Joe’s 5th Tailgate Party
We threw a tailgate birthday party for our football-loving 5 year old. Given it’s football season, we are sharing the details so you can pick up some inspiration for your next tailgate!
Food & Drink
We kept it very simple by having Dick’s Cheeseburgers delivered and all the snacks, chips and treats. My mom made her “crack mix” which is always a hit along with cheddar and caramel popcorn that we packaged in my favorite party Covid-friendly snack containers. Because who wants to stick their hand in a giant bowl of popcorn these days? No one.
I found this fun inflatable football field cooler for the kids drinks (purple gatorade, chocolate milk, juice and root beer) and a UW cooler for adult beverages (hard seltzers and beer).
Dessert
I had a tough time finding someone to make cookies this year – everyone was booked! But thankfully a friend recommended Fairyland Pastry and OMG the footballs, helmets and jersey cookies could not have been cuter! Highly recommend! She is based on Queen Anne for local folks. I called in the big guns (Megan) for chocolate cake pops topped with purple mini foam #1 fingers – probably my favorite little party detail!
Entertainment
We bought all the dollar store footballs, this really fun youth football goal-post which is now a favorite in our backyard, and a football pinata of course! However it turns out I didn’t get any pictures of the above. Whoops.
Party Favors
I went with party boxes instead of party bags and they were very cute! Here’s what went inside each box:
- Football lanyards
- Football Whistles
- Punch Balloons
- Purple Lollipops
- Mini footballs
- More snacks and treats
Decor
Did you know Party City will make balloon garlands? I used them for the first time and it was easy! ? I also found this Collegiate Letter J yard sign at Party City which I loved. The goal-post doubled as decor and party entertainment for for the kids. But Hairy the Husky and the football helmet car were definitely the highlight!
On the tables I used purple and gold solo cups, Washington Husky plates, football necklaces, purple pom-poms and these purple and gold trays from Party City.
Such a fun day celebrating our big 5 year old! Happy birthday Jojo and happy football season! Hopefully everyone gets to enjoy at least one tailgate and/or football game this year.
