7 Tips for Throwing a Fun, No-Stress Tailgate Party

Want to score throwing your next tailgate party? I’ve partnered with AtHome stores to show you how you can throw your own tailgate party with no stress in a hurry. Full disclaimer: I went to Utah State University, but I have family ties to the University of Utah and have become a fan! We have had a great season so far and we wanted to celebrate by having our own party for their away game. I have never thrown a tailgate party before but I knew that I wanted to throw it in a way that I could actually enjoy the scene and not be in the kitchen cleaning all day!

 

Plan ahead and enlist the talents of others.

So of course you want to plan ahead and decorate your home according to the team’s colors. I kept it really simple with a few streamers, balloons, and a couple of signs. Paul made this U of U sign for my brother last year for Christmas and I asked if they could bring it with them for decor!

My sister in law is amazing at baking. I knew she would do a much better job of creating beautiful cupcakes than I would and she was happy to share her talents! I mean, look at these!

Use easy to prepare foods.

I made these seasoned potato wedges from the freezer section of my local grocery store and bought some yummy dips to go with it. I also cut up some veggies, had a fresh green salad, and drinks on hand.

Order from your favorite local restaurant.

My husband LOVES wings but I have no idea how to make them. He was thrilled to order them from his favorite wing place and that took the pressure off of me of making them “just right.” We also picked up a variety of pizzas for everyone to enjoy.

Entertain the kids with games that they can play on their own.

The kids had so much fun playing basketball as the parents socialized and ate. Try to serve the food to the kids in an area that you are not worrying about spills or food so that you can enjoy the party too.

Decorate with items that bring the party home.

Using the team’s colored as a theme with cups, plates, and drinks is an easy way to bring team spirit home. I opted for some classic coke bottles, red cups and plates, and red streamers and balloons. I blew up some balloons and just left them floating around on the floor for the kids to play with. I love this dipping tray I found at At Home as well that you can serve different sauces in for dipping the wings, vegetables, or potato wedges. I couldn’t find the exact one on their website, but this one is similar and it is on clearance!

And how cute are my nieces!? Cutest little fans around.

This is me with my sister in laws and my mom. WE had to tease her a little bit because she did NOT want to be wearing a U of U sweatshirt even though she and my dad are season ticket holders. They are Aggies at heart as that is where they both graduated and met and fell in love…but my dad also holds a degree from the U and BYU both rivalry schools, so I think it is fine to cheer for all three.

 

Serve dishes in beautiful trays to step the tablescape up a notch.

All of the serving dishes I used came from AtHome as well as this darling bucket I used for “take home gifts” from AtHome. Inside there was a bag of popcorn, treats, and gift cards to AtHome Stores. I also found these long rectangular serving trays that I LOVE and will be perfect to use for future parties and get togethers.

I also found this darling “cold drinks” decor that is perfect for our basement! This galvanized bin, utensil holder, and drink display are all decor items I found AtHome. Both of the larger items I found on display in the middle area of the store where the larger items were stored. I love that it is like a treasure hunt finding things that are just the right fit for your space.

Use paper plates and cups for easy clean up. 

For obvious reasons.

Check out your local #AtHomeStores location for some darling decor! #MyReason

I hope you are having fun enjoying your football season! Thank you to AtHome Stores for partnering with me on this post. Opinions are 100% my own.