before "real" food because it is my favorite part!! Why not decorate cupcakes to look like little basketballs?

{Photo credit www.feedyourkids.com}

And if you want to get really fancy, you can have a cake made such as the fabulous cake from Carolyn's Sweet Tooth featured here:



Food: This taco dip recipe from Allrecipes.com is always a crowd pleaser at my parties! It is especially impressive when displayed in a trifle bowl.

Ingredients:
1 (1 ounce) package taco seasoning mix
1 (16 ounce) can refried beans
1 (8 ounce) package cream cheese, softened
1 (16 ounce) container sour cream
1 (16 ounce) jar salsa
1 large tomato, chopped
1 green bell pepper, chopped
1 bunch chopped green onions
1 small head iceberg lettuce, shredded
1 (6 ounce) can sliced black olives, drained
2 cups shredded Cheddar cheese

Directions:
1. In a medium bowl, blend the taco seasoning mix and refried beans. Spread the mixture onto a large serving platter.
2. Mix the sour cream and cream cheese in a medium bowl. Spread over the refried beans.
3. Top the layers with salsa. Place a layer of tomato, green bell pepper, green onions and lettuce over the salsa, and top with Cheddar cheese. Garnish with black olives.

Cocktails: Beer is always a staple at sports parties, but I love themed cocktails! Here is a recipe for the "Slam Dunk":

5 oz. Cranberry Juice
4 oz. Orange Juice
1.5 oz. Southern Comfort

Pour in Southern Comfort, and mix OJ and Cranberry Juice until you get a nice pink color.
source: idrink.com

Music: Here are some songs to put on your ipod that fit with the party theme:

I Wish I Was a Baller – Skee Lo
Get Ready For This - 2 Unlimited
Pump Up the Jam - Technotronic

Now that all the elements are in place, you can sit back, relax, and enjoy the games!