It’s almost Super Bowl time! This year, throw a party they’ll never forget!

Everyone knows that the real reason people go to Super Bowl parties is the food. Here are some ideas for a memorable menu! (First rule, by the way: Make sure your guests arrive hungry and leave full!)

1.     Mini foods are in! They are easy to serve and devour. Just place them on a toothpick or stick for a lovely presentation.

2.     Incorporate foods from each team's city, or include the teams' colors in your recipes.

3.     Make sure there's more than a boring old six-pack filling the cooler! Try creative cocktails and craft beers.

Once you’ve got the menu down, it’s time to decorate! Here are some ideas for festive decor!

1.     Create bags of football-themed confetti for celebrating TDs… or fumbles!

2.     Gather jerseys, old trophies and football paraphernalia that you may have  around. They’re free… and free is always fun!

3.     Astroturf! This grassy imposter can be used to cover tables, create coasters, and even embellish your food spread.

Be prepared for downtime. In case conversation dies down or there’s an unexpected black out, having a few Super Bowl party games is a great idea.  Drinking games, trivia games, betting games… the list is endless!

In the end, Super Bowl parties are mostly about cheering and booing together. So have fun, and focus on food, football and friends.

Virginia Homes has been building new homes in Central Ohio for 60 years.  Visit www.Virginia-Homes.com for more information or call (614) 764-1953.

Follow through with your New Year’s Resolutions!

It’s a time-honored tradition to make resolutions for the new year. We vow to improve ourselves – to eat healthy, exercise more… the list is endless.  This year, take the initiative and see how many resolutions you can keep – right from the comfort of your own home!

1.     Eat healthier – Load up the fridge with lots of fruits and veggies. Vow to cut back on take-out and fast food. Take the time to sit down and eat with the family.  (It’s healthier and good for the kids!)

2.     Exercise more – Take advantage of your bonus room and turn it into a yoga studio. Or a mini gym. And schedule time to exercise every day. No excuses!

3.     Spend more time with family – Schedule family dinners, game nights, movie nights – whatever your family likes. Hunker down in the family room with some popcorn and a plan to spend uninterrupted time together as a family.

4.     Read more – You know that pile of books that’s been sitting unread for ages? Create a reading nook for yourself. Find a comfy chair, a good light and a shelf or table, and settle in. (Don’t be surprised if you keep finding kids in your nook, though!) 

5.     Get organized – Declutter your drawers and desk. Sort paperwork, bills, mementos and mail. Find a spot in the kitchen or office that’s just for paperwork & bills, and create a system for sorting things as soon as they come in. Clean out the closets – and see how much space you have!

6.     Create & follow a budget – Get yourself on a healthy fiscal track.  Once you have your bills sorted (#5), then you can create a budget to track your spending habits.

Virginia Homes has been building new homes in Central Ohio for 60 years.  Visit www.Virginia-Homes.com for more information or call (614) 764-1953.