I can't claim to be from Kentucky or any state south of the Mason-Dixon (southern California doesn't count right?) but I've been to a few Derby parties. I've worn a few wide-brimmed hats. Mint juleps are of course the time-honored classic Derby drink, and what you want handed to you upon arrival of any Derby party, so let's start there. Then we'll move onto beer cheese, Kentucky Hot Browns, bourbon balls, and more for your Race Day spread. More

The Triple Crown kickoff race combines Thoroughbreds, country ham biscuits, and bourbon. Personally I don't care about the big hats, but as this horse race is the only American sporting event that attracts foreign royalty, there must be some reason for them. Some parties are more ambitious than others, but here are a few nearly mandatory elements that are the essence of every Derby Day celebration. More

Throwing a dinner party to celebrate Halloween doesn't have to be candy-laden and filled with gummy spiders. This meal imagines our shambling, shuffling guests as perfectly able to enjoy an elegant meal together, great for grownups around Halloween. More

I've seen my winemaker friend Massimo grill octopus, make some of the finest Napa Valley wines, and build furniture made of wine barrels. Massimo is an amazing cook, throwing together inexpensive ingredients in a way that always impresses. So when he threw an Italian harvest-inspired vegetarian dinner party, we made sure we attended. More

Remember the smell of gymnasium, drinking out of tiny milks and plastic trays? When the kids go back to school, let the grown-ups enjoy a celebratory potluck. Host a Lunch Lady-themed potluck where guests bring updated versions of lunchtime classics. More

[©iStockphoto.com/lenta] I recently went to my first frat party. Woo-hoo! Where's the beer pong? Okay, it wasn't that kind of party. It was a Christmas party thrown by the guys of Alpha Sigma Phi for parents and alumni. There was a massive roast beef at a carving station, a raffle, and well-dressed folks bidding on auction items. I didn't stay long, though, because the holiday merriment sent me straight into a "Bah, Humbug"-like funk, dredging up the ghosts of Christmas parties past.... More

When I think about which celebrity chef would have a kick-ass menu at his or her Super Bowl, my thoughts always gravitate to Bobby Flay. And why not? He's a really good cook, he's a serious sports fan, and his food definitely lends itself to football-watching on TV. So the serious eaters at world headquarters here went through all the Bobby Flay cookbooks we had in the office looking for recipes that we could easily and quickly make for our own Super Bowl parties. His chipotle-honey-glazed wings with toasted sesame seeds and green onion sound delicious even if you have to make them in the oven instead of on a grill (we know it's winter). His wild mushroom quesadillas would... More

Photographs from Huffington Post Staring at the screen tomorrow night, watching as states light up red and blue, will require energy. Depending on the winner, it may also require comfort food. Here's some ideas for your election night party menu: Savory "Right Wings" (recipe) Pork Barrel Tenderloin (recipe) Baked ACORN Squash (recipe) War "Hero" Sandwiches (recipes) Obama's Favorite Chili (recipe) Elitist Foods Involving Arugula (recipes) McCain Frozen Foods (more info) Sloppy Plumber Joes (recipe)... More