It’s that time of the year again — Dancing with the Stars is back for another season! After an extremely entertaining season last year, fans everywhere are eager to see what pairings will rise to the top and take the mirrorball trophy this year. With a star-studded cast and some new additions to the pro crew, there are so many people to root for. Everyone will be tuned in on Tuesday, September 16, to see how the pairs do on their first dance of the season. And what better way to kick off an exciting season than a watch party with your friends? Here’s what to serve at your Dancing with the Stars watch party based on what pair you’re rooting for.
Robert Irwin & Whitney Carson: An Australian-themed spread
Robert Irwin hails from Australia and is known for his passion for wildlife conservation. He can be seen cozying up with all sorts of creatures, from koalas to snakes. If you think Robert and Whitney are going to take the trophy, you got to have some wildlife-themed snacks while you watch. I’m talking animal crackers, trail mix, and dirt cups with gummy snakes. After all, he loves reptiles.
Scott Hoying & Rylee Arnold: A fruity celebration
Scott Hoying is known from the a cappella group Pentatonix, but some may also know him from his musical duo with fellow member Mitch Grassi called Superfruit. As a nod to that, you just have to serve some fruit at your watch party. You can make something fancy, like candied fruit, or just serve an array of different fruits to choose from.
Alix Earle & Val Chmerkovskiy: A sip-worthy drink lineup
We all know and love Alix Earle for her content, whether it’s her “get ready with me” videos or her extremely relatable vlogs. It only makes sense to honor her at our watch party. If your participants are of age, you need to have SipMargs — Alix is a huge fan of these canned beverages and has recently become their largest investor. If you’re underage, don’t worry. Alix has also partnered with Poppi numerous times, so you can serve that instead!
Dylan Efron & Daniella Karagach: Athlete-approved eats
You might know Dylan Efron from Traitors, but he’s also a former competitive athlete and the co-producer of the eco-travel series Down to Earth with Zac Efron on Netflix. Clearly, you need to serve some clean food at your watch party if you’re rooting for Dylan and Daniella. For a main course, you can have something healthy (and delicious) like grilled salmon, quinoa, and veggies.
Jordan Chiles & Ezra Sosa: An menu fit for a champion
There’s another athlete on the dance floor this season as well — an Olympic gymnast. Jordan Chiles is known for flipping on the gym mat, but this year, she’ll be bringing her moves to the ballroom floor. Of course, you’ll need snacks suited for an Olympian at the watch party. Greek yogurt with granola and berries makes for a fueling yet tasty dessert, as well as protein smoothies.
Danielle Fishel & Pasha Pashkov: A combo of comfort food classics
You might recognize Danielle Fishel from her role as Topanga in Boy Meets World, or if you’re younger, Girl Meets World. She is the queen of teen sitcoms. And what goes better with sitcoms than comfort food? You need to serve some pizza, french fries, and, of course, ice cream. It’s what Topanga would want.
Elaine Hendrix & Alan Bersten: The Parent Trap-inspired eats
Elaine Hendrix played the iconic Meredith Blake character in the movie The Parent Trap. If you’ve ever seen the movie, you know you’ve got to serve some of the iconic foods featured. For a main course, serve cornbread and chili: the family dinner meal served in the movie. For dessert, you got to have Oreos dipped in peanut butter.
Lauren Jauregui & Brandon Armstrong: A spread that brings the heat
Former Fifth Harmony member Lauren Jauregui and her partner Brandon Armstrong are going to be bringing all of the bold moves to the ballroom floor. We’ve seen Lauren’s moves on the stage before, and there’s no doubt she can bring the heat. You’ll need some snacks that do the same, like spicy popcorn chicken, hot honey pizza, or jalapeño poppers.
Whitney Leavitt & Mark Ballas: A fizzy spread
Whitney Leavitt joins the ballroom from The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives. Hailing from Utah, she is no stranger to dirty soda, the drink from Utah that took the internet by storm last year. Even if you don’t have a Swig near you, you can make your own dirty soda with soda, creamer, and flavor syrups. Personally, I’m making myself a dirty Diet Coke.
Andy Richter & Emma Slater: A silly sweets lineup
Andy Richter is prepared to bring all the laughs to Dancing with the Stars. He was fellow comedian Conan O’Brien’s sidekick for many years, and had roles in movies like Elf and Madagascar. All in all, he’s a funny guy — so, you need some silly snacks. And what makes people act sillier than sugar does? Make a candy platter for you and your friends to enjoy while Andy and Emma waltz across your screens.
Jen Affleck & Jan Ravnik: An aesthetic array of treats
You might know Jenn Affleck from The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives on Hulu, but she’s also a prominent social media influencer. So, it makes sense to serve some aesthetic snacks that can be posted onto your own socials. I’m talking dishes like the classic avocado toast, colorful desserts, and maybe even some glittery cocktails. After all, her pro partner Jan is Taylor Swift’s former dancer from the Eras Tour, so some glitter is necessary.
Corey Feldman & Jenna Johnson: A throwback spread
Corey Feldman is known for his roles as a child star in the 1980s. So, you’re going to need some throwback foods and retro snacks. Pizza bagels and pizza rolls are a nostalgic food that are still a hit today. You got to have some popcorn too, since Corey is a movie star.
Hilaria Baldwin & Gleb Savchenko: A zen arrangement
Hilaria Baldwin is about all things yoga and wellness. She was the co-founder of a yoga studio chain, as well as the author of a wellness book. Include some smoothie bowls, veggie platters, and pressed juices.
Baron Davis & Britt Stewart: Game day favorites
Two-time NBA All-Star Baron Davis is trading the basketball court for the dance floor this season. Even though you won’t be watching him dribbling and shooting, there’s no reason you can’t enjoy some game day snacks while he jives and waltzes. Mini sliders, loaded nachos, and buffalo chicken dip are the perfect appetizers to munch on while you watch this former basketball player dominate.