Fall means football, and when you’re hosting a game, the setup matters just as much as the snacks. While decor can offer a nod to the host’s favorite team, food should be varied to ensure that all fans are happy. Small appliances have become quite popular for chefs of all levels, and there is no better time to put them to use than in football season. For residents of A&G Residential homes, large, multi-purpose spaces mean that hosting on gameday will quickly become a favorite way to make memories. 

Hosting Hints for a Guaranteed Win:

Score Big with Finger Foods! Finger foods offer versatility and a promise that every guest will dine on old favorites and discover new culinary creations.  

• Think mini-sliders with both beef and vegetarian options. These are a great example of food that can be prepped ahead of time, then can be kept warm in the oven or quickly reheated in a skillet.  
• Turn your kitchen island into an expansive nacho bar! Cover the space in a disposable tablecloth before filling it with fixings. Offer a variety of meats, cheeses, and toppings (guacamole, sour cream, salsa). Add a mini-crockpot to keep queso warm and melty throughout the game. 
• Buffalo Wings are a football favorite and can be prepped for a low-mess serving station. Toss plain wings in the air fryer before arranging them on a large serving tray with a variety of dipping sauces for guests to enjoy. 
• Chips, pretzels, and mixed nuts are terrific for small stations, such as on side tables. Add a platter of cut-up fruits or vegetables to coffee tables and provide toothpicks for easing self-serving. 

Small Appliances for the Extra Point! For many, the hunt for a new home focuses on a fabulous kitchen. Each of A&G Residential’s floor plans delivers an amazing space to prep, cook, and host, no matter the size of the party. Small appliances continue to gain popularity as they can push kitchens to a higher level of play. 

• Air fryers have rapidly become the MVP of most kitchens as the ability to cook crispy snacks with minimal oil has been a game-changer! Wings that stay juicy inside and crunchy outside? Yes, please! On gameday, an air fryer is a lifesaver as they preheat quickly, allow large-batch cooking, and are easy to clean. 
• Electric skillets (or griddles) offer a generous surface to sizzle multiple items at once. They are perfect for grilling peppers and onions for dips, keeping sliders warm, or creating a hot dog station. Some models include adjustable temperature zones, so you can keep the onions soft on one side and cheese toasty on the other, simultaneously!
• Fondue comes in many forms, though cheese or chocolate leads the pack in popularity. A great fondue set will keep sauces warm while offering fuss-free serving. Plus, guests tend to gather around a fondue station, making it the perfect spot to catch up between plays!
• A portable induction plate will quickly become the unsung hero when hosting. They are flat, compact, and get hot instantly. Use an induction plate in the dining area to heat chili, mac-and-cheese, or mulled cider while reducing crowding in the kitchen. 
• When game-day runs long, slow cookers and electric pressure cookers are a hosting staple because you can simply set it and forget it! Fan favorites such as pulled pork, chili, or beer-cheese soup are all perfect for a slow cooker. Newer models even offer custom presents such as “cheese,” “wings,” or “soup,” eliminating the guessing game.
• With the chill of fall comes the need for warm drinks such as apple cider or hot toddies. An electric kettle heats water at lightning speed, and strategically placed mug warmers will keep those beverages warm all day long. 

Why are Small Appliances Trending Now? Hosting has become the go-to gathering as it is more convenient and personal than meeting at a bar or restaurant. Small appliances have made hosting more streamlined than ever–even turning amateur cooks into seasoned chefs with the push of a few buttons. It’s easy to start a small appliance collection when you know the benefits of each. What are your goals?

• Efficiency & Speed: Air fryers and induction plates heat fast, while slow cookers offer hands-free cooking over the course of your entire event. 
• Versatility: A modern Instant Pot does pressure cooking, slow cooking, and sautéing. Electric skillets and countertop ovens can handle everything from toasting sandwiches to brewing dips.
• Smart Features & Presets: Wi-Fi or app-connected small appliances let you monitor temperatures, adjust cooking times, or turn things off remotely. 
• Easy Cleanup: Look for convenience when weighing small appliance features! Removable baskets, non-stick surfaces, and dishwasher-safe parts mean no one’s stuck at the sink while the fourth quarter unfolds.
• Counter & Cabinet Space: Small appliances are fabulous when in use and even more so when they can be tucked away after the party. Consider your kitchen’s storage space when purchasing small appliances to ensure easy “hiding” when not in use. 

Ready for Kick-Off? Follow this Timeline for the Perfect Day! There is nothing more exciting than hosting for the first time in your gorgeous A&G Residential home. For a perfect day that will leave guests excited to return, follow this game plan:

• Before Kick-Off:
  • 3-Hours: Prep chili or pulled pork in your slow cooker or Instant Pot.
  • 90 minutes: Heat bread and prepare the nacho bar. Load a fondue pot with cheese and set it to low. 
  • 60 Minutes: Pop those wings in the air fryer and start prepping dips, fruits, and vegetables while they cook.
  • 30 Minutes: Set out dips, fruits, and vegetables. Add cold beverages to ice-filled buckets and start heating up those warm beverages.
• Half-time! Use half-time to refill snacks and reheat any items that need it by using an induction plate or countertop oven. 
• Final Quarter: As the game nears its end, set up a dessert station! Use your toaster oven or air fryer to heat cobbler or brownies, and a fondue pot to melt dipping chocolate!

Hosting fall football games is a welcome tradition in central North Carolina, as there are so many ranked, local teams to cheer for. The combination of carefully curated snacks and superior small appliances helps hosts pull off parties like they’ve already gone pro. Let the tailgates begin…inside your brand-new A&G Residential home! 

Reach out to the team at A&G Residential today to find the perfect floor plan for an unforgettable game day gathering!