Poker Party Dining Tips

When hosting a poker game the most important thing to remember that it's a poker game. The people who have shown up are there to play cards, not sample haute cuisine. The first rule for food served at a poker game is keep it simple and keep it clean. Nobody wants to replace the cards because they keep getting covered in grease. The other thing to consider is that at any serious poker player won't allow food at the table. However there are a number of foods and drinks to keep handy away from the table for breaks:

Good Foods and Drinks to Serve at a Poker Game:

- Any form of meat served on a stick (Little sausages or meatballs are always good)

- Sandwiches of any description (Party subs are a great idea. As a rule of thumb, if you can lay it across a river and charge tolls to drive on it, it's big enough.)

- Plenty of chips, pretzels and dips

- A veggie platter for any non-carnivores

- Beer in vast quantities (remember, a well lubricated poker player is a bad poker player and thusly welcome at any table)

Foods and Drinks to Avoid at a Poker Game:

- Fondue of any type

- Soup

- Pasta

- Poi

- Wine (any form of wine served at a poker game is likely to get the host punched in the head)

On the subject of decorations at poker parties: Don't. This is a poker game, not your kid's birthday. Nobody is going to be impressed with your poker related bunting on the windows or paper plates decorated to look like chips. You want decoration? Put ash trays and coasters on the table. BOOM! Instant poker theme! However, it is totally acceptable to have the pictures of dogs playing poker on the walls. Those are just cool.