Hey there princess!
The last time I had a real and true life tailgate with my family was two years ago, and it feels like even longer! Being long-time Baylor University football fans, not even a pandemic can stop us from flinging our green and gold afar on game day. We are so excited to be able to go to the game in-person with the whole family this Saturday, but since the first game of the year against Texas State was away we stuck with last year's tradition of "homegating" which has all of the fun of a tailgate, but with added air conditioning.
The trick to having a great tailgate or homegate or whatever kind of a party you want to throw is selecting decor that you know you can reuse in the future, and food that you know everyone will eat (because we are very particular about leftovers at my house). I love adding on to my collection of Baylor paraphernalia throughout the years (eBay is a great source for folks who enjoy vintage finds), and like to keep an assortment of things that are old, new, and personally nostalgic for me and my family - like displaying the Dr Pepper bottles that we used at our wedding on the mantle.
Football parties at home also give me the opportunity to showcase items that are too fragile for me to bring to games and display. Things like my vintage pamphlets, ceramic beer stein from the 1980 Southwest Conference Championship, and my Niles' collection of mini-helmets wouldn't typically make the trip with us to Waco. It is really nice to be able to share them with my family without risking them being broken or damaged.
For folks just starting out in tailgating or homegating, Hobby Lobby is a really great place to start for supplies! We were able to pick up the mylar "sic 'em" balloons there for about $1 per letter, and we got the little football banner hanging beneath it for a steal as well! I painted the sign on the mantle a few years ago on a canvas that I picked up from Hobby Lobby as well and it has held up really nicely. If you, or someone in your family, is a little bit crafty - this would be pretty easy to put together with a canvas, some paint, and a paint pen. Since it is flat, it is really easy to store, and I have another one that I like to bring out just for Christmas. Hobby Lobby or Michaels are also great for paper cups, plates, and napkins in every color-scheme.
Arguably, the most important element of any party is the food. Sure - cute decorations are nice, but a party without food is just a meeting. I like to make sure that there is a mix of something for everyone. If you know a particular item won't keep super well as leftovers (I made Bang Bang Shrimp as an appetizer) then I try to make a smaller portion of it so that there won't be leftovers. Note that there isn't a photo of the shrimp - it was gone that fast! Click here for the recipe.
For our main course we served hot dogs with chili, and for sides we had marshmallow popcorn, fruit salad, spicy Cheez-its, potato chips, and for desert we served a Baylor bear classic - Dr Pepper floats with homemade ice cream. For those wondering where the helmet serving bowl is from - Niles found it at Academy!
Truthfully, the reason I love Baylor football so much is because it is an opportunity for me to spend time with my family making new memories. I have spent years of my life at the tailgate with my parents and siblings and it doesn't matter if we are eating beanie weenies out of the can or grilling steaks, I am always having fun if I am with the people that I love. I am so excited to make even more new memories this year, and in years to come. What are you looking forward to?
Sparkle on!
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