New Tips And Triks For You

Hobbit-authentic food, trivia games, and decorations will help you prepare for the release of 'The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug'.

With the release of the second "Hobbit" movie, " The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug," taking place tomorrow, are you feeling an urge to decorate your home like a hobbit-hole? Or perhaps to prepare some Middle-earth-friendly foods?

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NPR writer Beth Accomando recently shared a menu for a "Hobbit" celebration that divided its offerings into the traditional list of hobbit meals (that would be first breakfast, second breakfast, elevenses, luncheon, afternoon tea, dinner, and supper). Accomando likes to structure her "Hobbit" meals around an all-day viewing of the extended versions of the " Lord of the Rings " films.

However, Accomando warns, the multi-course meal will inevitably produce soporific effects.

"Wear comfortable clothes and have your guests bring blankets and pillows for the inevitable food coma to follow," she suggests. "By the end of the day, you will have newfound respect for hobbits and their seemingly bottomless ability to graze."

Recipes offered by Accomando include those for Beorn's Honey Nut Cake ("Hobbit" character Beorn, a man who can turn into a bear, will pop up for the first time in "Smaug"), the elves' lembas bread, Balin's spiced beef (named after the dwarf who travels with Bilbo), and ten cup Ranger cookies, named for the group of wanderers who were led by Aragorn of "Lord of the Rings."

If you're having friends over for a "Hobbit" meal and are looking for Hobbit-authentic decor and games as well, check out Monitor contributor Pamela Cyran's blog post written in preparation for the 2012 release of "The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey". Her suggestions for a truly-Hobbit party include sparklers, riddles, and "Lord of the Rings" trivia games. Candles and plants are good for atmospherics.

"The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug" will hit theaters Dec. 13. The series' final installment, "The Hobbit: There and Back Again," will arrive in December 2014.