As I write this, I’m softly singing, “It’s the most wonderful time of the year…” No, it’s not Christmas; it’s not Victoria’s Secret’s Semi-Annual Sale. It’s the start of college football season! Here in the South, football dictates our weekend schedules. Planning a party? Make sure it’s not at game time. If it is, make sure there are plenty of TVs available. Going on a diet? Forget about it. There’s no way one can turn down buffalo chicken dip at a tailgate party.

Photo from Hostess with the Mostess

Ahh, the tailgate party. These shindigs are often more fun than the actual game, especially if your beloved team is having a rough go of it that season. While these parties typically occur outside the stadium, it’s just as much fun to host a tailgate in your living room as you and other devoted fans congregate around the television set. It’s really important that your space is conducive to hosting a party, so you should make sure to do the following things:

1. Put away any glass or other fragile items that may get broken. If someone jumps up in excitement, you don’t want him to accidentally knock over grandma’s Venetian glass vase.

2. Provide plenty of comfortable seating. Get rid of any throw pillows or unnecessary “fluff” that only serves decorative purposes. People want to slouch down and kick their feet up while watching the game.

Photo from The Blender

3. Provide plenty of spaces for people to rest their drinks or plates when not in use. It’s so awkward balancing a plate or beer on your lap, not to mention dangerous if you spill! Occasional tables placed strategically by chairs and couches will do the job.

4. Make sure your furniture is arranged not only for prime viewing of the TV, but also for conversation and “flow.” When it’s half time, you might want to make your way out to the porch or head to the kitchen to refresh your beverage. You don’t want to have any furniture that would block your guests and make the room feel closed in.

Photo from Fresh Chick Designs

5. Forgo the typical tailgate décor (red solo cups, cheap paper plates, etc.) and use heavy plastic or ceramic plates in your team’s colors. Cloth napkins in your team’s colors can easily be made from a few yards of fabric and look much better than crumpled paper napkins. It’s also fall, so incorporate the season’s colors, textures, and décor into your overall party scheme. There’s no reason you can’t have an upscale tailgate party!

Lastly, have fun! Be the hostess with the mostess and cheer on your team! Check out this great post from Williams-Sonoma about what to prepare for your tailgate party!

Wishing all the best to every college football team (Go Gators!).