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Today I’m participating in our second blog hop of the holiday season, where 9 entertaining experts have collaborated to bring you inspiration for Thanksgiving & Fall Entertaining {see full list of participants & links at the bottom}. Since I am currently shooting some Thanksgiving posts for next week I decided I would share my suggestions for hosting the perfect Pizza Party! Originally designed for The Party Dress Fall e-zine, this gourmet pizza party has an international twist as reflected in the decor, the pizza flavors, and the desserts.
The scene is set with Autumn colors & patterns and travel related props. The menu represents 3 locations from around the world: Hawaiian pizza = USA, Italian pizza = Italy, & Mediterranean = Greece. You could make the pizzas yourself, have guests make them as part of the fun of the evening, or order from your favorite restaurant.
For this party design I used luggage tags as place card holders which also double as a favor for guests. Apple cider is served in flip top bottles and pizza is placed on the table family-style alleviating the need for a centerpiece. Themed labels for the pizza flavors were made using map graphics of each region. You can find my recipes for the Hawaiian pizza and Italian pizza previously posted; the Mediterranean was ordered from our favorite pizzeria and includes grilled chicken, spinach & artichokes on a white garlic sauce (yummm).
For an inviting dessert table I used small suitcases & mini globes for an interesting display. Once again the food reflects international tastes: French macarons, Italian tiramisu style dessert, and classic American {mini} pies. The pies are another great take-home favor since they are individually packaged.
Ideas to Remember:
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Turn your pizza party into an international travel theme by incorporating different flavors from around the world.
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Use fun props like mini globes & suitcases, maps, luggage tags, etc. to reinforce the theme.
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Make pizzas ahead of time and pop in the oven as guests arrive, OR have them make the pizzas as part of the fun. Order your favorite flavor from a restaurant for even easier planning.
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No need for a centerpiece when you serve the pizzas family-style.
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Serve desserts from around the world: pastries from France, creamy delights from Italy, all-American pies from the US.
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Send guests home with themed favors like a luggage tag or boxed mini pie.
For even more tips and ideas on Fall & Thanksgiving entertaining, visit these other experts; AND follow us on Twitter using #HolidayHQ. We’ll be hosting another live chat this Thursday, the 10th at 8pm EST -join us!
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Housewife Bliss | Maple Whipped Sweet Potatoes
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The Gracious Girl | The Gift of Gratitude
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Second City Soiree | How to Host Thanksgiving in a Small Space
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With Style & Grace | Small bites for a thankful crowd
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The TomKat Studio | Delicious Pumpkin Whoopie Pies
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Tatertots & Jello | DIY Thanksgiving Place Cards
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The Daily Basics | Fall Door Decorating and the Best Recipe for Pumpkin Pie
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The Partybluprints Blog | The Thanksgiving Kids’ Table
For everyday updates follow me on Twitter and Facebook. Cheers!
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About Chris
I could also see this working for a laid-back Super Bowl party (though it would need more dips…what’s a Super Bowl party without dips?). Thanks for the ideas!
~Stop Me if You’ve Heard This One
So true, Justine. Pizza + dips = great super bowl party ; D
Justine, I was thinking that same thing. And the Greek pizza sounds delicious!
This looks like SO much fun!! I love all of the little touches too!! I think it would be a perfect party for me daughter who’s turning 13 in April
xoxxo
Jen
Chris I love this! Perfect for a Family Friday night party.
Those pizzas look so yummy and what a great party idea! I am getting hungry looking at these great pizzas!
I love how the pizzas are displayed!
These are some of the best ideas serving pizza! How fun to walk in and see this on the table. Your entire presentation is gorgeous. Thank you for sharing all the information and the wonderful photos.
-Molly
Love the concept and the images, beautifully done darling. Can’t wait to share this on Thursday with everyone on the #HolidayHQ. All the best, Coryanne
love the international twist, so fun! my favorite is the little pie takeaways – brilliant!
What a great idea for a casual party with friends. I just stumbled across your blog & have just spent the last half an hour enjoying myself reading through some old posts. I have just signed up as your latest follower & I look forward to popping back for some more inspiration!
x
Melissah
I love hearing {reading} that Melissah! Welcome!
What a beautiful party! I love the international theme you tied in, and the luggage tags are a fabulous idea too. I think one of the greatest things about a pizza party is that it’s so great for all ages. What a fun party to share with family and friends!
Can you email me directions on how you made the pizza stands please? Love them! Wanting to do pizza party for classmate and her hubby.
Greatly appreciated!
Thanks.
Tammy
Hi Tammy,
All I did was put a black dish on top of a wide candle stick & use Glue Dots to hold the dish in place.
Easy Peasy
Where did you get the glasses you used to hold your beverage? I love them and would love a couple!
Thanks for bringing that to my attention, Amy. I’ve added the link into the post now.