Tailgating 101

because it’s that time of year

Calling all tailgaters!

We are going to take a tiny break (back tomorrow) with cooking through the alphabet and host a tailgating party here at Alphabet Mom.

And I know you can’t wait.

This was actually a very fun post for me to do, because, well, I love to decorate and cook and tailgating allows you to do both.

I don’t think I’ve mentioned it, but I’m a seasonal decorator.

Like…DELUXE.

I love the holidays and I love decorating every square inch of my house with a festive flair.

Like who doesn’t love a good Halloween village?

So, tailgating is right up my alley, too, and I loved finding little treasures to spruce up the TAIL-gate of Tashia’s car.

Here’s what happened.

My car is a bit tired, and dusty and well, it needs to retire.

So, when my family came home and saw I had staged the tailgate on my kitchen island, they were horrified and insisted I borrow Tashia’s car.

So, some people say they are your best friends and some people prove it and she let me borrow the back end of her beautiful vehicle for the photo shoot. Thanks, Tash.

So where did I start? First, you have to have a school! Right?

I chose my beloved Warhawks and went with a college-themed party. Of course, you can do your favorite college, high school or middle school team.

And it doesn’t matter which sport! If your athlete plays football, cheers, plays baseball, soccer, tennis…make it special for them!

When my son played high school sports, we tailgated in the parking lot of the stadium every home game and it was so much fun. We didn’t decorate quite this elaborately, but we did decorate, so don’t be afraid!

Get you a big Rubbermaid like I did and store your “treasures” in it week to week, that way you only have to gather your decorations once.

So, where did I start? I wanted a backdrop to kind of pull it together, so I went to Hobby Lobby and bought this large gold poster board (about $7) and some cardboard letters (“talons out” cost about $9, as they were 50% off when I bought them).        

Next, I spray painted my letters maroon and let them dry.

While in Hobby Lobby, and because everything fall is currently 40% off, I made out with some cool, inexpensive treasures.

For instance, the tablecloth, the banner hanging from the top of the vehicle, the little football turkeys, the “It’s Not Fall Without Football Ya’ll” sign, and the football pumpkin were all on sale and I spent about $45 on those.

Next, I went scouring in my attic (it’s literally a warchest for party planning, thanks to my former Alpha-fests!) and found an old basket and spray painted it maroon, as well.

I filled it up with silk gold mums (about $12) and stuck a foam finger in it!

Next, I hit the dollar store and found the plastic football bowls, a tray (I used for the veggie tray), plates and napkins.

Finally, I had some fun painting three old mason jars to hold my utensils (straws, forks and spoons). I’m not a GREAT painter, but it was so easy. I used a white paint pen for the details.

Decorations = Check

Menu…what do I serve my guests? For today’s tailgating extravaganza, I chose:

Listen, the sky is the limit on tailgating. Scott would sometimes bring his Webber grill and do wings. If we were pressed for time, we would bring pizza.

If I was feeling especially ambitious, I would make pans of my jambalaya or red beans and rice.

Always though, my family and friends would bring ONE thing, because that’s all it takes to have a BIG buffet.

But what fun…and what memories we have.

And with minimal cost, a little effort and a tiny bit of creativity (with a little help from Pinterest),  you can create a wonderful festive party for your family and friends.

And you thought I was just going to be sharing recipes.

#talonsout

Question: What foods do you like to serve at a tailgate?