You can pretend like you don't like country music, or you can give in to the siren song of tonight's 2009 Country Music Awards, with their high drama and ridiculous outfits. (Even if you can't appreciate Kenny Chesney, you can appreciate a bedazzled pair of denim chaps as formal wear.)

Why not have your pals over to celebrate your unabashed love of Swift, Underwood and sequins by watching the CMAs, even if you live north of the Mason Dixon line.

Invite
Country music fans are nothing if not casual, so just call (or email) your friends and ask them to drop by for a brew and some grub. If folks are so inclined tell them to wear their best country duds (pearl snap shirts, dusty denim) or to bring along a down-home inspired dish to share.

Food
Sharing a hearty meal is just what good ol' boys (and gals) do. Beyond providing a place to hang out, give folks some farm-style grub. If it's not too cold, fire up the BBQ grill one last time (or pick up the main dish from a local haunt). Whether it's pulled pork, smothered chicken or a tasty casserole, offer up a host of sides. Think corn on the cob, mashed potatoes, cornbread and Texas toast -- the bigger and butterier cousin of your breakfast bread.

Decor
Your party decorations should be as relaxed as your blue jeans, so keep things comfortable. An old-fashioned red-checkered tablecloth, some mason jars for beverages, and the sweet sounds of country crooners on the stereo will be enough to turn your house into the local watering hole.

Games
Besides just taking guesses (or bets if you're feeling lucky) at who will win, provide a bit more entertainment. Ask guests to help create the between-commercial soundtrack by bringing along their iPods or CDs so you can crank favorite country records -- from classics like Loretta Lynn and Waylon Jennings to modern megastars like Keith Urban.

The best part of country? The sing-a-longs, which could end up inspiring you to try your hand at the most country-western activity of all -- dancing. So turn your home into a regular honky-tonk by clearing enough space for boot scootin'.