Throw a Bavarian Bash

September 11, 2009

Baseball season is winding down, which means the availability of heaps of hot dogs and sausages drowning in your favorite toppings will soon become slim. Luckily, Oktoberfest is fast approaching, and throwing a Bavarian-themed fete can help you get your frankfurter fix without a trip to the Fatherland.

While consuming beer is a major component of the festival, you can channel your inner German without the risk of being dubbed what natives call a "Beerleichen" (beer corpse). Using plain glass mugs and fabric paint, hold a decorating contest to see who can make the most gorgeous guzzler. Fill them with homemade cider or apple juice.

Food reigns supreme at the festival, so you'll want to offer your guests a feast fit for a barbarian. Lay out finger foods such as sausages, sauerkraut, roast pork or chicken, cheese, on an old, wooden table and encourage everyone to consume utensil-free.

After their stomachs and custom mugs are filled to the brim, lead your lederhosened lads and dirndled dames to the dance floor – er, living room – to wind down and enjoy some traditional wind music. Just make sure you set down your mug before the dancing begins - you wouldn't want to spill and disregard the German tradition of saving every last drop.