Stylish Tailgating Theme Ideas

Stylish tailgate ideas that are chic enough for adults and can take you to football games, a steeplechase, or an outdoor concert. Pack the champagne and bring out the picnic food for a luxury tailgating party.

Stylish tailgating is fun and simple with these ideas and recipes.

Chic Tailgate Theme

Stylish tailgating may sound like an oxymoron but it’s not! It doesn’t matter what the event is, tailgating is FUN and it can be elevated into something special. Think of it more as a PICNIC than a tailgate.

Like many, my first tailgating experience was in college and included the usual fare of chips, fried chicken from the drive-through, and beer or a highball. Later on we moved up to Steeplechase tailgating which was quite a bit more upscale with gourmet food, cheeses, and wine. And since we moved to Richmond we HAD to give tailgating a try at a NASCAR race, which highly resembled those college tailgates.

This tailgate theme is pretty traditional at its core, but I’ve added some style with a champagne mimosa bar, chic displays and seating that make it feel like an outdoor lounge more than a parking lot.

Stylish tailgating is fun and simple with these ideas and recipes.

“If there’s one thing that makes me feel young again, it’s got to be tailgating. It’s kind of like the great American pastime that brings nostalgia, fun, and relaxation together all at once.”

Stylish tailgating is fun and easy with these ideas and recipes.

Start with an easy travel tailgate menu that’s great for on-the-go or picnics.

Stylish tailgating is fun and easy with these ideas and recipes.
girls-only Tailgate party / Celebrations At Home blog
Stylish tailgating is fun and easy with these ideas and recipes.
Stylish tailgating is fun and easy with these ideas and recipes.

Tailgating Mimosa Bar

  • When you’re tailgating for a football game, sometimes you have to get started pretty early because of game time. Michelle Sparkling Wine is our drink of choice because you can pour the Brut over a variety of juices {like a mimosa} for the perfect brunch cocktail. I like to provide different flavors like mango, peach, pear, or apricot. They’re less acidic than orange juice, and you can find these fruit nectars in the international aisle of the grocery store.
  • Also serve Michelle Extra Dry, and Brut Rosé for variety. The Brut Rosé is great on it’s own as it’s slightly sweet, while the Extra Dry can be mixed with juice or enjoyed alone {not as sweet as the Brut Rosé, but not as dry as the Brut} .
  • A collapsible tray table is a great piece to use as a bar. It travels easily and is just the right size to hold glasses, and a few bottles. Keep extra bottles on ice in a small ice bucket.
  • The juices are identified with diy bottle necklaces. As an alternative, you could just tie on a paper tag with ribbon.
Stylish tailgating is fun and easy with these ideas and recipes.
Stylish tailgating is fun and easy with these ideas and recipes.
Stylish tailgating is fun and easy with these ideas and recipes.
Stylish tailgating is fun and easy with these ideas and recipes.
Stylish tailgating is fun and easy with these ideas and recipes.
Stylish tailgating is fun and easy with these ideas and recipes.
Stylish tailgating is fun and easy with these ideas and recipes.
Stylish tailgating is fun and easy with these ideas and recipes.

Food and Details

  • When you set up your tailgate you probably want to add a little team spirit. Make a generic DIY pennant banner with “go team” spelled out. You can use it for ANY sporting event you go tailgating at. Of course you could also make one with your team’s name or mascot instead. Hang it across the back of your vehicle for all to see.
  • Inspired by the black and white stripes of the referees shirts, I used that here as a constant theme. It’s a terrific background for any other color you want to incorporate.
  • Folding chairs get a comfy makeover with these fuzzy covers, and a large wicker basket {used to help transport items to the tailgate} is turned upside down and makes a great “table.” Add a tray for stability and set out some snacks, leaving room to set down drinks.
  • All the display pieces are used to transport items so they do double duty. A white metal storage box holds food during the drive, but turns into a wonderful display surface once you’re there. Vintage crates can carry flowers or bottles and then display food jars during the tailgate.
  • The menu is well suited for the ladies: focaccia sandwiches, pasta salad served in canning jars, hummus with crudites and pretzel crackers {recipes to come}.
  • Disposable kraft boxes are used as individual ‘plates’. They look good and the sides help make sure nothing will fall out while sitting or walking around.
  • As the weather gets cooler you can bring along a basket full of throws to wrap over your shoulders or on your lap.
girls-only Tailgate party / Celebrations At Home blog
Stylish tailgating is fun and easy with these ideas and recipes.
Stylish tailgating is fun and easy with these ideas and recipes.
Stylish tailgating is fun and easy with these ideas and recipes.
Stylish tailgating is fun and easy with these ideas and recipes.
Stylish tailgating is fun and easy with these ideas and recipes.

Dessert Ideas

  • Girls like something sweet so we’ve brought along some fruit and donut hole skewers, and caramel popcorn & nut mix.
  • Include some chocolate sauce in a jar for extra indulgence. Drizzle it over the skewers or the popcorn.
  • Provide a scoop and small striped bags for the popcorn, so everyone can help themselves.

Best Tips

  • Think of tailgating as a “picnic.” Pack food that doesn’t require constant refrigeration like oil based pasta salad, fruit, veggies, hummus, cheese, chips/crackers, etc.
  • Think about double duty items when packing up. A flat top cooler or carrier can act as a surface to place food on. A large basket can be turned into a table by turning it upside down. Bring trays to create another stable surface area. Folding tables and chairs pack well and set up quickly. Vintage soda crates come with different sized compartments that can hold all sorts of things.
  • Add some team spirit with banners, pom poms, pennants, etc.
  • Don’t forget a trash bag in case there’s not a public trash can near by.
  • Bring wet anti-bacterial wipes to clean hands.
  • Bring toilet paper just in case the port-a-potties run out.
  • Include water or other non-alcoholic beverages to stay hydrated and balanced.

I hope you’re inspired to elevate your next tailgating event by hosting a girls only outing with mimosa bar. And drink responsibly!

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