5 Tailgating Essentials for a Proper Game Day Spread

A Stocked Bar, Easy Bites, Festive Decor & More Things You'll Need to Host In Style
Filed Under > Entertaining

To be quite honest, I think SEC tailgating and the art of a true Southern game day spread (and of course the football that accompanies this) was a huge reason I chose to venture to University of Tennessee a few years ago. The SEC sure knows how to pull out the Southern hospitality in a parking lot or two, and there’s really nothing quite like football time in Tennessee.

You won’t find a proper Southern tailgate without strong drinks (I can’t taste whiskey anymore without thinking of Game Day), finger-licking bites and the rowdiest of fans. Though the discovery that Big Green Egg comes in a mini size is reason enough for a tailgate roundup, I decided to break down five tailgating essentials for a proper gameday spread since I’m feeling extra sentimental about the Vols after their most recent win. 

As expected, a well-stocked bar is absolutely essential, whether that includes a build-your-own Bloody Mary station for early games or just a nice variety of good ole whiskey and beer. Easy, bite-size food is often preferred, as well as any kind of dip (people just cannot get enough of a great dip).  And of course, there’s a whole slew of genius tailgating hacks that are great to utilize if you’re on your A-game. Click through the slideshow to learn more, and please tell me about your tailgating must-haves on Game Day!  Go Vols, Kat

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TAKE TIME TO START SLOW

TAKE TIME TO START SLOW

HERE'S AN IDEA: START YOUR DAY SLOWLY WITH A CUP OF JO IN BED. DISCOVERING THE SIMPLE LUXURY OF ENJOYING IT IN BED (INSTEAD OF DURING YOUR COMMUTE) WILL QUICKLY BECOME PART OF YOUR REGULAR ROUTINE.

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VIA MELODY JOY MUNN
TAKE TIME TO CATCH UP

TAKE TIME TO CATCH UP

SCHEDULE THAT COFFEE DATE, AND DON'T RAINCHECK. BY TAKING TIME TO CATCH UP WITH AN OLD FRIEND, YOU'LL FIND A LITTLE PEP IN YOUR STEP FOR DAYS TO COME.

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VIA WAITING ON MARTHA
TAKE BREAKFAST IN BED

TAKE BREAKFAST IN BED

BREAKFAST IN BED IS THAT MUCH SWEETER WITH A CUP OF COFFEE TO KICKSTART YOUR SUNDAY (NO BRUNCH COMAS HERE!).

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VIA WAITING ON MARTHA
TAKE TIME TO GET COZY

TAKE TIME TO GET COZY

IT'S GETTING TO BE THAT PERFECT TIME OF YEAR TO SAY NO TO AFTER-DINNER PLANS AND STAY IN TO WHIP UP SOME CARDAMOM COFFEE AND CUDDLE ON THE COUCH.
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VIA HONESTLY YUM
TAKE TIME TO ENJOY A CUP OUTSIDE

TAKE TIME TO ENJOY A CUP OUTSIDE

PACK THE THERMOS AND ENJOY A CUP OR TWO AFTER THAT MORNING HIKE. THE CRISP AIR AND RICH FLAVORS WILL ALMOST FEEL AS GOOD AS THOSE ENDORPHINS.

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VIA HONESTLY YUM
TAKE TIME TO SHARE A CUP

TAKE TIME TO SHARE A CUP

TREAT A LOVED ONE BY MAKING A MORNING BATCH OF COFFEE...NOBODY COULD TURN DOWN A FRESH CUP AS BEAUTIFUL AS THIS.

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VIA OFFBEAT AND INSPIRED
TAKE TIME TO READ A BIT LONGER

TAKE TIME TO READ A BIT LONGER

FINISH THAT CHAPTER AND SAVOR THE QUIET MOMENTS WITH A GOOD BOOK AND A CUP OF COFFEE.

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VIA MELODY JOY MUNN
TAKE TIME TO MAKE IT RIGHT

TAKE TIME TO MAKE IT RIGHT

DON'T SKIMP ON THE PROCESS, TAKE TIME TO MAKE IT JUST HOW YOU LIKE IT...IT'S WORTH IT.

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VIA WAITING ON MARTHA
TAKE TIME TO NOTICE THE BEAUTY

TAKE TIME TO NOTICE THE BEAUTY

NOTICE THE BEAUTY AROUND YOU, AND A GREAT PLACE TO START IS USUALLY THAT NICE FROTHY DESIGN IN YOUR CUP.

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VIA ARAN GOYOAGA
ADDITIONAL CREDITS:

Featured image, Rustic White for Waiting on Martha – “A Southern Tailgate – The Drinks

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