How to Host A Card Party

Host a card party that is fit for a King, Queen or even a pair of Jacks! Make a ‘big deal’ for this get together.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

1. Theme - Card Party
   • Plan for 50-100 poker chips per head.
   • For Texas Hold 'em, make sure you have a special chip set aside for the button.
   • Use card suits as a creative theme or set the mood for your bridge club, casino, or poker night.
   • Use oversized playing cards, score pads or funny money as invitations.
   Party Night -
   • Use brand-new decks of cards.
   • Tables – Up to 9 players – one, 10-14 - two, 15-20 - three
   • Make sure everyone knows the rules ahead of time. If they don't run through at least two hands so they can get the feel of the game.
   • If you don't want gambling involved, let your guests wager with poker chips or "funny money" and have a chance to win prizes based on their winnings.
   • When the party is over, say good night with a goody bag filled with a deck of cards, fake money, chips or scratch tickets.
2. Decorate –
   • Decorate the room with playing cards scattered around the tables.
   • Hang card suit helium balloons or use solid colored balloons in red, black, white and green.
   • Make a house of cards as a centerpiece.
   • Decorate with red, white and black streamers, tableware and cutlery.
   • Cut out shapes of hearts, diamonds, clubs and spades and hang them on the walls or dangle from the ceiling.
   • Cover tables with green felt, cloth or plastic table covers.
   • Use empty card packs as napkin holders.
   • Use playing cards, poker chips, or score pads as place cards or nametags.
   • Hand out green gambler visors, striped vests or garter armbands to each guest.
3. Recipes –
   
   Deal out a menu that is quick and easy.
   • Serve "club" sandwiches and "chips",
   • Use card suit theme cookie cutters (such as a heart or diamond) to cut shapes for mini-sandwiches or cookies.
   • Use a mini cookie cutter to cut shapes with peppers or cheese for your salad, crackers or dips.
   • Order in pizza to eliminate playing down time.
   • Keep the food away from the playing table.
4. Wine-Liqueur-Beverages -
   • Martini
   • Cognac and whisky blends well with poker.
   • Beer
   • Provide soft drinks for anyone who doesn't drink or has to drive home.
   • There are many who say that serious cards need to be played without the hazy influence of booze. Have carbonated soda water and mix it up with some Italian syrup.

Tips & Warnings

• Etiquette: 1) Act in Turn • If you’re going to fold, wait until it's your turn to do so. • The same holds true for calling and raising. 2) Keep Quiet During a Hand • Sit quietly and let the hand end before you offer any commentary. 3) Don't Splash the Pot • Keep your chips in a neat pile in front of you. • Throwing your chips into the middle is always a bad idea. 4) One Player To a Hand • You don't get to receive advice during a hand, and you don't get to give it. 5) Pay Attention • Few things are more aggravating than a player who says, "Whose turn is it?" when it's been their turn for several minutes.