Wooo to the pig! We are only days away from the beginning of college football 2015. I’m so ready I made a collage to get you in the spirit. Art of the Tailgate. It’s an enormous thing.
A few things to dream and scheme about while counting down to your first tailgate (feel free to imagine your favorite mascot/school colors)…
1. Decorations. No tailgate party is complete without fan decor. In the South, tailgates are known to include chandeliers, big screen televisions and air conditioning. For an over the top look, check out this chandelier from Fiore Fresco. I think a similar look could be replicated with a flea market find and a can of red spray paint, don’t you? In fact, there’s an old one in our basement I may have to experiment on…
And how about napkins and plates and all-the-rage bunting? For the DIYer, check out this hogalicious and downloadable/printable bunting available from Belly Feathers on Etsy. Other teams available, too. $3.00 y’all!
Tip: Store game day decor in a plastic bin in the garage—grab and go! Shop sale items year round to add to your bin.
2. Food. Tailgating is all about grilling. Burgers, hot dogs, wings, whatever. Food should be plentiful, tasty and include queso. Here’s the Greatest Queso that Ever Lived from Amanda at Tasty Kitchen. The name and photo sums it up. In my opinion, sausage belongs in queso. Sorry vegetarians.
And here’s a shameless plug for my own perfect tailgate appetizer. Bacon wrapped stuffed apricots. Easy to make at home and grill at the game! Tip: Prep food as much as you can at home the night before i.e. prepare burger patties, slice tomatoes and onions for toppings, marinade chicken, etc.
3. Drinks. An early game calls for mimosas or bloody mary’s or plain ole’ OJ. Afternoon games call for beer, tea, and lots of water. It may be football season but it’s still HOT in the South. Plan accordingly and drink responsibly (#boozeitlooseit). Tip: Freeze water bottles beforehand for icy game time drinks.
4. Attire. It goes without saying, you must wear game day colors. How far you go with your spirit is up to you.
I’m ready with my new “Call Me Tee” from Rock City Outfitters. GameDay Couture has cute t-shirts, too (for lots of teams).
And I love this hand stamped necklace from Fresh Press Designs made in Van Buren, Arkansas.
Did you know Dockers makes game day pants for the guys? Check out Mr. Delta Moxie sporting his LSU game day look by clicking HERE. Tip: Be comfortable! Wear what you like and wear sunscreen.
6. Odds and Ends. A few other tips…
- Take plenty of trash bags.
- For the unexpected, take a tool box (just in case), a first aid kit, and extra cell phone chargers.
- A portable fan and large tent for shade is a necessity during summer. (Heater during winter.)
- Lots of chairs! Not that you’ll be sitting.
- Take more drinks than you think you will need.
- Arrive early and stay late.
- Take pics and share the love online using your team’s game day hashtag.
[tweetthis]Art of the #Tailgate! It’s almost time. @rockcitytees @tastykitchen @dockers @deltamoxie #WPS[/tweetthis]
For all you Hog fans: a few important things to note:
- Razorback Fan Day is scheduled for August 16, 2-4 p.m. at Razorback Stadium. Click HERE for Fan Day details and 2015 football schedule.
- Shop HERE for official Razorback apparel.
- Alumni: Did you know your alumni membership gives you many, many perks including lodging, food and travel discounts?
Tell me, what tried and true tips do you have? And don’t say “stay home and watch the game on your television.” Bor-ing.
Grace Grits and Gardening
Farm. Food. Garden. Life.
[tweetthis]Wooo to the Pig! Art of the #Tailgate—a huge thing in the #South! @arkansasalumni @BretBielema @RazorbackFB #WPS[/tweetthis]
Musical Pairing:
Bon Jovi – This is Our House
Awesome tips, Talya!!! Now, I’m even more ready for this year’s football season to get started…Hogs should be ready to win more than just a few coin tosses, and I can hardly wait to see what they’re all about, this year. Me and the guys in my family are going to try to make a Fayetteville visit this year to catch at least one game, and I’m sure a few of your Awesome tips here will work us guys. Thanks, and keep up the Great work!!!
I hope to see you. I better see you!
There’s something about tailgating I’ve never understood. Perhaps you can enlighten me. 🙂
People take all this stuff and camp out all day in the parking lot or at the quad or whatever…do you then go to the game, as well? What do you do with all that food if you do? Or does tailgating include watching the game on TV or listening on the radio without actually going into the stadium?
I just never got around to asking, and here’s this nice, perfect blog post on which for me to do just that. 🙂
If we have tickets, we stop by our friends’ tailgate parties beforehand. If we don’t have tickets, it’s a fun place to hang out during the game. Yes, there are big screen televisions in each tailgate tent (typically) for watching, but mostly it’s just a big party. As far as I can tell, no one packs up everything and goes into the stadium. People tailgate the entire game so there’s no worry about what to do with the food during the game. I think people rent tailgate spaces instead of buying season tickets.
I am all over that red chandelier! #WPS
Isn’t it perfect?