If you didn’t win tickets to the 2015 Global Citizen Festival, there’s still hope for you.
MSNBC will be streaming the whole thing live, and maybe you’re better off not going. Why? Now, you can use the Festival as an opportunity to host that stellar dinner-ish party you’ve been meaning to throw for months – all while you tune in to join thousands of other global citizens to end global poverty. And there will be no porta-potties.
I’m here to help you host the coolest Global Festival party around with these Global Festival-themed recipe ideas. Use these handpicked recipes to take your viewing party from ho-hum to whoa, yum in no time (and with minimal effort.)
Brieyonce and (Pearl) Jam
Sweet & savory is everyone’s favorite power couple, so why not start with melty baked brie and jam deliciousness? Everyone who’s anyone will want a bite of Dash of Savory’s Baked Brie with Pomegranate & Cranberry.
If you’re not into sharing one hunk of cheese with several people, try these oh-so-simple four-ingredient Brie and Blackberry Tarts that risk becoming a distraction from Brieyonce’s actual performance.
Bread Schmearan
What’s a party involving New York City without bagel (okay, bread) and schmear? Everyone loves carbs and things to spread on carbs.
Since autumn is fast approaching, why not go #basic a little early and break out the pumpkin now? You’re already throwing a dinner party. Try this Pumpkin Banana Walnut Bread or this homemade Pumpkin Schmear to go on apples or crackers and give all the girls something to Instagram in their infinity scarves.
Cold Playte
Everyone knows that parties aren’t really #fancy without a sweet tray of meats, cheeses, olives, nuts and other antipasti people can pretend they aren’t eating too many of.
For the fancier, more daring dinner hosts try making your own version of these Garlic Crostinis with Prosciutto and Mozzarella and score yourself serious chef points. Or if you’re into something simpler, check out this checklist of tips or this guide to creating the perfect antipasti platter for party guests of all flavours.
Stephen Colberry Cobbler
Finally, what do you call a friend who throws a party and doesn’t serve dessert?
You don’t call them – you’re too upset. Don’t be that friend.
Send off summer with a last salute to this year’s berry harvest while also trying that new Crock-Pot you’ve wanted to tell your mother you finally used – make this slow cooker cobbler recipe and you won’t have to invest in candles. Like they always say: let the cobbler do the air freshenin’.
Don’t have a Crock-Pot? No worries. Try this classic mixed berry cobbler with some vanilla ice, ice cream, baby.
Now that you’ve practiced your hosting skills and everyone is raving about your sweet party, why not really outdo yourself? (Don’t get so excited about what I’m about to say that you choke – unless someone around you knows the Salma Haymlek maneuver.)
Your Global Festival viewing party could help end world hunger. (No, I’m not joking. Yes, I’m seri.)
Make your viewing party a Double-Up Dinner to end world hunger with the #HungerFree movement by matching the expense of your food at the party – doubling up on your meal – in a contribution to the #HungerFree movement. You’ll empower young people in South Sudan, Kenya & around the world to free themselves and their communities from hunger now and for a lifetime.
Want to learn more about how that works? Hop on over to hungerfree.org to turn your party into a Double-Up Dinner, or host another dinner party between now and World Food Day to join the fight for a hunger-free world.
And make sure all the girls at the party Instagram using #GlobalCitizen and #HungerFree so we’ll all be able to see how awesome you really are, you devilishly fancy party host, you.
Go to TAKE ACTION NOW and SIGN UP to help end hunger by hosting a #HungerFree Double-Up Dinner between now and World Food Day (October 16th.)