Instant party

Photo credit: Nearness of Distance

So, usually I like to recommend tailgate gear and decor that you can use year after year.  It's better to invest in a gorgeous red serving platter to set the theme rather than buying dozens of Razorback paper plates each football season.  The exception to the rule: BALLOONS!  Yep, simple red (or red and white) helium-filled balloons are available at just about every grocery store, are unbelievably cheap, and set a party atmosphere better than almost anything else (okay, so booze and music probably come in first and second, but balloons are a close third!).  For a recent party I got a dozen helium balloons from my neighborhood Kroger - six red and six white - for only 99 cents!  Now, the cashier seemed a bit confused, so I can't guarantee that that's the standard price, but according to the Internet, you should easily be able to get a dozen balloons just about anywhere for under $3.  Mine came already decked out with tons of curly red ribbon and held down by heavy clips, which made decorating with them a breeze.  Another great source for simple helium-filled balloons: the dollar store!  There is pretty much no easier, faster, and cheaper way to turn your house into an instant watch party.