How To Host The Ultimate Chili Party

One way to really host a good party for the whole family is by choosing something everyone loves as the basis for the event. Be it a theme, an activity, or a food, choose something everyone can get behind and enjoy. One surefire crowd-pleaser? An old-fashioned chili party — at least if your kids are old enough to appreciate a little spice and complexity in their food. Chili is a fun and delicious dish that opens the doors not only to a good celebration, but also to party prep time the whole family can actually help with and enjoy. From choosing the best games to play to actually preparing the main dish, hosting a chili party can be a collaborative event that leaves everybody happy.

Before you can really plan any party, you have to have a theme to base it around. Yes, you know you want chili to be the main focus, but having a broader theme will make party planning more fun for you and your kids. Have them help you pick out a party theme that they'll feel excited about. If they love Westerns, have the entire party be Wild West-themed. Or perhaps they are obsessed with football? An indoor tailgate theme will do just fine!

Need Recipe Inspiration? Click here for the Vegetarian Chili Recipe.  

Depending on what you choose as your theme, you and your little helpers can work on some fun decorations. Give them projects that are hands-on and safe (no cutting anything out for anyone under 6!), which will make them feel like a big help. For instance, if you go with the Western theme, have the over-sixers make cardboard cacti to decorate your chili bar!

Need Recipe Inspiration? Click here for the Easy Healthy Chili Recipe. 

What's a party without games the whole family can enjoy? You and your children can play classic board games while the chili simmers, like Don't Spill the Beans, or make up a great game together for all of your guests to play.For instance, you could make chili-themed versions of tailgate games.

Need Recipe Inspiration? Click here for the Cincinnati Chili Recipe.

When it comes to actually making the chili, the kids can still lend a helping hand. The little ones can wash the beans, dump in the seasonings, and — with supervision — stir the pot.

Need Recipe Inspiration? Click here for the White Chicken Chili Recipe.

Not all kids will enjoy spicy fare, so if you want them to still feel like a part of the party, make sure the recipes you're using are all very kid-friendly. If the adults are more into spicy offerings, make a separate pot and keep it off of your serving area so little hands don't accidentally choose the spicy dish.

Need Recipe Inspiration? Click here for the Bison Chili Recipe.

Make a game out of cooking time! Have supervising adults work with each child separately on a differently chili recipe and then you can have a chili cook-off and taste test. Kids that may not get a chance to get their hands in recipe making can be the blindfolded taste testers and declare the winners!

Need Recipe Inspiration? Click here for the Chicken Chili Recipe.

Everyone loves a good DIY food station, especially kids! Set up an easily accessible toppings bar that is stocked with cheese, sour cream, and crispy tortilla chips so kids can load up their chili bowls however they want... within reason.

Need Recipe Inspiration? Click here for the Cheesy Chili Nachos Recipe.

While chili is the star of the show, you can absolutely include festive sides that the kids will love to eat and help make. Try baking a large pan of cornbread and instead of cutting it into squares, have the kids use small cookie cutters to stamp our unique shapes for the cornbread.

Need Recipe Inspiration? Click here for the Cornbread Recipe.

Ask any kid or adult: it isn't a party until there is something sweet to eat! Try making a chocolate chili pot, which is a typical chili recipes  livened up with chocolate, everyone will want to dig into. Kids can choose their favorite type of chocolate to stir in and will get a kick out of having dinner for dessert!

Need Recipe Inspiration? Click here for the Chocolate Lover's Chili Recipe.