Host an Easy "Chili and Chill" Party

Slow Cooker Chicken Chili

Jarred salsa and diced tomatoes with green chiles add hands-off heat. While we prefer green salsa, any type will work — just keep guests' heat preferences in mind when choosing from mild, medium, or hot.

Stovetop: Heat 1 tablespoon vegetable oil in a Dutch oven over medium heat. Add onion; cook until tender, 5 to 8 minutes. Add beans, salsa, broth, corn, tomatoes, oregano, pepper, and cumin. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat to medium-low. Carefully arrange chicken over mixture in pot. Simmer, covered, until chicken shreds easily, about 25 minutes. Transfer chicken to a cutting board and shred using two forks. Return to pot and stir.

Vegan Sweet Potato Chili

Even omnivores will devour this meat-free stovetop dish. For set-and-go ease, you can also make it in a slow cooker.

Slow Cooker: Combine all ingredients in a 5- to 6-quart slow cooker. Cook, covered, on Low 6 to 7 hours or High 3 to 3½ hours.

Grandmother's Buttermilk Cornbread

"My search for the perfect cornbread is over! This has a sweet, cake-like consistency and is very moist. I wouldn't change a thing," says reviewer Jillian.

Mini Cinnamon Rolls

It's tradition in the Midwest to serve chili with cinnamon rolls. (Hey, don't knock it until you try it!) But you can also save these for a sweet ending to the meal. Starting with canned crescent rolls simplifies party prep.

Tip: To make these minis vegan-friendly, replace the milk with coconut milk beverage.

Mulled Cranberry Juice

Amp up tart juice with warm spices and sweet oranges and honey. If you need to free up a slow cooker for your chili, you can make this on the stovetop. For an adult beverage, add a splash of brandy or orange liqueur.

Stovetop: Combine ingredients in a Dutch oven over medium heat, stirring to dissolve honey. Heat, stirring occasionally, until hot and steamy, at least 10 minutes.

Tip: Some vegans don't consume honey. If you replace it with agave syrup, everyone can sip this mulled drink.

Toppers Galore

Dress up your cornbread, mulled juice, and chili with toppings you have on hand:

• Butter, honey, or maple syrup
• Cinnamon sticks and orange or lemon twists
• Sour cream, Greek-style yogurt, shredded cheddar, or crumbled cotija
• Sliced radishes, jalapeños, or green onions
• Tortilla chips, strips, or roasted pepitas
• Shredded lettuce, fresh cilantro, or lime wedges

Light it Up

You can find candle-making supplies at crafts stores or online. We used kits from Bramble Berry, which offers several scents and jar types.

Buy it: From $35; brambleberry.com

Prefer to upcycle? Buy wax and wicks and use orphaned drinking glasses or those little yogurt containers and jam jars you've been accumulating. For this look, we used cocktail glasses made of recycled Mexican glass.

If you prefer, make the candles ahead of time and give them as party favors, paired with stylish matchboxes. Choose from 100+ designs at Matchboxmart.

Buy it: $7; matchboxmart.com