Celebrate March Madness

That's right. March Madness is here again, and while the guys are hunkered down on the couch chowing on nachos and gulping beer, what are the girls doing? Why, pretty much the same thing -- only their way. With ideas like these, your female friends will be sure to name you MVP (Most Valuable Partygirl)!

Stadium Food, Foxy-Style  Treat the gals to traditional sports fare, only lighter, fancier, and without the long lines at the concession booth!

• Slam Dunk Dippers  Create delish dunkin' platters for everyone to munch on as the party gets started. Round crackers and carrot slices (reminiscent of basketballs) with hummus, sweet potato fries with organic ketchup, and mini hotdogs with honey mustard, blue cheese dressing, and other dips.

• Girly Gourmet Pizza  Make a variety of light mini pizzas (veggie, cheeseless, tomato-basil) from small pitas, ready-made sauce, and other fresh goodies -- yummy and healthy. Assemble ahead of time and pop under the broiler for a few minutes to heat and melt any cheese.

• 3-Pointer Popcorn  Surprise guests with a decked out popcorn bar with inventive fixin's: truffle oil, Parmesan cheese, garlic salt, rosemary, paprika, and melted butter. Plus, salt & sugar for a little sweet-and-savory action.

• Sweet Victory  End with little sweet treats: storebought mini cupcakes with white icing, topped with chocolate basketballs.

Get the Girls in the Game  Give each girl a white men's tank-style undershirt to design her very own jersey for her (or her guy's) favorite basketball team. Break out paints, glitter pens, sequins, and other goodies to unleash the creativity. 

Have a Ball Decorating  Cover the room in a feminine palette of white, pink and lime green and include fun basketball touches. Use a crisp white tablecloth. Add flowers for color and use a colored basketball as a centerpiece (Yes, it's easier than you think to find a green or pink ball!). Put out a few small bowls of peanuts and Cracker Jacks to put everyone in a sporty mood from the get-go.