Garlicky Party Bread with Cheese and Herbs

My mother’s standard party donation is a boule of pumpernickel bread with the center scooped out and filled with a spinach dip that includes water chestnuts because, of course. The sides are cut into fingers that remain attached at the base (as “severed fingers” would be unsettling, yes?) and can be torn off when the urge comes to swipe one through the center. The urge will come often, so I try to position myself in any room that the boule is not. Nevertheless, I hadn’t considered that there were other approaches to party bread until I came upon this 1998 recipe for one in Taste of Home, the belly full of dip forwent for a multi-pronged attacked of butter, cheese, scallions and poppy seeds, all toasted until melted and crisp.

But why stop there? You could pretty confidently argue that you’ve happened upon a lucky series of life choices when you get to spend half an hour on a Wednesday morning at Whole Foods debating what you’d like to put on your party bread in addition to butter and cheese. There was so much to consider! I considered rarebit-ing it, with a boiled mess of butter, beer, mustard powder, paprika, cayenne, Worcestershire and a scattering of cheddar that I might dream about tonight. I wondered if we ought to go French, with gruyere, shallots and herbes de provence or style it like an American baked potato, with chives and bacon, sour cream and cheese. And then I realized that I’ve never once covered garlic bread on this site and was suddenly filled with purpose and couldn’t wait to get home and start playing in the kitchen.

Yes, it’s true: garlic bread fills me with purpose. Garlic bread with herbs and cheese fills me with glee. So I came home and an hour later, this had happened and I was forced to experience the adversity of being alone in the apartment with it for hours until the remainder of my family would return at dinner time and we could pass it off as a side dish. It wasn’t easy; it smells unholy-level good. It maybe lost a couple “finger” croutons before game time (pull from the edges and it’s your little secret, I learned). But I imagine that were it appropriately situated, maybe alongside a giant pot of simmering red sauce-ed meatballs or grilled sausages, these butter-drenched garlic fingers with fresh rosemary, oregano, two types of sharp and one type of melty cheese burrowed deep inside a round of sourdough bread and taken from the oven right as some game (basketball, right?) is going on a few miles from here on a Sunday afternoon, well, I imagine it would make you some sort of hero.

Other Superbowl Party Snack ideas: Meatball Subs with Caramelized Onions; Beef Chili + Cheddar Biscuits; Easiest Baked Mac-and-Cheese or Martha’s more indulgent one; Sweet and Smoky Oven Spare Ribs; Slow-and-Low Dry-Rub Oven Chicken; Baked Potato Soup; Roasted Tomato Soup with Broiled Cheddar; Minature Soft Pretzels; Bretzel Rolls (for sandwiches!); Cheddar, Beer and Mustard Pull-Apart Bread; Chicken Empanadas with Chorizo and Olives; Ethereally Smooth Hummus; Mama Canales-Garcia’s Avocado-Shrimp Salsa, Potato Chip Cookies (or the Buttered Popcorn Cookies from the book) or Salted Caramel Brownies. 



 

Smitten Kitchen on Pinterest, at laaaast: I admit, I was a bit of a Pinterest Resister (silly Deb), but I’m so glad I’ve come around because we’ve spent the last month building a Smitten Kitchen Pinterest Page with every single recipe that’s ever been on the site at the ready-click for (hopefully) your home-cooking inspiration. Right now, there are just a few main folders — Recipes (the entirety of the archives far more easy to pour over than they are on the site), Tips (links out to how-tos and other tips posts) and Cookbook (highlighting recipes from the book, more to come), but I’d like to add a few more sub-boards going forward, such as the in-progress “last night’s dinner” (what I’ve most recently cooked from the site on a weekday night) and “favorite kitchen tools” (which I hope you’ll find helpful if you’ve ever asked me in the comments where I got a bowl or peeler and, understandably, could never find my deeply buried response comment again) as well as collections of recipes (e.g. Gluten-Free and Vegetarian or Vegan, plus holiday collections like Valentines Day and the like as needed). Whee! [Smitten Kitchen on Pinterest]

Smitten Kitchen on Instagram, too: Well, I’ve long been an Instagram junkie, but I didn’t want to clutter my feed of life outtakes (@thesmitten) with promotional new post announcements for the site, so I’ve created a separate feed (@smittenkitchen) where you can find out when a new recipe has gone up. [Smitten Kitchen on Instagram]

Garlicky Party Bread with Herbs and Cheese
Inspired by Taste of Home

This is definitely a flexible recipe; you can use any cheese and herbs you’d like, or seasonings. (I mentioned a few ideas that inspired me in the post.) I had intended to wind some thin strips of proscuitto around fingers, but then copped out at the last minute but my husband really thinks you should try it. Or, a scattering of bacon bits. I didn’t use all of the suggested cheese, because I was afraid it would be too much, which was obviously a silly idea. Use all the cheese, always, people. The one thing I’d be more careful with next time, however, is finding a sourdough that’s more sturdy. My soft, pretty fresh loaf had floppy fingers and I worried they’d stick together (only a little; can still be pulled apart while warm). A sturdier loaf would have more porcupine like fingers, all the better to pluck away while watching the game.

1 round (about 1 pound) loaf firm sourdough bread
1/2 cup (4 ounces or 115 grams) salted or unsalted butter
1/2 teaspoon coarse or flaky salt, or 1/4 teaspoon table salt (if butter is unsalted)
4 medium cloves garlic, minced
Pinch or two of red pepper flakes or freshly ground black pepper to taste
1 cup finely grated cheese (I used a mix of 2/3 firm aged cheeses — pecorino and asiago — and 1/3 fontina for meltiness)
1 teaspoon finely minced fresh herbs (I used 1/2 each rosemary and oregano; use more to taste)
1 tablespoon extra fresh herbs (such as chives or parsley) to finish (optional)

Heat oven to 350°F. Being careful not to cut through the bottom crust (i.e., leave slices attached), cut bread loaf into 1-inch slices in one direction, then perpendicular, forming porcupine-like bread fingers. Transfer to baking sheet or roasting pan. In a small saucepan or your microwave, combine butter, salt and garlic until butter is melted and sizzling. Pour over bread, making sure to separate any fingers leaning on each other to ensure the bread is evenly butter-soaked. Scatter with grated cheese, again making sure to get cheese all the way to the bottom crust too (helps finger separation, too) with a spoon. Sprinkle with first teaspoon of herbs. Cover dish with foil and bake loaf for 15 minutes, until warmed through. Remove foil and bake another 15 to 20 minutes, until edges of loaf are toasty and cheese has melted. Scatter with any additional green herbs for garnish and serve warm.

Brad Pitt's Style Entering 2020

Brad Pitt is the ultimate Hollywood hunk. Plenty of heartthrobs have come and gone, but Pitt remains a constant; as the years have progressed, his shining star status has never dimmed. Now that it’s awards season, Pitt—who is in the running for his role in Quentin Tarantino’s Once Upon a Time In Hollywood—will be taking the red carpets of La La Land by storm all month long. We saw our first glimpse of the actor earlier this week at the Golden Globes, where he secured a Best Supporting Actor award, as well as a mention as one of Vogue’s best-dressed men. And it seems he’s continuing this strong sense of style off the red carpet, too: just take the two fits he just rocked in New York City yesterday. It looks like 2020 is already shaping up to be the year of Pitt’s fashion level-up.

Pitt’s fashion record in the past has seen him embrace more of a sleazy-chic vibe, falling in line with the characters he typically tends to play (revisit his Fight Club getups, for instance). Throughout the 2000s, the star played into some of the biggest trends of the moment: think leather trenches, pageboy caps, graphic tees, clear sunglasses. He’s always had his own vibe going on—a sort of scrubby cool dude look—while also knowing how to clean up on the red carpet when needed. But this week’s outfits made it clear that Pitt’s upping his game both off and on the streets: it seems that Brad is entering a smarter and more mature style chapter.

PHOTO: GETTY IMAGES

His new vibe was first spotted upon arrival in Manhattan yesterday, as he greeted swarms of fans in a fresh-off-the-plane look that was all about artful layering. He paired a neon green sweater with distressed jeans, piling a maroon wool coat and hunter green scarf overtop. Cool accessories such as suede boots, a satchel, suede brimmed hat, and black sunglasses played up his movie star identity. When night fell, the actor then dressed up for dinner: he went for a slick all-black evening outfit, consisting of a tailored suit worn over a henley (an easier, more modern alternative to the button-up). Meanwhile, a double-breasted coat, scuff-free oxfords, and slicked-back hair played up the dapper feel. The takeaway? It seems even a superstar like Pitt isn’t immune to the “new year, new me” spirit.

PHOTO: GETTY IMAGES

PHOTO: GETTY IMAGES

Australian Bushfires

In times of international crisis, it’s always difficult to know how best to help. Many of us have become aware of the bushfires raging in Australia thanks to social media and the news, but simply retweeting a post can feel insufficient in the face of so much devastation.

As appalling as the situation in Australia is, it’s important to remember that there are steps we can take to help, and they start with getting educated about what’s actually happening. Below, find a guide to the situation on the ground in Australia, as well as a list of actions you can take to reduce the suffering of the people and animals affected.

What’s happening?

The 2019–20 Australian bushfire season began in September and has already consumed an estimated 8.4 million hectares of land in Australia, with a record-breaking 4.9 million hectares burned in New South Wales alone. (For context, that’s an area larger than Denmark.) A state of emergency was declared in that region of Australia in December.

Bushfires are a regular part of the Australian climate, but experts have called this the worst season on record and “a firefighter’s nightmare.”

The fires have killed an estimated 25 people as of this week and will burn for months, NPR reports. The total number of animals affected nationwide could be as high as a billion, and scientists agree the scale and wreckage of the fires was hastened by climate change.

Who’s speaking out about it?

The disaster in Australia was top of mind at the Golden Globes on Sunday, with Australian actor Russell Crowe delivering a powerful message in absentia, as he had returned home to protect his family from the fires: “Make no mistake. The tragedy unfolding in Australia is climate change based.”

Other actors, including Cate Blanchett, Patricia Arquette, and Ellen DeGeneres, joined Crowe in sending messages of support to Australia; Phoebe Waller-Bridge even auctioned off her Golden Globes suit, with proceeds going to help those suffering from the fires. Chris Hemsworth has donated $1 million to fire relief.

Celebrities from Nicole Kidman to Margot Robbie and Lizzo have encouraged fans to donate, and some are going even further; Orange Is the New Black actress Yael Stone gave up her U.S. green card on the grounds that it was “environmentally unjust to pursue a life across two continents,” announcing she would live in Australia full-time. Other activists are helping via even more unorthodox methods: Australian model Kaylen Ward raised $700,000 for Australia by sending nude photos to those who sent her proof of their charitable donation.

How can I help?

There are myriad charities organizing to support the people and animals affected by the Australian bushfires, but the Australian Red Cross is a good place to start. You can also donate directly to support firefighters, many of whom are volunteers.

To directly help those who have lost their homes and possessions in the fires, donate to Givit, which matches donated goods with items specifically requested by fire victims. Animal lovers might consider donating to WIRES; Australia’s largest wildlife-rescue organization, the World Wildlife Fund Australia; or Koalas in Care.

Best 10 Shoes Brands

1.    Nike

As one of the world’s largest shoe companies and shoe brands, Nike has always been at the leading edge of innovation, technology development and cutting-edge marketing campaigns that help them surpass all the other brands in the world in terms of popularity and sales.  Nike’s latest ‘Just do It’ marketing campaign featuring ‘Colin Kaepernick’ has proved to be beneficial for the company this year as it helped grow their online sales of footwear products across the world. Nike, the world’s largest sports footwear brand is reinventing itself for the digital era.  Although it is in the early innings of a transition, the company is taking several steps toward its goal to become a retail tech company and some of these tactics are already appearing to be working.  Nike is also getting its flagship products right with shoes like Nike Air Max 270, ZoomX, React, and VaporMax has landed with customers.

2.    Adidas

With its roots in Germany, Adidas has become one of the top shoe companies and shoe brands in the world. The company produces more than 900 million sports and lifestyle products with independent manufacturing partners around the world. The company generated sales of approximately $25 billion in 2017. These staggering numbers alone are the testaments that Adidas is quite a large and multifaceted company. With more than 1000 stores across the world, the shoe brand has risen to extreme heights of success. Adidas has not only become the symbol of sports fashion but also has presented a collective image of street, pop-culture, music, sports and other fashion statements, creating its existence through its remarkable communication strategies.

3.    New Balance

Unlike its rivals, the Boston-based multinational corporation, New Balance, shuns celebrity endorsement. The company claims to underline substance over style by highlighting lesser-known athletes. Besides manufacturing men’s and women’s shoes for basketball, tennis, golf, hiking, running and cross training, New Balance offers fitness apparel and shoes for kids and owns shoemaker Dunham. The company’s products portfolio also includes Aravon shoes for comfort performance, Warrior hockey wear, PF Flyers footwear, and Brine, a leader in field hockey, lacrosse, soccer, and volleyball. The company is striving to expand beyond the US and it recently opened its first UK store on London’s Oxford Street.

4.    ASICS

ASICS is one of Japan’s top shoe companies and other equipment. Since its foundation in 1949, ASICS has been one of the global footwear brands that are committed to nurturing the youth across the world through sports to contribute to society.  Over more than six decades, the company inherits its values and provides own products while capturing the changes in the social environment. ASICS recently announced the launch of its new product ‘Solution Speed’ tennis footwear which is designed to enhance agility and speed during the game. The Solution Speed shoe feature three of company’s advanced technologies including Court Specific FlyteFoam, TWISTRUSS, and FLEXION FIT.

5.    Kering (PUMA)

Kering is one of the world leaders in apparel and accessories that develops an ensemble of powerful luxury, lifestyle and sports brands, some of those including Gucci, Bottega Veneta, Volcom, and Puma. Its Puma brand provides an impressive and versatile collection of shoes/footwear, apparel, and accessories. Over the past few decades, Puma has consistently evolved to introduce a diversified product portfolio that includes Puma Suede, Basket, Roma, Easy Rider, and many more. Puma’s motorsports collection includes co-branded sneakers with leaders including Ducati and Ferrari. The brand’s latest technologically advance sneaker Faas, is endorsed by the fastest man in the world, Usain Bolt.

6.    Skechers

Founded in the year 1992, Skechers is one of the fastest growing shoe companies in the US, focusing on trendy and casual styles for men and women between the ages of 19 to 40 years. The billion-dollar and award-winning company stems from the high-quality product offering, cutting-edge print and television advertising, and diversified domestic and global distribution channels. Skechers’ products include boots, sneakers, training shoes, oxfords, sandals, and semi-dressy shoes. The company offers street-focused and fashion footwear under the Zoo York, Marc Ecko, and Mark Nason brands. Skechers shoes are sold in more than 160 countries through specialty stores and some 390 company-owned outlet stores.

7.    Fila

Beginning as a textile firm in Biella, Italy more than nine decades ago, Fila (Fabbrica Italiana Lapis ed Affin) has since grown into one of the top shoe companies and shoe brands in the categories of tennis, soccer, and running in Asia, Europe and Americas. Indeed, today, Fila is a leading designer and marketer of footwear, apparel, and accessories for sport and leisure with products categories including casual and athletic footwear, casual wear, activewear, and sportswear. The Company offers its wide range of products under a number of brands, including Tratto, Das, Giotto, D idò, Pongo, Lyra, and others.

8.    Bata

For more than 130 years, Bata has been the most recognized footwear brand in the world. Today, the company which is led by the third generation of Bata family continue to dedicate themselves to finding new shoe materials, developing innovative technologies, and manufacturing new products that blend fashion with comfort. The company today has a presence in over 60 countries with more than 5000 retail stores, 24 fully-owned factories, and dedicated e-commerce operations. Bata combines the best of local and global, effectively catering to the needs of consumers across the world, making it one of the world’s fastest growing shoe companies.

9.    Burberry

Burberry is the well-established manufacturer of luxury clothing, readymade fashion outerwear, fragrances, cosmetics, sunglasses, shoes and other accessories for men, women, and children. It is one of the most recognized brands in the EU, Australia, US and various other parts of Asia. The British designer company is planning to expand its shoe business rapidly and is set to make a strategic investment in its leather goods supply chain. Burberry recently acquired a leather-good facility from its Italian partner CF&P.

10.  VF Corporation

Founded in 1899, VF is one of the world’s leading apparel, footwear, and accessories companies with socially responsible operations spanning several geographies, distribution channels, and product categories. It serves consumers across the world with its wide-ranging portfolio of lifestyle apparel and shoe brands including The North Face, Wrangler, Lee, Timberland, and Vans. Their brands’ popularity got them many consumers which prompted them to open outlet stores across the globe. Further, the company launched its e-commerce portal in 2013.

Best 10 Countries to Travel

1. Bhutan

A dozen nations vie for the title of real-life Shangri-La, but Bhutan’s claim has more clout than most. This tiny piece of Himalayan paradise operates a strict ‘high-value, low-impact’ tourism policy, compelling travelers to pay a high daily fee just to set foot in its pine-scented, monastery-crowned hills. The pay-off for visitors is a chance to walk along mountain trails unsullied by litter, in the company of people whose Buddhist beliefs put them uniquely in tune with their environment. Bhutan punches well above its weight when it comes to sustainability. It is already the world’s only carbon-negative country, and the kingdom is set to become the first fully organic nation by 2020, so it’s only going to get more beautiful. And with the daily fee, it won’t be getting any more crowded.

2. England

Once the country’s first line of defence against invaders, the English coastline these days is a peaceful place where locals and visitors can enjoy more tranquil pursuits. Taking a bracing walk on a windswept pier, eating delicious fish and chips, searching for marine life in rockpools, finding fossils in ancient cliffs, building sandcastles and dolphin-spotting on picturesque beaches are just some of the activities offered by the English seaside. In 2020, indulging in these activities and more will be a whole lot easier as new sections of the England Coast Path continue to open. Once complete, at almost 3000 miles, the path will be the longest continuous trail of its kind in the world, granting access to the country’s entire coastline for the first time.

3. North Macedonia

‘Best of’ travel lists brim with anniversaries and airport openings. Rare is the opportunity to celebrate the rebranding of a country. Such is the case for North Macedonia – a place most known simply as Macedonia – which claimed a fresh moniker after decades of political debate with bordering Greece. The agreement, signed in 2018, provided a feel-good moment of neighbourly love and a revamped international image for the tiny nation in the heart of the Balkans. It’s already renowned for gastronomy, ancient tradition and nature, but culture junkies and adventurers will find new excuses to visit in 2020 with the addition of flight routes to Unesco-protected Lake Ohrid and the recently launched High Scardus Trail, a 495km trek along the region’s most dramatic peaks.

4. Aruba

In Aruba’s south, the cultural hub of San Nicolas, known as Sunrise City, is relishing a colourful and creative revival, with international and local artists adorning street walls and pop-up carnival experiences extending the happy vibes beyond the annual festivities. Equally important and worth celebrating are the country’s ambitious sustainability efforts. Aruba has offered the island to be a testing hub for other countries’ renewable energy solutions and is working to implement a ban on all single-use plastics and reef-destroying sunscreens in 2020. With a flurry of new home-sharing accommodation and experiences on offer, an authentic, more affordable, and sustainable Aruba awaits among its palm-fringed and pristine beaches.

5. Swatini (Swaziland)

Petite, pleasant and packed with culture, adventure and legendary wildlife, the newly named Kingdom of eSwatini (formerly Swaziland) is one of Southern Africa’s most underrated (and least visited) destinations. A new international airport, as well as improved road infrastructure between it, conservation areas and the capital, are aimed to increase visitor numbers in the years ahead – get here in 2020 to ensure yourself a front seat. The varied landscapes within its parks and reserves provide one exciting revelation after another, whether it’s zip lining, trekking, whitewater rafting or mind-blowing rhino encounters. Mix in a pervading sense of peace and enthralling cultural festivities and you’ll be smiling all the way home.

Nsangwini Rock Art Shelter

6. Costa Rica

Costa Rica flies the flag for sustainable tourism. This small country’s vast biodiversity attracts visitors keen to spot sleepy sloths in trees, red-eyed frogs paralysing their predators, and whales in the Pacific. Costa Ricans understand the importance of preserving their slice of tropical paradise and have found a way to invite others in while living in harmony with their neighbours – from leafcutter ants to jaguars. Ninety percent of the country’s energy is created by renewable sources, and it could become one of the first carbon-neutral countries in 2020. Adventure lovers can hike volcanoes or ride a zip line, while those craving ‘me time’ can enjoy yoga retreats and spa experiences. The catchphrase pura vida (pure life) is more than a saying, it’s a way of life.

7. The Netherlands

In the year that marks 75 years of freedom since the end of WWII, the Netherlands is ready to celebrate with events across the country. Vibrant Amsterdam always deserves a visit, but by making use of the excellent train network you can explore a host of celebrations in stunning cities and get more bang for your euros. April and May are the months to visit, as you can take in King's Day, Liberation Day and the Eurovision Song Contest, which will be hosted in the country this year. Set out on the ever-growing network of over 35,000km of cycling paths to explore attractions beyond the cities, such as Unesco World Heritage Site the Wadden Sea, and discover the wealth of nature that this tiny country has to offer.

Hoge Veluwe National Park

8. Liberia

For most outsiders, Liberia is a bit of a mystery. But those in the know wax lyrical about the optimism of its people and the country’s natural wonders. There are idyllic beaches, washed by some of West Africa’s best surf at low-key resorts such as Robertsport. Then there’s Sapo National Park, the second-largest area of primary rainforest in West Africa. In these dense forests, you stand a chance of running into chimpanzees, forest elephants and Liberia’s famous pygmy hippos – no larger than a Shetland pony. Better still, a groundbreaking development deal with Norway to halt all deforestation by 2020 looks set to keep this natural treasure safe for generations.

9. Morocco

Morocco is having a moment, with time-honoured attractions complemented by sustainable-yet-stylish lodging, restaurants serving up seasonal produce and coastal wellness retreats mixing up yoga and surfing. And thanks to improved infrastructure it’s easier to get around by road, while Africa’s first high-speed train means that you can zip from Casablanca to Tangier in just two hours. Ancient medinas are getting a makeover in Fez, Essaouira, Meknes, Tetouan and Marrakesh, which will be crowned Africa’s first Capital of Culture in 2020 in celebration of its rich heritage. And you can still escape the crowds in Berber mountain villages, deserted Atlantic beaches and far-flung desert outposts.

10. Uruguay

If Uruguay isn’t already on your South American bucket list, 2020 is the perfect year to add it. With 660km of Río de la Plata and Atlantic shoreline, a burgeoning wine industry, bubbling hot springs and endless rolling rangelands where South America’s grandeur feels seductively tangible, Uruguay has something for everyone. The country has also proudly championed a progressive social agenda in recent years – from marijuana legalisation and the open embrace of LGBTQ+ rights to the promotion of sustainable tourism. But what visitors remember most are Uruguay’s laid-back, welcoming and down-to-earth people and the subtle but profound beauty of the country’s landscape – from the long, untamed Atlantic coastline to the boundless open spaces of the lowlands.

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7 Games for Party Fun

1. Sticker Ninja — Stealthy fun for all

Few games match the intensity of Sticker Ninja. Armed with a sticker sheet, such fun party games keep players on their toes and can be played over the course of any gathering! Sneaky tactics here include, chatting someone up or accidentally running into them while getting a drink just so you can deftly place your sticker onto them .

Instructions

• Sneakily empty your sticker sheet by sticking them on other guests.
• If your sticking attempt fails and you’re caught by your targets, they get to stick one on you.
• First one to empty their sheet wins.

2. Drawful 2 — The game of hilariously bad drawings

Fun party games like Drawful 2 fit games mould by adding a modern twist to the traditional Pictionary formula! With more wacky phrases and opportunities for witty mischief, you’ll laugh at crude drawings as you fool others with your misleading titles.

Instructions

• Login to jackbox.tv and enter the room code.
• Players get a unique phrase according to which they have to draw an image on their mobile device (without an eraser tool!).
• When a player’s drawings get featured, other players have to craft creative titles to fool everyone into thinking it was the original prompt.
• You get points for fooling people with your crafty title when it’s not your drawing being featured and when players guess the correct title to your drawing when your drawing is featured.
• There’s even a family-friendly mode so inappropriate prompts are omitted.

Want to see the game in action? Check out a playthrough below!

3. Who Am I — Great for icebreaking

Who Am I is a perfect starter to any party’s games as they encourage guests to mingle and socialise! While interacting, players must think of creative ways to gain information without giving up obvious hints, creating opportunities for all kinds of comical interactions.

Instructions

• Names of popular celebrities or characters are written on sheets of paper beforehand and pasted on guests’ backs.
• Each guest then gets a set number of “yes or no” questions, of which they can ask other guests to help find out what’s written on their back.
• The last person to guess correctly loses.

4. Hot Potato Selfie — Unglamourous pictures await

With easy instructions and a quick set-up, Hot Potato Selfie joins our list of games that allows everyone to join in. All you need is a circle of friends or family and a camera with a self timer!

Instructions

• The camera’s self timer is determined before the game begins.
• Each player holds the camera at arm’s length and points it at themselves for a minimum amount of time before passing it to the next person.
• Players can choose to ‘cook the potato’ by holding the camera for longer than required, though they risk this backfiring on them.
• The passing goes on until the camera goes off, taking a hilarious picture that will be the source of many laughs in future.

5. Mafia — The joys of random accusations and skilful deception

No fun party games list is complete without Mafia! Known as Werewolf to some, Mafia is a game of deceit and secret alliances as the mafia are tasked with eliminating civilians without getting discovered by the watchful eyes of onlookers. Acting as the perfect platform for interaction, Mafia joins the ranks of great games because you’re encouraged to mislead others and notice telltales signs, creating opportunities for comedy as players slip up or accuse others at random.

Instructions

• A narrator is first assigned and keeps the game going by acting as moderator. Narrators are expected to know the rules and move the game along when there are stalemates.
• Before the first night, cards are dealt to decide who plays what role.
• While there are additional roles, the following are the core roles of every Mafia game:
  • Mafia have to lie throughout the game and act like civilians, strategising on who to first kill to avoid suspicion. This will also aid in thinning out the crowd
  • Detectives have to sway the crowd and accuse the mafia without being openly obvious about their accusations
  • Civilians must deduce truth from lie and decide for themselves who the mafia are
• During the night cycle, everyone closes their eyes. The mafia open their eyes during this period and can eliminate anyone after coming to a consensus. That player is then eliminated and free to spectate the remaining game but is banned from speaking to avoid influencing the game.
• During the day cycle, everyone must come to a decision on who to lynch. Majority wins here and you’re free to say anything to accuse others or defend yourself.
• The day-night cycle ends when the mafia is the majority (mafia are victorious) or until civilians eliminate all mafia members (civilians are victorious).

6. Five Ten — Classic Chinese drinking game with snacks

If your guests are too shy to finish the goodies, Five Ten is the perfect way to distribute them! While it’s widely considered a drinking game, you can easily replace the alcohol with snacks in this fun finger-guessing game. Serving as the reward, winners can help themselves to tasty treats when they guess correctly. The key here is noticing the telltale signs of what players will throw out and yelling a number that accounts for this.

Instructions

• Players sit in a circle and stick both their hands out with the aim of guessing the exact number of open and closed hands in the circle. An open hand represents five and a closed fist represents zero. For example, three open hands would give 15 while six open hands would give 30.
• Guessing will be in multiples of five, with zero implying that everyone’s fist is clenched and the maximum number implying that everyone’s hand is opened.
• Everyone takes their turn to guess. A correct guess will allow you to guess again, with the chance for other players to open or close their hands.
• Players who make correct guesses two times in a row are winners. Instead of forcing the next person to guess to drink, correct guessers are rewarded with a tasty snack.

7. Any Rhythm Game With Plastic Instruments

If you’ve invested in Rock Band or Guitar Hero before, it’s time to dust off those plastic instruments as fun party games like these are perfect Chinese New Year games! With varied track lists and difficulties, you’ll be jamming your heart out to classics and modern tracks. Our only complaint is the lack of Chinese New Year songs for us to rock out to.

Instructions

• Guitar and Bass – Hold the respective coloured button as it comes down the fretboard. Then, push or pull the strumming bar when the note’s in line with the button prompt. Higher difficulty levels add more colours and note variance into the mix so make sure to stretch those fingers beforehand!
• Drums – While it might not be as nuanced as playing the guitar, drumming accurately recreates reality as you’re striking your sticks on coloured drum pads. You’ll definitely work up a good sweat as you crank up the difficulty and strive to stay on beat.
• Vocals – Singing tests your ability to match the required pitch and enunciate the lyrics. Singing is kept accessible as you don’t require powerful vocals, simply keep to the pitch of the music and it’ll be enough. Raising the difficulty makes pitch thresholds less forgiving, requiring you to sing more accurately to hit the pitch.
  

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