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@flamingo is correct.

Football season brings an abundance of folks gathering at the house for beer. Folks gathering at the house for beer brings an abundance of dips.

So, let's just make it official.
Happy inaugural dip season to you @ell.victor!
(Grin.)

Umama I'm not sure where you got that idea, I was just offering up some dishes that made transporting sides easier.

So no, you shouldn't buy unnecessary stuff.

(Thanks @bialy, the link has been corrected.)

(It's the only thing going through my head when I make it.)

Whoops! My original recipe used garlic powder and kosher salt, but I updated to use garlic salt instead. The recipe has been edited to update that change. Thanks for your eagle eyes!

This looks amazing. Friendly, usable and lovely! Huzzah!

@FromtheFuture LOVE it. I use the Goya Tamarind nectar for my Pad Thai, never thought of it as a Sangria addition. Brilliant.

@MadelynRodriguez Love it!

@mangia_beve It's pretty big, but nothing that couldn't fit into two Rubbermaid-style pitchers (I got it at a rummage sale years ago). I also am not a fan of those jars with the spouts (especially when it comes to fruit).

@MandeeC That comment just made my night. Thanks!

Thanks @MadelynRodriguez - those look amazing

@risenshine I can see your point -- some other skewerable one-handed appetizers could include

> sharp cheddar, apple and a slice of salami
> a big red grape, some sheeps milk cheese and tarragon leaf
> grilled green onion that's been made into a spiral and poked, cherry tomato and Manchego chunk.

@Nikki for 50-60 people, I'd try to make coffee cakes or pastry-type treats two days out and @mr guy's idea for muffin frittatas the day before.

However, I'd definitely buy the fruit salad (unless you have a small army of fruit choppers).

I'd also outsource the coffee -- most coffee shops have self-serve coffee to go.

Good luck!

Chicken Tamales. Dang easy to make.

I hone 'em several times a week on this ceramic sharpening tool that came with the knives (http://www.amazon.com/Wusthof-2900-W%C3%BCsthof-Ceramic-Sharpener/dp/B000066SYP) and bring them to the hardware store here in town to be sharpened once a year -- sometimes I've brought the more-used ones in at the six months. [Having sharp knives is rad.]