Poker Theme Party Food Ideas

Poker is ever expanding in popularity as a theme for social gatherings. This is partly due to the increasingly televised poker tournaments. But whatever the reason, this article will serve as a quick guide to preparing for your own poker party.

The idea of a themed party is to set a mood conducive to the theme. So you will need a card table for the actual game and a separate table for the food. Get a black or dark green tablecloth for each table. The tablecloth will lend the illusion of a regulation poker table.

At each place setting on the game table, you will probably want coasters to hold drinks so that condensation does not get onto the cards. These coasters can be plain or if you want to be more festive, get coasters with the card suits (hearts, diamonds, clubs, spades) on them. You can find these at Party City, among other places or you can make your own.

I recommend using serving dishes that hold to the theme of a poker party (i.e. in the shape of or depicting cards/poker chips/suits), but if you cannot get these, use plain dishes that do not detract from the theme. Either way, you will want to set up the food in a buffet style. Poker parties are very informal so the buffet style will be just right. Provide disposable plates, bowls, cups, napkins, and cutlery. Again try to use themed items when you can.

Now we come to the food. You will want food that is clean, easy to prepare, and can be eaten with only one hand. The reason for this is that poker requires the use of a person's hands when looking at and hiding one's cards. If your guests are encumbered by food, they will find it difficult to play and be unhappy.

For a snack I recommend basic chips and dip. Try to avoid non-greasy chips as the grease will be transfered to the cards. Any kind of tortilla chip held in a bowl for your patrons and chili con queso will fit right in. The chili con queso can be purchased pre-made or you can make it as follows:

1 block Velveeta cheese (You can use any kind of nacho cheese for this, but I use the Velveeta because it melts very smoothly and quickly.)
1 lb. Hamburger
½-1 Tbsp. of chili powder
¼ tsp. Tabasco Sauce.