Happy fall, y’all! Rather cliché of me, but truly, who can resist cooler temps, a reason to pull on chunky sweaters + riding boots and the best part, football?! Here in Texas, football is king and in the fall it’s rare to find a TV not tuned into football all weekend long. I love football, but I also love a great reason to throw a party, and what better way to be the consummate hostess than with a stylish southern tailgate party.
I don’t know about you, but tailgates in my college years usually consisted of subpar food, often cold from sitting outside for hours. But good news folks, growing up has its perks! And one of those things is tailgating in style, as adults no longer in college.
In partnership with , and just in time for the big Texas vs. OU game, I put on my hostess-with-the-mostess hat and got to work. has a bevy of offerings perfect for the stylish southern tailgate party. A happy party guest is one who is fed well and kept hydrated, and when your team notches a W, that’s even better!
Tailgates, and parties in general, are much more fun when you serve foods that are easy to eat and allow friends to mingle and interact. Creating a gathering area on the kitchen island filled with foods that are easy to grab and go – chips & queso, wrap sandwiches and sweet tea or lemonade – makes for a smooth party day.
For a little twist on your regular grab and go tortilla chips, try a nacho bar, complete with queso and chili (yum!) and toppings like sour cream or chopped tomatoes. With the help of catering, food prep is a breeze and allows for the hostess to actually enjoy the tailgate party too.
As a University of Texas alum (Hook ‘Em), it’s hard for me to keep my tailgate parties neutral to any other team, but my own. Food looks that much more appetizing when you couple it alongside darling decorations that represent your school colors and mascot. Plus, fresh flowers never hurt either!
I’ve decided hosting a party is so much more fun, and less stressful, when you can cater. Thanks to , the party food is not only tasty, but filled with different options. For a mid-morning game, the breakfast options are a complete no-brainer! I can’t wait to host another stylish southern tailgate party in the future, and will definitely turn to for all my catering needs. Cheers!
This post is brought to you in partnership with McAlister’s Deli and The Blog Societies. All opinions are my own. Thanks for supporting the brands that help make Girl Wonder Life possible!
Nataly says
I love McAlister’s and this looks so good! Perfect for game day!
Anna English says
This is such a great idea, and makes tailgaiting so easy!
maria says
all of this made me SOOOOO hungry!!!
Ashley says
Such a cute tailgate idea!! Yay for fall and college football!!
Karina says
Alex, this seriously made me hungry! You have the best food pics and girl, that kitchen is dreamy!!!!
Margret says
Alex this is so awesome!!! Thanks for sharing!
Nicole says
Love your photos! The best part of tailgating is all of the grub!
kelly says
This looks like the most delicious setup!
Jessica says
Looks like it was so much fun! And all of that delicious food! I need to start ordering for football parties!
xo Jessica
http://www.whatsfordinneresq.com
Laura Leigh says
Your party is adorable! I love how you set everything up and the dishes you used! Too cute Alex!
xo Laura Leigh
http://www.louellareese.com
roxy says
Yum! This entire spread looks amazing, and has my two favorite components: healthy eats and a dessert treat. I had no idea this place was a chain…none near me unfortunately but we travel often so I’m bookmarking this for the next time we’re near one!!
Alex Carreno says
Thanks Roxy! I’ve also heard their iced tea is delicious too!!
Brandi Soileau says
This all looks so good! I love McAllister’s and still am so sad my local one closed!
xoxo brandi
http://www.BrandiSoileau.com
Rach says
What an awesome spread! I love all the dishwares – so cute!
http://www.rdsobsessions.com
Kileen says
Okay, all of this looks so delicious!! I am officially hungry right now.
And you look gorgeous!
Kileen
cute & little
Liz says
This looks delicious! So many great dishes!
Liz
http://Www.lizzieinlace.com
Erin @ Her Heartland Soul says
I love a good deli!!
Amanda Faber says
That looks like the most delicious tailgate!!!
Annie says
YUM! This all looks so good!!
Morgan says
Love your table scape and that top!! McAlister’s catering is the best of a tailgate!
-Morgan
How 2 Wear It [] http://how2wearit.com
Lindsay and Whitney says
This is the cutest set up over! I totally want to come over for a party! McAllister’s definitely has so many perfect things for hosting a tail gate party.
Azanique says
I love McAllister’s! I have never thought about using them for tailgating, but this is such great idea! Yummy spread 🙂
-xo, Azanique | http://www.lotsofsass.com
Naomi Trevino says
Holy cow those look delicious!
Lydia says
This looks like the perfect tailgate party!