Cook your favorite chili.
Prepare a variety of colorful, flavorful toppings.
Arrange toppings in bowls (for fun, we used washed, clean soup cans with the labels removed and a food-safe liner added).
Set out serving bowls and utensils for your guests near the food-serving station.
Set out non-perishable toppings (keep any perishable ingredients refrigerated until right before your guests arrive).
Put chili in enamel cast-iron pot to help keep it hot (you can also use a slow cooker or electric plate warmer).
Set it on the table right before you are ready to eat.