Fall and football make the perfect combination, don’t they?
The brillant blue skies and the crisp Autumn air make a stunning backdrop for tailgating and game watching.
All of my senses come alive. The colors just seem to pop, the celebratory cheering of the crowds seems to cut through the cool air for miles and the food smells exceptionally fabulous as it sizzles away on the grill.
Oh yeah…and then there’s the football part…
Ahem.
Ohio State football has been an important part of my family for as long as I can remember. And for as long as I can remember I have, well, um, to be honest, gravitated more towards the tailgating and entertaining side of the sport.
That is kind of a sport, right?
The funny part is, my dad actually played football for Ohio State under Woody Hayes. First string linebacker #60 to be exact.
Now I did try to embrace the sport when I was younger. I came up with the idea to be a water girl for my high school football team as a way to show hommage to the sport. While it was exciting and had it’s obvious perks, it was just too stinky and sweaty and I soon found myself back in the stands with my friends putting lip gloss on waiting eagerly for the social that would follow. What can I say? I tried.
A few weeks ago my dad was invited, with other alumni football players, to come back and form the tunnel at the beginning of the first OSU game. He was actually able to get tickets for the whole family and I’ve got to say it was a spectacular experience.
(My daddy is the one in the middle, between 2 legendary fellow teammates.)
We had front row seats and I must admit that I was totally enthralled in the game, caught up in the cheering and screaming and jumping out of my seat like all of the other hardcore fans.
Especially when they made a homerun…I mean touchdown.
Snort. I couldn’t resist. *Hi Daddy*
All joking aside, it was truly a magical day as we watched the Buckeyes beat Akron, one that we will all cherish for years to come.
This past weekend I had the pleasure of hosting a tailgate party, sponsored by Bush’s® Beans, in the comforts of my own home as we watched the Buckeyes beat Illinois. I had so much fun getting ready for friends to come over to share a relaxing afternoon of eating and fun. Oh, and football too.
Here are a few entertaining tips for a stress-free tailgating experience that can be used at home or in the parking lot.
Decorations need to be simple & festive.
I’m a big fan of paper napkin banners. I use them for everything! They are perfect for game day as they are easy and inexpensive to make. It’s an instant darling decoration.
My next tip…organization is key. I like to use a condiment caddy. I put one together using an antique milk carrier but you could use anything- a basket or even a deep tray.
The condiment caddy holds all of the essentials in one handy place. Napkins, utensils, condiments and cups are all easily carried and contained.
I find it handy to tie a sharpie marker onto the side of my caddy so that guests can claim their cup by writing their name on it!
And speaking of drinks, check out this handy tip that My Yanni enlightened me with! Mix about 1/4 cup iodized salt with about a of cup of water and pour it into your tub filled with ice to chill your drinks in about half the time! I kid you not. My Yanni saw this on Myth Busters episode #29.
Our Root Beer, Cola and waters were frosty in no time flat.
Another simple time saver tip is to tie a bottle opener onto the handle of the drink tub.
That way nobody ever has to go looking for it and I always know that it won’t get lost. It’s a win, win.
See how easy it can be to entertain without stress and fuss?
And guess what? The food was as easy as the entertaining! We served Spicy Italian Brat-Kabobs and Greek Fetish Burgers alongside tasty Bush’s Baked Beans.
I’d like to say a big thank you to the kind folks at Bush’s Baked Beans for sponsoring our tailgate!
It was a perfect day. I was relaxed which meant My Yanni was relaxed and in turn we got to enjoy our guests, the food and the game. Hope you’ll stop back for the delicious recipes and a fabulous Bush’s Beans giveaway!
~Wenderly
Disclamer: The tailgate and giveaway are in partnership with Bush’s Beans. However my opinions, thoughts and photos are 100% my own.
Great ideas!
I wanna come to your house to tailgate. What fun!
Great tailgating tips – love the one about tying the can opener to the bucket and the salt water trick to get drinks chilled quicker.
Your Dad looks wonderful and very proud and happy to be with *the team* once again. I’m like you with football…I appreciate that my husband is a big fan. LOL
Your tailgate party set-up is great with lots of great tips. Love the salt tip and the antique milk carrier.
awesome tips! I want to come too!
Girl, you have GREAT handwriting!
I love me some good Ol tailgating food and fun!
Love the idea of attaching the bottle opener to the ice bucket!
I love a fun tailgate!
can you believe I’ve never tailgated?
Looks like so much fun! and great tips!
My favorite part of this post is your experience as a water girl. Lipgloss line SLAYED me! Wendy, your tailgate party makes me almost want to watch football. Okay, maybe not. But, I’m definitely RSVPing to the tailgate!
Football. What can I say about football? As a Texas girl, it’s right up there with Christmas. My husband has a problem. Football is his life from August until January {If things go his way} Would you believe he has a Texas Longhorn TATTOOED on his arm?!
Way cool about your dad, and I will be sure to share the salt/cooling tip with hubs. He’ll love you forever for that!!!
gorgeous tailgate post! fun ideas (love the can opener trick!) and beautiful photos
What a great and fun post – being a foreigner, residing in Florida, I’ve never knew what “tailgate” is all about. Thanks for enlightening the lost souls 😀
What great ideas. I love football and food. And, you just inspired me to have an at-home tailgate party!
Such great tips! And front row seats – what an incredible day!
I love tailgating and haven’t gotten to do it yet this season, it looks so fun. And your dad looks wonderful, I hope I get to meet him one day soon!
Great tips! And I love that you teased your dad a bit 🙂
GO Bucks! Looking forward to a bit of our own Buckeye Tailgating next week as we “come home” to cheer on the Buckeyes and show off OSU and 15th Ave. to the high school senior! Thanks for the ideas.
O-H…..
I-O!!!!!