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3.25.26: Local Spotlight: Dice Goblins’ Cafe

Dice Goblins’ Cafe opened last weekend. It’s located in the Signature Square shopping center on East Robinson Ave. in Springdale, AR. It’s the only board game cafe in Northwest Arkansas. Previously, gamers had to travel to Springfield, Branson, Tulsa, or North Little Rock to play in a board game cafe.

The owners of the cafe, Greg and Jennifer Carr, have been passionate about board games for many years. Both have attended Gen Con, the largest tabletop gaming convention in North America, more than once to teach new games to eager gamers.

The Carrs saw a need for a space like this in Northwest Arkansas and decided to open Dice Goblins’ Cafe to meet that need. They want to provide a welcoming space for all gamers in the area.

Here is some more information about what Dice Goblins’ Cafe has to offer.

Here to Play

Dice Goblins’ Cafe has a library of over 550 board games. The games provide something for everyone. The boxes each have a symbol on them indicating the complexity of the game. (The games range from classic children’s games to heavy strategy games that last for hours and include everything in between.) There’s also a symbol if there is an expansion available for the game.

The All Day Play Pass is $7 per person per day (except for weekdays before 5 p.m. and for children eight and younger). It provides access to the game library for the entire day, even if the customer leaves and comes back. There are also membership options available for one, three, six, and twelve month periods.

Hungry Hungry Goblins

Dice Goblins’ Cafe offers deli sandwiches, shareable sides, and milkshakes. All are made to order with your choice of cheese, toppings, and sauces. They have a children’s menu, and there are a few vegetarian-friendly options as well.

You can order by scanning a QR code on your table sign or by turning on the little lantern on it to have someone take your order. You can even run a tab to keep the food and drinks coming while you play.

My personal favorite sandwich on the menu is the Turkey Trotter. The tater tots are my favorite side.

Two Rooms and a Game

Dice Goblins’ Cafe has two private rooms available for rent. One is decorated with various classic board game boards. The other is called “The Dungeon.” It’s decorated in a fantasy dungeon theme with dragons, wall hangings, and a shied. Both rooms seat around six, although you could probably squeeze in a few more people.

Ticket to Acquire

Dice Goblins’ Cafe has a retail area with some games and a good array of gaming accessories. They carry dice from Dice Envy and Norse Foundry. They also carry an assortment of locally-made 3D printed items and some plush items.

Dungeons & Dice Goblins

Dice Goblins’ Cafe will host Dungeons & Dragons beginning in April. These sessions are expected to be on Sunday evenings. Watch their Facebook or Instagram page for more information about these sessions!

3.18.26: Holiday Spotlight: Eid al-Fitr

Eid al-Fitr is a Muslim holiday that marks the end of the month of Ramadan. During Ramadan, Muslims fast from food and drink from sunrise to sunset each day. Eid al-Fitr means “The Festival of Breaking the Fast.”

The actual date depends on the sighting of the crescent moon. It’s expected to begin on March 19 or 20 and last for up to three days. Each Eid al-Fitr is around 11 days earlier in the year than the previous one, due to the lunar Hijri calendar.

The name of the holiday is pronounced “Eed al Fitter.” It has other names in other parts of the world, such as Bayram in Turkey or Hari Raya in Malaysia. Here’s some interesting information about this joyful holiday.

Zakat al-Fitr and Sunnahs

In the time period between sunset on the last day of Ramadan and the morning prayers the next day, Muslims with incomes are supposed to give a charitable gift called Zakat al-Fitr (also called Fitrana). It’s supposed to cover the cost of a meal and is intended to ensure that everyone is able to celebrate Eid al-Fitr.

Muslims follow the teachings of Muhammad, called sunnahs. There are specific sunnahs to complete during Eid al-Fitr:

  • Bathing
  • Wearing one’s best clothes and perfume
  • Saying blessings on the way to Eid prayers
  • Taking a different route home after prayers

Fun Fact: The reason for taking a different route to and from prayers is hotly debated. There are many different explanations for it.

Eid Mubarak and Eidi

Eid al-Fitr traditions vary widely by location and ethnic group, but spending time with friends and family is a large part of it. People greet each other with Eid Mubarak, meaning “Blessed Festival.”

Children often receive money and gifts, known as Eidi. These are usually given by older adults or family friends. In Arab culture, children line up from the youngest to the oldest, and the amount of the gift increases with age. In Persian culture, adults ask for new bills from the bank to give for Eidi.

The relationship between the giver and the recipient also dictates the type of gift. Older relatives generally give money while spouses or parents may give clothes, shoes, or other items. Siblings or friends exchanging Eidi cards is also common.

Fun Fact: One of the considerations when giving Eidi is making sure that none of the recipients will be sad or jealous because of the gifts.

Eid al-Fitr Treats

Like the Hindu holiday Holi, Eid al-Fitr spans several cultures. Each culture has its own traditions for foods enjoyed at Eid al-Fitr. Here are some examples.

Maamoul
These shortbread cookies, which are filled with dates and/or nuts, are common in Syria and Lebanon. They’re available as well in Iraq and Egypt, but they’re known by different names there.

Cambaabur
This bread is popular in Somalia and Djbouti. It’s similar to injera, a crepe-like bread made from teff flour. Cambaabur has different spices, and is often topped with sugar and yogurt.

Sheer Khurma
This dish is common in India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, and Afghanistan. The exact contents vary, but it usually contains vermicelli, milk, sugar, and dates.

Tajine
This is a North African stew. It contains meat, like beef or lamb, vegetables, and fruits such as apricots.

Fun Fact: Turkish Delight, also called lokum, isn’t just a candy from a novel. It’s also a common Eid al-Fitr treat.

Fanous and More

Decorating the home for Eid al-Fitr is common. Traditionally, decorations are green, gold, and white. Common motifs include crescent moons and Arabic lanterns, or fanous. Some families decorate a space for prayer and reflection in addition to the other décor.

Fun Fact: The fanous has been associated with Ramadan celebrations since the Middle Ages.

3.11.26: Hosting Introvert-Friendly Parties

Hosting parties that appeal to everyone can be a challenge. Each person has their own likes, dislikes, and comfort zones. When planning a party, it’s important to make the guests comfortable. This includes ensuring that introverted guests (or any guests in the Intimate Party People-ing category of our Party Planning Personality Test) aren’t overwhelmed and actually enjoy the party.

There’s some great information online for how to host a party as an introvert, but there are fewer resources about how to plan a party that’s fun for introverts. Here are some of our top tips.

Be intentional about invitations.

The best time to begin thinking about making your introvert guests comfortable is when you’re deciding who to invite. A single introvert might feel out of place in a party full of loud extroverts, so inviting more than one introverted friend gives them a like-minded person to hang out with. If space and expenses allow, it’s also good to let friends (particularly introverts) bring a plus one so they’ll be sure to have someone they know there (besides just the host).

Consider the size of the party as well. While extroverts may like larger parties and mingling, introverts are usually more comfortable at smaller parties. Around 10-15 people is a good number.

Make introductions easy.

This one is for parties where not all of the guests know each other. Name tags are often associated with work or conventions, but they’re also a handy way for people to interact with one another without having to worry about forgetting someone’s name. You can even make or find printable name tags to match your party’s theme or vibe.

Name tags can be helpful for all guests, not just introverts. There are plenty of extroverts who love meeting people but who are bad at remembering names (like me).

Ice breaker exercises are a good way to get conversations started, but they need to be carefully chosen. Having everyone go around the room introducing themselves might be a little intimidating, but a game that involves introductions one-on-one could work well.

My favorite ice breaker activity is a variation of Bingo. Each guest gets a Bingo card filled with fun facts about people (like “speaks two languages” or “has an exotic pet”). Each person chats with the other guests to learn about them to fill in their Bingo cards. When someone finds a guest who fits the criteria, the guest signs that spot on their Bingo card. Guests end up meeting and interacting with nearly everyone.

Give them something to do.

This can be simple and informal or an activity the whole group can do together. Giving someone a helpful task, such as keeping an eye on the punch bowl to know when to refill it, gives them something to focus on other than any anxiety they might be feeling in the moment.

The best way to give the introverts at your party something to do is to have an activity for everyone. This can be a craft, a movie to watch, a game, etc. This is an excellent way to keep anyone from feeling singled out. Many people enjoy activity-based parties, not just introverts. (This is especially true of the Activity & Interaction Party Priority folks in our Party Planning Personality Test.)

Offer quiet spaces.

Introverts may need a few moments to recharge during the party. Offer a space (or spaces) indoors and/or outdoors where people can have a moment to themselves. Put out a few snacks to make the area more inviting.

If you have a pet, letting them wander around might also help. Sometimes interacting with a pet provides a quick brain break.

Have a set end time.

An open ending time for a party can be stressful for introverts. Giving the party a set ending time lets them pace themselves throughout the party. 

On a related note, don’t be offended if one or more of your introvert guests leaves early. Their decision has more to do with their energy levels than the quality of your party. 

3.4.26: Holiday Spotlight: Holi

Holi is a Hindu festival that occurs on the full moon of the month Phalguna in the Hindu lunar calendar. (This is usually in late February or in March.) The festival lasts up to 16 days in some areas of India.

Holi is one of the most widely known Hindu holidays in the United States. It’s often associated with the colorful powders thrown on celebrants. Here’s some interesting information about this fun holiday.

Holika Dahan

Holika Dahan means “the burning of little Holi.” It happens the night before Holi. The pyres lit on this holiday have both cultural and religious significance.

The bonfires are seen as a way to say goodbye to winter and a way to burn impurities from the mind. People gather around the bonfires to sing and dance.

The bonfires also reference the story of Holika’s attempt to kill her nephew, Prahlad, and his survival. Prahlad was devoted to Vishnu, against his father’s wishes. Holika had a boon that made her invulnerable to fire, and she tricked Prahlad into sitting on her lap on a pyre. She burned alive while Prahlad remained unharmed.

Fun Fact: The holiday names Holika Dahan and Holi vary across ethnic groups and languages. Some other names for Holi are Phagwa, Dulhendi and Rang Panchami.

Gulal

As part of Holi celebrations, both children and adults throw colorful water and powder, or gulal, on one another. The colorful powders are traditionally made from medicinal herbs to combat the colds and fevers that can come with the changing weather. They include powders made from flowers, leaves, and even foods (such as tumeric, tea, and beetroot). White clothing is common, and many people wear old clothes since the powders leave stains. There’s singing and dancing, as well as pauses for snacks.

The gulal tradition comes from a story about Krishna and his partner, Radha. Krishna was afraid that Radha would reject him due to his complexion, so his mother suggests that he ask Radha to paint his face in any color she wants. They became a couple, and gulal became a Holi tradition.

Fun Fact: Color Run races in the United States were inspired by Holi celebrations and their use of gulal.

Gujiya and More

There are a wide variety of foods served at Holi. It’s a festival that spans several different ethnic groups, and each has its own traditions. That being said, here are a few examples of common Holi foods.

Gujiya
Of all of the Holi foods, this one is the best known. It’s a deep fried pastry filled with khoya (a milk paste), dried fruit, and coconut.

Mathri
These are crispy spiced crackers. They may be either baked or fried. They often contain spices such as carom seeds, fenugreek, and black peppercorns, but the spices vary.

Malpua
These sweet pancakes are usually made from wheat flour. They include fruits such as bananas, mangos, or pineapples in some areas. They’re usually drenched in a sugar syrup.

Thandai
This is a sweetened milk drink that often includes nuts and spices. There are several variations, some flavored with rose petals, mango, or almonds and saffron.

Fun Fact: There’s a thandai variant called bhang thandai that includes cannabis.

Rangoli and Marigolds

Rangoli is the art of making patterns on floors or tabletops with colored sand, pigment powders, flower petals, small stones, etc. It’s a common decoration during festivals, including Holi. Sometimes people work together to create large, complex designs. Different families have their own patterns and traditions.

Decorating the home with bright colors is common. People often make decorations, including strings of flowers (often marigolds).

Fun Fact: It’s theorized that the grain-based powders used in rangoli attract insects and that the limestone-based powders keep them from entering the house.

2.25.26: Holiday Spotlight: Purim

Purim is a Jewish holiday that falls in early spring. The date changes each year since the Jewish calendar is lunar, but the date on the Jewish calendar is the 14th of Adar (or 14th of Adar II in the calendar’s leap year). In Jerusalem, it continues to the next day.

Purim is one of the most fun Jewish holidays. It has costumes, goodies, and fun as well as cultural significance. Here are the basics and some fun facts about this delightful holiday.

A Megillah

The Megillah (or “scroll”) is known as the book of Esther. It’s read aloud at the synagogue for the holiday. This is fun for children and adults alike. Every time the name of the villain, Haman, is mentioned, everyone drowns it out with noisemakers called groggers (seen here).

Purim is a celebration of the Jewish people’s survival of an attempt to destroy them, and the Megillah tells the story. In the 4th century BCE, Persian king Ahasuerus had his queen, Vashti, executed for refusing to make a lewd display of herself at his banquet. He held a beauty pageant to choose a new queen, and he chose a Jewish woman named Esther (who didn’t divulge that she was Jewish).

Esther’s cousin, Mordecai, who was the leader of the Jewish community, refused to bow to Haman, the king’s prime minister. This angered Haman, who decided to slaughter all of the Jews and cast lots (or purim) to choose a date.

After discussion with Mordecai, Esther invited the king and Haman to a banquet. At the banquet, she revealed her Jewish identity. The king ordered Haman to be hanged on the gallows Haman had prepared for Mordecai, and he decreed that the Jewish people could fight back when attacked on the date Haman had chosen, the 13th of Adar. The Jewish people celebrated their victory on the 14th of Adar.

Fun Fact: Vashti is often seen as a feminist icon among Jewish feminists.

A Reason to Dress Up

Adults and children both often dress up or wear masks for Purim. As Esther hid her identity as a Jew, costumes and masks hide one’s identity. Another reason for dressing up is to commemorate the miracle of survival being hidden in natural events. Costumes can be any number of things, but are generally not scary or gory. In past years, I’ve been a cat and a galaxy, and my costume for this year is my hippie costume from last year's Mardi Gras.

Fun Fact: Dressing in costume is very common, but isn’t a required part of celebrating the holiday.

A Time to Give

Giving charity and gifts to friends or neighbors are both part of celebrating the holiday. Money or food should be given to the poor, or money should be donated to a charity box for them.

Gifts of food, or mishloach manot, are given to friends and neighbors. These can range from two ready-to-eat food items (the minimum requirement) to bags of candy to themed boxes of treats. This year, my plan is to do a tea time themed package with Bigelow Perfectly Mint tea in these cute tea kettle boxes. I’m putting them in a pastel green paper lunch sack with honey in little glass jars and a packet of Biscoff cookies. I’ll fold them over and tie them with pink ribbon.

Fun Fact: Mishloach manot means “sending portions.”

A Fun Feast

Hamantashen are the main food associated with Purim (other than mishloach manot). They’re triangular, filled cookies. Some say that their being filled echoes the theme of hidden things on Purim, while others say that their shape references either Haman’s ears or his triangular hat. There are fruit filled ones and Nutella filled ones, but my favorite are the poppy seed filled ones. Mine never look quite right, so I try a new recipe every year. This year I’m using this Tori Avey recipe. I’ve heard good things about it.

There’s a big, festive meal that takes place before sundown on Purim that continues into the night. It’s been said that one should drink so much on Purim that they can’t tell the difference between cursed be Haman and blessed be Mordecai. While not planning to get that drunk, I’m planning to have a couple of Dirty Shirleys (like this one from Culinary Hill).

Fun Fact: In Hebrew, hamantashen are called oznei Haman, Haman’s ears.

A Silly Story

Purim celebrations often include a Purim spiel, a silly play that retells the story of the holiday. They often have a movie or book theme. The first one I saw was a film noir retelling. They’re always very playful and fun.

Fun Fact: Spiel is a Yiddish word that means “play” or “skit.”

2.18.26: Party Planning Personality Test

Personality tests are fascinating! They teach us about one of our favorite topics: ourselves. I thought it would be fun to take a similar approach to party planning personalities, the way we approach different aspects of parties as we host.

This four-question personality quiz mirrors the Myers-Brigg Type Indicator (MBTI), which uses four letters to indicate a person’s inclinations along four spectra.

There’s no judgment about which style is “right” or “wrong.” Everyone is different and prefers different things. Most people are somewhere in the middle of these spectra. The type of event may also influence things, since hosting a child’s birthday party and a wedding (for example) are two very different experiences.

These “Would You Rather” scenarios provide insight into how you approach parties. Choose the answer that best fits you most of the time. 

I feel that I should add a disclaimer saying that this is in no way scientific. It’s just for fun.

The Party Personality Test

Answer the questions below. Once you’ve chosen your answers, check the next section for what those answers mean. Use the letter after the answer you chose to find your type.

  • Party People-ing: Would you rather have
    • A big party with all your friends (G), or
    • A smaller one with just your inner circle (I)
  • Party Pace: Would you rather
    • Have a schedule and stick to it (P), or
    • Adapt as the day unfolds (F)
  • Party Priority: Would you rather go to
    • A party with beautiful décor and great food (S), or
    • A party with fun activities (A)
  • Party Purpose: Would you rather
    • Spend an average Saturday with your friends and family ( C ), or
    • Spend a holiday with them (M)

Individual Types 

This is the type that describes how you tend to approach various aspects of party planning. Find your letters from the quiz above to read about your planning style!

Party People-ing
This sets the tone for the party. 

  • G-Group: You prefer big parties where everyone can mingle.
  • I-Intimate: You prefer smaller, quieter parties where guests can have conversations.

Party Pace
This relates to how you would like for the party to flow.

  • P-Planned: You like to have a timeline for your parties. 
  • F-Flexible: You don’t have a structured timeline and base the timing of events on the party’s energy.

Party Priority
This indicates where you focus your attention during preparations.

  • S-Sensory & Atmosphere: You like to focus on the things perceived by the senses: beautiful décor, good food, and great music. 
  • A-Activity & Interaction: You like to focus on what guests will do at the party: party games, a craft, etc.

Party Purpose
This explains why you want to host a party.

  • C-Connection: You want to bring people together to have a good time and connect.
  • M-Milestones: You tend to host parties for occasions, such as holidays, birthdays, or weddings.

Overall Types

Just like in the MBTI, the four individual types can be combined into an overall type that provides a clearer picture. There are 16 types, but I’ll discuss a few examples. I’ll revisit the types in future posts as well.

GPAM: The Holiday Hero
Group • Planned • Activity & Interaction • Milestones
This is the person you want to host your family Christmas dinner. They’re unfazed by the large number of relatives in the house. Dinner will be on the table at precisely noon. There are a fun Santa craft for the kids and a stack of board games to play after dinner.

IPAC: The Girls’ Night In Guru
Intimate • Planned • Activity & Interaction • Connection
This is the person who makes girls’ night in look easy. They’re happy to see and talk to their closest friends. They’ve got dinner delivery scheduled and a few fun spa treatments to try. There will be giggles and gossip, too.

IFSC: The Soirée Sorcerer
Intimate • Flexible • Sensory & Atmosphere • Connection
This is the person you hope will invite you to their dinner party. They invite only a few people, but all of them are fun to talk with. The food is absolutely amazing, and their house is beautiful. Dinner never feels rushed either.

GFSM: The Birthday Boss
Group • Flexible • Sensory & Atmosphere • Milestones
This is the person you hope will plan your birthday party. They invite all your friends. The decorations are awesome and the food is great. They don’t rush you to blow out your candles or open your presents either. 

2.11.26: Board Game Reviews: Great Two-Player Games

While there are a lot of games that play well with two players, there are fewer games that were created specifically for two players.

There are advantages to playing two-player games. Not all games that can be played by two players play well with that number. Two-player games are optimized to be played that way. Even games that play well with two players sometimes require tedious extra setup (like counting and removing components) that can be avoided by playing a two-player game.

Here are five of our favorite two-player games. All of these games are available to rent from Side Quest Events. Try out one of these games with a friend, romantic or otherwise.

Caesar & Cleopatra

Caesar & Cleopatra is a card-laying game. It was demonstrated at Gen Con 2025, the largest board game convention in North America. In the game, the two players play as Caesar and Cleopatra. Both are trying to influence Roman officials to take their side, with Caesar wanting Rome to invade Egypt and Cleopatra wanting Egypt to remain free.

Who to Play With: Play this with your history buff friend. They’ll enjoy reenacting this historical event. It’s also a great choice to play with your sweetheart. Caesar and Cleopatra were lovers after all...

Holmes: Sherlock & Mycroft

Holmes: Sherlock & Mycroft is a set collection and worker placement game. After a young laborer is arrested on suspicion of bombing the Houses of Parliament, Mycroft Holmes is hired to investigate the laborer’s connections to anarchists, while his brother Sherlock has been hired by the laborer’s family to prove his innocence. The investigation takes place over seven days (rounds).

Who to Play With: Playing with a mystery-loving friend or Sherlock fan is obvious, but this is also a good game to play with someone who likes light, quick games. The game would still be fun no matter the theme.

Rivals for Catan

Rivals for Catan is a two-player version of the well-known board game Catan. In it, players compete against each other to build a more successful province. The game has multiple modes, including themed games set in different time periods.

Who to Play With: Play this with a friend who’s new to board gaming. Catan is a classic “gateway game” into the hobby. You can also play this with a friend who already loves Catan and wants to try a new variant of it.

The Fox in the Forest

The Fox in the Forest is a beautiful trick-taking game. There are fairy character cards that change the rules, even after the trick is won or lost. Take more tricks than your opponent to win, but don’t take too many!

Who to Play With: Play this with a fantasy art fan. The cards are stunning! This is also a good choice for players who are familiar with classic card games but less familiar with board games.

The Stars Align

The Stars Align is a grid placement and pattern manipulation game. Place stars according to the patterns on the cards, then start overlapping patterns and flipping stars to make rows of same-colored stars to clear away.

Who to Play With: Astronomy fans and Tetris players would both enjoy this game. Personally, I recommend playing it in a coffee shop on a first date. It worked out for my partner and me. ;-)

2.4.26: Fun Party Idea: Grown Up Slumber Party

Slumber parties aren’t just for children anymore! Hosting a grown-up slumber party for your friends is an excellent choice for a variety of occasions, such as birthdays, bachelorette parties, or Galentines’ Day. Here are some ideas for hosting a fabulous slumber party without breaking the bank.

Selecting a theme for your slumber party gives you a starting point for all of your party choices. In this post, We’ve chosen three fun themes and provided suggestions for tableware, refreshments, activities, and favors.

Another thing to consider ahead of time is the sleeping arrangements. While a sleeping bag on the floor was fine at 10, it’s far less comfortable at 40. Having enough beds, couches, and air mattresses makes sure everyone gets a good night’s sleep.

As always, we’re receiving no compensation for any of the items mentioned here. These are just suggestions that we love.

The 90s Nostalgia Slumber Party

This theme brings back fond memories of slumber parties when we were growing up. Revisit those carefree, worry-free days with your guests. Put on some 90s movies, listen to some 90s music, and have a totally rad time!

  • Tableware: Set the mood with 90s themed tableware, like this these square geometric-patterned plates.
  • Snacks: Let your inner child decide on the menu. Order some pizzas (either your childhood favorites or some more upscale options), scarf down some Totally 90s Candy and wash it down with Mountain Dew or Capri Sun.
  • Drinks: Mix up some cosmopolitans (like this recipe from Love and Lemons) or appletinis (from this Ramshackle Pantry recipe). You can also make a batch of Hocus Pocus punch from How Sweet Eats (a personal favorite) for a nonalcoholic option.
  • Games: There are several good options for slumber party games. 
  • Craft: You can’t go wrong with friendship bracelets! Grab a bunch of embroidery floss in fun colors. If you’re not sure how to make them, there’s a tutorial for a fun zig-zag patterned one from Moms & Crafters.
  • Swag: Surprise your friends with these customizable, geometric-patterned sleep masks from DentzDesignCustoms.

The Dungeon Crawler Carl Slumber Party

The Dungeon Crawler Carl (DCC) book series is becoming more and more popular. The book has a distinctive feel that’s fun to translate to a party setting. Reading together (or listening to the excellent audiobooks) can be a fun activity to wind down the evening.

  • Tableware: While DCC tableware isn’t available, it’s still possible to bring the theme to the table. White plates with red hearts echo the pattern on Carl’s boxers. These tiara napkins are perfect for the Princess Posse.
  • Snacks: A lot of the foods that are mentioned in the book can be represented by creatively labeling prepackaged snacks. Cookies and crackers become “crawler biscuits” and “pet biscuits.” There’s also mana toast, which can be reimagined as a toast bar with lots of fun toppings. (Here are some great ideas from King Arthur Baking.)
  • Drinks: It seems like a shame not to serve Dirty Shirleys (like this recipe from Culinary Hill) since Princess Donut drinks many of them, but a regular Shirley Temple (like this one from Serious Eats) would also be a good option.
  • Games: There are no DCC themed games (yet), but there are some games with similar themes.
  • Craft: Outfit your Princess Posse in handmade tiaras with this tutorial from Tikkido.
  • Swag: Pair Necklite reading lights with The Perfect Man chocolate bars for late night DCC reading enjoyment. (The chocolate bars have Carl’s muscles, boxers, and bare feet!)

The Lord of the Rings Slumber Party

Binge-watching the trilogy with your friends is an excellent reason to host a slumber party! Here are some ideas to make it extra special.

  • Tableware: Choose plates and napkins with a fantasy theme or choose some specifically made for The Lord of the Rings (LOTR), like this set from Geeky Glamorous. 
  • Snacks: There are several good options. Make a specific food from the movie, like lembas bread. You can also use creative labels, like “Po-tay-toes” on a bowl of Ruffles. Round out your selection with popcorn and movie theater style boxes of candy.
  • Drinks: There are plenty of LOTR-inspired drink recipes available. Mix up some Miruvor from The Geeky Bartender cookbook. For a non-alcoholic option, try the Ent-Draught mocktail from Feast of Starlight. 
  • Games: There are some LOTR board games available. Choose one of these or a fantasy-themed board game to stay on theme.
  • Craft: Forge this Glowing “One Ring” Inscription Pendant by paper_faces. No need to throw it into the fires of Mount Doom!
  • Swag: Get your crew photo ready in matching LOTR pajamas. These are available in sizes XS-3X!

1.21.26: Cozy Winter Party Idea: Soup Fest

Soup Fest is a tradition in my partner’s family. They gathered together, with each of them bringing a soup or stew for everyone to share. It’s a great chance to try new and different soups and to share recipes.

Potlucks are often easier to host since everyone shares the responsibility for preparing food, but they still require some planning and preparation. Here are some tips for hosting your own Soup Fest, as well as my favorite soup recipe.

But first, a note about the links in this post. I’m not receiving compensation for any of these products. I’m merely sharing the products that I will likely use when I host my next Soup Fest. (If any companies would like to change this, call me! Lol)

Create a sign up sheet to avoid duplicates.

While Soup Fest can be an opportunity to compare and contrast different takes on the same soup, it’s fun to try something unique from everyone. This also provides more options for guests with dietary restrictions. You can designate categories to ensure an array to choose from or let everyone sign up for any soup they choose.

Here are some possible categories:
   • Potato soups
   • Tomato-based soups
   • Chicken soups
   • Creamy soups
   • Vegetarian/vegan soups

If you prefer not to make the soups yourselves, Side Quest Events can help you find a caterer to provide what you need as part of our Party Package. Contact us today for more information!

Offer tasty toppings and good bread.

Get creative by laying out the toppings charcuterie board style or make them easy to access with a buffet style setup. Offer a few bread options, such as sourdough, baguettes, and rye. Skip the sliced sandwich bread.

If you need some toppings inspiration, these are our household’s favorites:
   • Cheese
   • Crushed crackers (especially flavored ones)
   • Green onions
   • Sour cream
   • French fried onions

Plan serveware to minimize mess.

Soups are easy to slop and spill. Give your guests an easy way to carry around their delicious choices with this caddy, which can hold up to six servings of soup. Paper coffee cups in restaurant drink carriers can also work. (These can even be personalized if you choose!)

Make sure to have plenty of napkins on hand. Paper napkins with wintery prints (like these buffalo plaid ones from Oriental Trading Company) set a cozy mood. Strategically placed rolls of paper towels make cleanup quick and easy and can replace paper napkins for a more casual vibe.

Consider allergy labeling.

This may not be necessary if all party attendees know each other well and are familiar with each other’s dietary restrictions (or if no one has food allergies). An index card folded into a tent with allergens listed makes sure that everyone can safely sample the goodies. There are also printable templates (like this one from PaperTempest) that take the guesswork out of labeling each soup.

Don’t forget dessert.

There’s never a bad time for a sweet treat after a meal! End with something simple, like a chocolate cake, cheesecake, or even a fruit and brownie tray. With so many different flavors in the soups, simplicity is best here. (This is also another great opportunity to experiment with creative charcuterie-like layouts.)

And last but not least…

Avery’s Chicken &  Dumplings

  • 2 pounds boneless skinless chicken thighs (fresh or frozen)
  • Minced garlic
  • Tarragon
  • Salt & pepper
  • 1 box chicken broth
  • Smoked paprika
  • 2 cups Bisquick or similar baking mix
  • 2/3 cup milk plus extra (I use Braums A2 whole milk.)
  1. Place the chicken thighs in the bottom of a large pot with a lid or a dutch oven.
  2. Add minced garlic to your liking. (I use about three heaping soup spoons.)
  3. Add tarragon until you worry about the price of tarragon. *
  4. Season the chicken with salt and pepper, to taste. (Remember that the boxed broth also contains salt.)
  5. Pour the chicken broth over the chicken. Add enough water to cover the chicken by an inch or two.
  6. Add smoked paprika until the broth is very faintly pink. If you’re not sure you added enough, add a little more.
  7. Cover the pot and boil the chicken until tender. I usually give it around 30 minutes to an hour to absorb the flavors.
  8. Remove the chicken from the broth. Shred it with two forks.
  9. Mix the Bisquick and 2/3 cup milk until a soft, slightly sticky dough forms. Drop by spoonfuls into the boiling broth.
  10. Cook the dumplings uncovered for about twenty minutes.
  11. Add the chicken back to the pot of dumplings.
  12. Pour milk into the broth to desired creaminess.

To make this recipe dairy free, use your favorite plant-based milk to make the dumplings and omit the milk at the end.

* When I developed this recipe, the only tarragon I had was an $8 organic bottle. I literally decided when to stop adding tarragon by how concerned I felt about buying more at that price. (I usually stopped at about a teaspoon. Lol)

1.14.26: Welcome to the Side Quest Events Blog!

Hello! You have reached the first entry in our new blog! Do you have questions? We have answers! Check out some frequently asked questions below.

Why did you start a blog? 

At Side Quest Events, we specialize in fandom themed events on a budget. This is because we really care about helping to bring people together to make memories, no matter the budget. We want to give you tips and tools to elevate your event, even if you're handling the planning yourself. (We're always available to support you with our decorating and other services.)

Before starting Side Quest Events, I worked as a technical writer for ten years. Starting a blog seemed like a natural fit. Also, I did some guest posts for a blog several years ago and enjoyed the format.

What can I expect to find in the blog? 

Right now, the plan is to focus on event planning and geeky/fandom topics. There will probably be party planning articles, book/movie reviews, board game content, and maybe even some recipes.

Projects like blogs tend to take on a life of their own, so this focus may shift over time.

How often will there be new entries?

There will be a new blog post every Wednesday. (We all need something to look forward to in the middle of the week, right? Lol) The plan is to publish every Wednesday, but we'll try to say something if a post will be delayed.

Can I share your blog posts?

Absolutely! We'd be honored! We do ask that you either share the link to the blog or at least credit Side Quest Events for the content. 

Where else can I follow Side Quest Events?

In addition to our website, we have a Facebook page (Side Quest Events) and Instagram page (sidequesteventsnwa). We're also working on a Pinterest page, so stay tuned for more information.

We're willing to expand further if there's interest. Contact us if there's somewhere else you'd like to see us!

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