The 2016 election cycle is one for the books, and Americans on both sides of the aisle are geared up to pick their next president and let the sordid dust settle. In a matter of days, voters will cast their ballots and eagerly watch in anticipation as the tallies are marked. Rather than biting your nails on Nov. 8, grab some discounted Independance Day supplies and invite friends over for an election night party. Here are some tips, activities and fun recipes to get you started.
Bad Lip Read Newscasters
Instead of zoning out in front of the endless stream of CNN speculation leading up to delegate announcements, hit mute during these monotonous moments and let partygoers fill in the blanks. Inspired by the Bad Lip Reading YouTube Series, guests have the opportunity to let their improv chops and creativity shine.
Watch Old Campaign Ads
From gleeful Kennedy jingles released before color television was standardized, to LBJ’s famous “Daisy” ad, reflecting on how campaign ads have evolved over time is enlightening and amusing.
Campaign Logo Design
Bring some .99 poster boards and markers to your event and host a logo competition. Ask guests to redesign candidate’s logos for laughs and conversation.
Campaign Cupcakes
Cupcakes are bipartisan, even if your guests are not. Whip up some tasty, timely desserts with this patriotic recipe.
What you’ll need:
1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
2 large eggs
2/3 cup sugar
6 ounces.unsalted butter, melted
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1/2 cup milk
Pillsbury Aqua Blue Vanilla Frosting
Pillsbury Creamy Supreme White Frosting
2 teaspoons red food coloring
How it’s done:
Preheat oven to 350 degrees fahrenheit and begin combining flour and baking powder into small or medium bowl. In a second bowl, mix sugar, eggs, extract and butter briskly or with electric mixer. Combine both bowls and add milk to mixture. Evenly distribute cupcake batter into wrappers set in your baking pan and insert into oven. Bake 10 minutes, using toothpicks to check the dessert’s consistency. Let rack cool for 15 minutes and frost with colorful frosting and sprinkles. For red frosting, mix white frosting with red food dye. Serve lukewarm.
Presidential Pizza
While other hosts are ordering Dominos, put a personal touch on your party pizza by making it yourself. Check out this simple recipe for a mouthwatering margherita pizza everyone can enjoy.
What you’ll need:
Boboli Original Pizza Crust
1 tablespoon olive oil
2 cloves chopped garlic
1/4 cup tomato sauce
8 ounces swiss cheese, thinly sliced
2 cups cherry tomatoes, cut in half
1 cup fresh basil
How it’s done:
Preheat the oven to 475 degrees fahrenheit and mix olive oil and chopped garlic together in a small bowl to spread on crust. Spread pizza sauce and chopped basil on crust and top with cheese, tomato and more basil. Bake for roughly 20 minutes until crust is golden brown. Allow to cool for 5-10 minutes and serve hot.
Partisan Chips and Salsa
Hit up your local grocery store and grab a few bags of blue and white corn tortilla chips to serve with a (preferably red) salsa of your choice.
Fixed Term Fruit Kebabs
Whether you’re celebrating or mourning President Obama’s departure this November, these universal kebabs are another easy snack you can prepare in less than 10 minutes.. Pick up some bamboo pickers and slide on sliced strawberries, blackberries and bananas for a healthy alternative to chips and pizza.
Drinks for Delegates
A lot of you may be playing drinking games on Nov. 8, but if you’re interested in keeping your party PG, grab some red, white, and blue sports drinks to maintain the party’s theme.