Planning a holiday party involves hundreds of decisions, but one of the most important choices you make is also one of the first: the theme. Sure, you could settle on “winter wonderland” or “ugly sweater” like everyone else, but if you really want to stand out from the holiday party crowd, consider something completely different, like bringing Vegas to your living room with a casino party.
If you’re thinking of hosting a party and want it to have a cool theme then consider throwing a casino themed party. There are so many games and activities that you can do under this umbrella and we have a few suggestions of the cocktails that you could make. Also, the typical party food like fries, veggie platters, burgers, hot dogs and more can be added as a casino themed party food. Add champagne glasses with mini servings can give them a fake idea of attending a party as in Vegas.
Decorations for casino parties are easy: playing cards, dice, neon lights, and anything red and black. But the menu might be a little more challenging. After all, what is considered “casino food”? Las Vegas is full of world-class restaurants in virtually every cuisine imaginable and local casino restaurants can vary by region. Still, there are plenty of menu items that would fit right into a casino themed party. Here are some of the best:
Prime rib
Whether you opt for a casino-style buffet or trays of finger food, prime rib—the king of casino dining—can be the centerpiece of your casino party menu. Thick slices can be kept warm in buffet chafing dishes, or you can cut cooked prime rib into chunks and spear with a toothpick and garnish.
Mini baked potatoes
Baked potatoes are another staple at most casino buffets, but there’s no need to serve full-size baked russets. Try small “fingerling” potatoes instead, sliced open and stuffed with shredded cheese, a dash of sour cream, and a sprinkle of chives.
Shrimp cocktail
Popcorn shrimp are also popular at casino buffets, but they’re a little too greasy to accommodate game playing. For alternative shrimp option, try small cups of shrimp cocktail that are easy to eat while mingling or playing table games.
Slot machine fruit
Healthy food can be party food if the theme allows, and thankfully cherries, grapes, plums, and melons are a perfect nod to slot machines. Serve chilled, or lightly sprinkle with sugar for a little casino sparkle.
Dice cheese ball
This appetizer looks like it takes a lot of work but it’s actually quite easy to assemble: simply shape two pre-made cheese balls into cubes and use olive dots on each side to transform them into big, yummy dice.
Domino brownies
To make another simple themed treat, bake a batch of brownies and cut into rectangles when cooled. Then press white chocolate chips (pointy-side down) into the brownies in various arrangements to resemble dominos.
Casino-themed beverages
When planning out your casino party menu, you can’t forget the drinks! Themed cocktails can include a Lady Luck (blue curacao, dry gin, orange juice), Poker Face (tequila, pineapple juice, triple sec, twist of lemon), Snake Eyes (apple martini), Wild Card (kamikaze shots), and Face Card (Malibu and pineapple juice).
Get inspired by Golden Acorn Casino’s Golden Grill
If you’re still not sure what to serve at your casino themed party, Golden Acorn Casino can help you get inspired. Our Golden Grill offers a huge variety of mouth-watering cuisine, from our famous prime rib specials to delectable appetizers, crisp salads, hearty soups, and much more. We’re only a few freeway exits down the I-8, so stop in today.
Related
So you’ve decided to host a casino themed party, whether it will be a real money casino for fundraising, or just a fun casino themed night. But now you’re stuck for casino party food ideas! What food and drinks you serve depends greatly on what kind of ‘casino’ you want yours to be, as casino food varies greatly.
You want a 007 feel? Serve up some classy canapes and cocktails. Thinking of a more Vegas feel? Perhaps a casino style buffet with shrimp cocktail, meatballs and other classic finger foods. Sticking to finger foods that aren’t too greasy is a good idea, so guests can snack and play at the same time. Maybe bring out more dishes every hour or so to keep them going!
Canapes Or Cake, Anyone?
If you’re not sure what finger food to serve, we have many casino party food ideas. Shrimp cocktail is great, as are crudites and chips with dips: crab dip, spinach and artichoke dip, onion dip… there are so many that would work. Stuffed olives will up the classy feeling, as will a fruit and cheese tray, and meatballs will keep your guests satisfied. If you want a more classy European casino feeling, go for sophisticated canapes like prosciutto wrapped asparagus or melon, bacon wrapped dates, mini frittatas, toast and pate. If you want to go all out on your casino themed food, why not serve all red, white and black foods? Black olive, tomato and feta tarts, red velvet cake, strawberries dipped in white and dark chocolate, ans cream cheese with red pepper strips, are all great casino party food ideas.
Casino Recipes
We hope your head is already full of casino party food ideas, but for a little extra, here are some simple casino recipes to try. If you’re going the classy canape route, blinis with a dollop of crème fraiche, some caviar and a sprinkle of chives or dill will never go wrong. If you use black and red caviar, that plus the white of the crème fraiche gives you themed colours! Skewers with baby tomatoes, mozarella and basil are also great. Another fun idea is to make dice jello shots – and they’re super easy! Just make red jello, slice it up into squares and add dots of white frosting for the dice numbers. We don’t have space for more herre, but you will find more detailed casino recipes online.
Shaken Or Stirred?
If it’s in your budget, it’s a great idea to hire a bartender to mix those classic casino cocktails for your guests. You could even have themed cocktails such as the ‘Face Card’ (Malibu and pineapple juice) or the ‘High Roller’ (whipped vodka and cranberry juice). Otherwise, learning to make even just a martini yourself will go down a treat. You could also set up a do-it-yourself bar with various spirits, mixers and garnishes and some casino recipes for drinks up on the wall!. If you don’t want to go down the cocktail route, champagne, beer and punch (red of course!) also work well. And don’t forget to have lots of water available!
Casino Theme Party Food
Get Excited!
There is so much else we could put in this article, but you’ll have to find that for yourself! The best idea is to decide on what kind of casino party you want, and then go with food that matches that. We hope these casino party food ideas have set your brain in motion, and that you’re starting to get excited for your casino party! This is a time to let your creativity shine.