Photography by Tom Paule
Food Styling and Décor by, Kathy
"Are you ready for some football?!?" The Christopher and Morris families certainly are! For over twenty years these two St. Louis families have shared many a Super Bowl celebration. For the love of the game or sometimes just the love of good cookin', this event has become a treasured tradition for three generations of fans.
Last year it was Jill and Bob Morris' turn to host the big event at their lovely townhouse in Chesterfield. A decorated entrance greeted their guests, who upon arrival enjoyed autographing the football, which was later given to the MVG -- that's Most Valuable Guest. Each guest also received his or her very own yellow penalty flag for throwing whenever a foul was committed during the game -- whether the on-field officials saw it or not!
Jill transformed her gorgeous dining room table into a playing field with the simple addition of Astroturf and a monochromatic black-and-white color scheme. The combination of white serving platters and white baskets lined with black-and-white striped fabric created the perfect look for a football feast no fan could refuse. A football helmet dripping with fresh cut flowers atop a white column set the stage for this show-stopper of a buffet.
Always on the list of appetizers are Jill's homemade Crab Rangoon, plus potato skins, an annual touchdown favorite. Chili was served from a soup tureen dished into hollowed-out bread bowls shaped like footballs.
The real action took place in the lower level where the big-screen television and comfy, circular couch took center stage. Bob set up the bar with a wide assortment of drinks and delicious boxes of warmed kettle corn. It was double the fun for young and old alike as Dr. Pepper bottles, shaped like footballs, served a dual purpose: poured over vanilla ice cream and topped with a cherry, it made for a delicious Dr. Pepper float; the empty bottles were then filled with a scoop of dried split peas, creating the perfect shakers for the enthusiastic fans. Asked in advance to bring loose change to the party, guests were introduced to a new game: Pass the Pool. The football basket was passed after each play, and if the team didn't score while the basket was in your lap, you added a quarter and passed it on; if anyone scored, you won the pot!
Super Bowl Sunday always makes for memorable parties, bringing together families and friends for tailgating treats and the great game of football. Next year Anne Marie and Michael Christopher will entertain the gang and they're sure to have a ball!
