As you know, Texas tailgates are a big, big deal — and we’re not talking about your average fried-chicken-and-beer-out-of-a-trunk scenario. In Texas, we mean business when it comes to gearing up for game day, and today we’re shedding light on our top tailgate tips that will take food, football, and fun to a whole new level.
What’s so special about tailgate season (AKA football season) allows you to stake your claim over your favorite team. Whether it’s at college campuses like ACU, TCU, SMU, A&M, or UT; pro stadiums like AT&T Stadium to cheer on the Dallas Cowboys; any number of high school football games, and even right in your own backyard, tailgating gives you a unique opportunity for community, support, and fun.
So, why not do it right?!
Your goal: take your tailgate to the next level
At this point, we’ve all been to a few tailgates. From the casual ones (hello, card tables and hotdogs!) to the fancy ones (um, did someone say filet mignon?), we think every tailgate has its place in the game. However, we also know that hosting your own tailgate probably means you want to go above and beyond for a fun, aesthetic experience that makes spirit look (and taste) delicious. Here’s how to take your Texas tailgate to the next level:Setting the scene at your tailgate
You don’t want your tailgate to be just another tailgate — you want it to be a full-out event. So once you decide to host your tailgate — whether it’s a key event like the Red River Rivalry or it’s for a highschool game — it’s time to step it up.
To kick it off, send invites (real ones!) that get your guests excited. While a Facebook event invite *is* perfectly fine, we also love a custom snail mail invite too for an extra special touch. Then, as you create your tailgate setting, focus on keeping it simple BUT impactful. An easy way to keep your tailgate on-brand and aesthetic is simply by focusing on a color scheme (which football teams make easy!), and carrying it through to everything from your cocktail colors to the shades of your tablecloths.
As you plan out your menu (inspo coming in just a sec!), take the time to shake it up with cute names for your food and drinks, illustrations or branded display cards, and personalized koozies. It’s amazing how much a thoughtful name or design can create an experience and make your entire tailgate feel immersive.
Here are a few ideas, just for fun:
- Put iconic or fun sayings on your drink coolers: For example, if you’re hosting a Cowboys tailgate, you could utilize phrases like “America’s Team” or “The Official Tailgate Beer Suite.”
- Get creative with your appetizers and desserts: You can make the most simple food feel really special with just a few simple tweaks. Instead of simply calling burgers… burgers, why not call them Offensive Line Fuel? Instead of pointing people to the brownie bites, why not point them to the Chocolate Super Bowl Rings? Little details, big impact. Promise.
- Send guests home with an easy favor!: Custom koozies, printed M&Ms, or even handmade cookies can be a simple addition for you — and make an impressive, memorable impression on your tailgate attendees.
Next up, let’s elevate your tailgate food
Every good party needs an excellent menu, but tailgates set the scene for some really fun food and drink options. Lean into the tastes and comforts of Texas-style cooking with lots of meats, cheeses, and fun handheld foods. Then make sure there’s a good variety of refreshing beverages to suit all ages and taste buds.
As a premier catering company across Dallas, Fort Worth, and Austin, we’ve catered some incredible game day parties, and know exactly what tailgate recipes you and your fellow fans are sure to love.
Tailgate food ideas:
- Pulled pork sliders
- Beef brisket
- Shrimp skewers
- Short rib tacos
- Mac & cheese
- Chips and crackers with dip options like pimento cheese (recipe below)
- Vestals Signature Pimento Cheese Recipe:
- 1 cup cream cheese
- ½ cup shredded cheddar
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- ½ cup sour cream
- 2 tbsp chopped pimentos
- 2 tbsp green onions
- ¾ tbsp chipotle paste
- ½ tsp cumin)
Don’t forget desserts:
- Mini cheesecakes
- Cupcakes (extra points if they’re decorated for your team!)
- Pecan pie bars
- Brownie bites
- Caramel popcorn
- Rice krispie treats (try a fun flavor like Nutella!)
Fun tailgate drink inspiration:
- Beer (every football fan knows this one’s a must)
- Ranch water (Or, try it the Vestals Way and add a fun flavor. We love prickly pear or serrano-hibiscus.)
- Texas margarita
- Cute, refreshing cocktails and mocktails
- Peach tea, sweet tea, or lemonade
4 ways to level up your tailgate
Now that you’re feeling inspired to plan and now that you have an idea of what tailgate treats to serve, it’s time to kick your pre-game party up a notch (or a few notches). The following tailgate tips will impress your guests and create the perfect atmosphere of connection, community, and camaraderie.
Here are some easy-to-implement tailgate tips:
- Presentation, presentation, presentation!
Make presentation easy and chic by displaying team colors, logos, and mascots with customized plates, bowls, cups, and tablecloths. Nothing’s off the table here – so go big! You can do this with literally anything, from serving platters and food trays to tablecloths, koozies, drink stirrers, custom beverage napkins, and more!
(Pro tip: Etsy and Pinterest are packed with fun ideas and finds!)
- Make food stations interactive for guests
Self-serve stations are a win-win – more fun for guests and less work for you! As you set up, build interactive food stations that can be relatively hands-off while still being customizable. Need some ideas? Think mimosa/martini/margarita bars, hotdog and hamburger stations (extra points if you serve them in fast food baskets!), ice cream sundae tables, and build-your-own nacho bars.
- Don’t forget the vibes!
The difference between an average tailgate and a memorable one (besides the food, of course) is the vibe you create. Remember this when planning, and hone in on details like curated playlists, easy-but-exciting games, and camaraderie! Whether it’s by having a place for cornhole, beer pong, and sports trivia, or even hiring a DJ, focusing on the experience makes all the difference.
- Finally, consider hiring expert help
Picture just showing up to enjoy a hassle-free tailgate — while confidently knowing that your tailgate guests are in for a deliciously good time. Sounds pretty great, right? Well, that’s what happens when you put your tailgate in the hands of Vestals Catering. We handle everything: the planning, the setup, the menu, and of course… keeping koozie-covered cups filled with expert bartending.
Plus, while we love a good football stadium tailgate, we don’t think you ever need an excuse to host an intentional, well-done event — and believe that casual moments are just as important as the big ones. It’s why we can help you cater alumni events, birthday parties, corporate gatherings, and more to bring Texas game-day energy to a huge variety of functions.
So, whether you’re prepping for a high school homecoming, a family weekend at a big football college like TCU, SMU, or UT, celebrating the Thanksgiving Dallas Cowboys game, or even getting hyped for the Texas vs. OU Red River showdown – Vestals would love to bring the party and passion to your next Texas tailgate!
