BoomerGirl Diary

If you love bone-crunching football, big pots of chili and a rug full of nacho chips, good news: the annual extravaganza that is the Super Bowl is coming to your living room soon. But if you’re like me, you’ve got little patience for the hype. I’m a girl who prefers a waffle iron, a curling iron, or — heaven forbid — a real iron to the frozen gridiron. I’d just as soon leave that pot of chili simmering for the fans — and choose something else to do.

You, too, can think outside the big-screen box and try a game-day alternative. If you’re a fan and don’t want to miss the Bowl, host a mini-party at halftime. Invite a few friends and keep it loose — but not too loose. You wouldn’t want any wardrobe malfunctions, would you?

Super Bowling

You don’t have to be a great bowler to enjoy a little super bowling with a few friends. Hit the lanes wearing those stylin’ shoes and let the beer, popcorn and pretzels flow. Take a cue from kids’ parties and make up a bag of “silly bowling” tricks — little directives for a round of ridiculous bowling, like “bowl with a wig and sunglasses,” and the ever-popular “bowl through someone else’s legs.” Bring your camera and leave the competition at the door — it’s all in good fun.

Looper Bowl

Yes, you could knit in front of the halftime show, but wouldn’t you rather tackle that scarf in a circle of friends? Ask your knitting pals over with an easy crafted invitation. Pick solid-color printable note cards and envelopes. Print your invitation on the card, and using a hole punch, evenly space holes around the outside of the card. Cut equal lengths of three bright yarns and lace around the card, finishing with a bow. On game day, choose a quiet, comfortable space with good natural light, and offer a selection of cookies with tea. Then simply pull out your projects, and get a little loopy.

Scooper Bowl Sundae

Four weeks since New Year’s — and if you haven’t already, it might be time to fudge (maybe hot fudge) on a resolution by hosting an all-girl afternoon sundae bar. Feature a few gallons of extra-extra-premium ice cream and set up a topping buffet: beloved standards like sprinkles, nuts, and syrups, as well as a few specialties like toasted coconut, brandied cherries, and candied pineapple. Add crunch with chocolate-dipped graham crackers or slender biscotti. After diving in, offer Irish coffee, retire to a TV-free room, and enjoy the latest dish.

Souper Bowl

On a chilly February weekend,, steaming soup makes a fantastic star in the kitchen. Invite friends to bring their favorite homemade soup, packed into quart containers, enough to go around. You’ll serve one or two delicious soups of your own, rounded out with crusty breads, a cheese board and fresh fruit. Ask your pals to bring printed copies of their recipes, and any story that’s attached to the soup. At the end of the afternoon, everyone takes home several kinds of soup and the recipes, too. The Souper Bowl gives friends the opportunity to share memories, renew bonds, and fill the freezer. Score!