how to throw an easy & adorable fall tailgate

When I married Andrew, I knew some things were going to have to change in regards to my own personal life… mainly, my fervor (or lack-there-of) for football. Let’s just say as one of two girls, Saturdays were spent at the mall rather than watching a game. (God bless my kind, patient father.) Can you blame me?!

This season, Andrew has been patiently teaching me all of the terms, player info and lingo. Little by little, I’m getting there!

And while I’m still a ways away from being a die-hard fan, there is one aspect of football I’m already head-over-heels for… tailgating!

Hosting new friends at our home here in Gainesville, Florida has become one of our very favorite things. We’ve done game nights, make-your-own-pizza get-togethers, but my favorite this fall is a good old fashioned tailgate at home.

Today, I’m excited to share our fall tailgate essentials… and you may not believe it, but every single thing is from Walmart! With free next-day delivery on eligible orders over $35 and prices that leave room in the budget for other autumn fun, Walmart has become my one-stop-shop for all party essentials… from game-time food and snacks to serveware, kitchen appliances, home entertainment and more!

 

TOP } CARDIGAN | JEANS | SHOES

 

at-home tailgate essentials

 

 

Let’s start with an easy tailgate hack! To keep setup easy and quick, designate one space to house all your tailgating goods, and have fun with it!

I created a tailgating station using this adorable gold bar cart, which is under $150! I love that you can switch up the theme based on the time of year. To play up the fall football theme, I added this cute $5 football banner and some adorable $6 “eat drink football” plates.

I also found tons of cute fall decor while running in to my local Walmart for snacks, like these $7 hay bales. (This mini hay bale I used on the top shelf is just $3!) The faux pumpkin arrangement made for the cutest pop of fall color. I grabbed it in-store, and am looking for it online now. I’ll keep y’all updated!

Now let’s get to the main event… snacks! I like to keep things easy and enjoyable for everyone by bringing in a few childhood favorites. Who can say no to cheeseballs, pretzels, popcorn, chips & salsa and candy?

The only thing I home make is my favorite Saltine Toffee because it’s so easy and something everyone enjoys. I’ve slightly adapted this recipe, and it’s divine. Here’s how to make it!

 

Saltine Toffee

 

INGREDIENTS

INSTRUCTIONS

Preheat oven to 400 degrees F

Line cookie sheet with saltine crackers in a single layer.

Place the sugar and butter in a saucepan. Without stirring, bring to a boil and boil for 3 minutes.

Immediately pour over saltines and spread to cover crackers completely.

Bake at 400 degrees F for 5 to 6 minutes. Remove from oven and sprinkle chocolate chips over the top. Let sit for 5 minutes. Spread melted chocolate and top with sea salt and chopped nuts. Cool completely and break into pieces.

Warning… be sure you have plenty of people over to enjoy this stuff with. If not, you may wind up eating the entire pan by yourself! (Not that I’ve done that or anything…)

Fall tailgates are such a fun way to entertain, and thanks to Walmart, they don’t have to be a huge production! I know I’m so looking forward to continuing this tradition this season as I gradually figure out football. :) Would love to know all of your tailgate favorites!

Love from the Sunshine State,

Kate

Thank you, Walmart, for sponsoring this post.

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3 Comments

  1. Monty said:

    So glad you guys moved here, and you are learning about the game, during what is shaping up to be a great Gator ๐ŸŠ Football ๐Ÿˆ season. ๐Ÿ’™๐Ÿงก๐Ÿ’™

    Published 9.30.19 · Reply
  2. Abby said:

    Aw, the popcorn-throwing shot didn’t make it! Well A for effort for sure :)

    Abby
    abbymeister.com

    Published 9.30.19 · Reply
  3. Paige E said:

    Loving this adorable setup! ๐Ÿˆ ๐Ÿ I also need this little drink cart ASAP!! ๐Ÿฅ‚

    Published 10.1.19 · Reply