You really CAN make this!

Image: Another Day in R Life

It seems like craft projects usually fall into one of two categories - either they are easy enough for us to realistically accomplish . . . and they look like it, or they're gorgeous and professional looking, but the instructions reveal that you need an art degree and access to heavy equipment to make them.  Not this one!  This gorgeous burlap hogs wreath is simple, unique, and although it is DIY, it looks like something you could easily find at one of those extremely stylish home boutiques like Haus Werk or The Full Moon. 

Also, you should really check out Melissa's amazing blog, Another Day in 'R' Life, which is absolutely full of genius ideas - I will definitely be posting more from this blog!

Oh, and just as an example of the geniusness, check out the wreath-hanger in the photo above; it's painted the same color as the door and blends in perfectly.  So smart!

Keep a few on hand for hostess gifts

Image: Etsy

Etsy seller Bugsy and Sprite has these awesome Fayetteville art prints, available in a variety of colors, for $20.  I say, buy several, and you'll never be at a loss for a great hostess gift when visiting friends during football season. 

While red may be a no-brainer as far as color choice, be creative and go for a few unusual colors as well - how great would this be in a sorority's colors as a gift for a proud new pledge or in pale pink or blue as nursery decor for a future Razorback? 

Easy DIY Razorback canvas - great hostess gift!

Image: Building a House of Love

 This is probably the easiest craft tutorial I've ever seen (it helps that you simply trace a Razorback car magnet to get the hog shape), but that doesn't change the fact that it is super cute.  I think that a personalized canvas like this would make a perfect hostess gift or Razorbacks-themed wedding shower gift. 

By the way, check out Katie Brockmeyer's adorable blog Building a House of Love for even more cute projects like this. 

Razorback lilies

Image: My own, from Instagram

 

 

Okay, so they're actually spider lilies, but they might as well be Razorback lilies - they grow really well in Arkansas, bloom during football season, make gorgeous cut flowers to decorate tailgates and watch parties, and they're Razorback red!

 

 

You can buy bags of spider lily bulbs at any big box chain store (I got mine at Sam's, but I've also seen them at Home Depot).  Plant them in full sun, with the tops of the bulbs just below the surface (or barely peeking through), and every fall you'll have a surprise pop of red when everything else in your garden is fading.  

Vintage Arkansas glass - hostess gift

Staying with friends for a Razorback game this season?  Don't arrive empty handed - Southern guests know the importance of a thoughtful hostess gift.

 

This vintage white and red Arkansas glass is available on Etsy (from shop Jewelcard) for only $5.  Fill it with a small red flower arrangement, and it will make a beautiful and unique hostess gift.  This would be great paired with a nice bottle of wine. 

Personalized Platter

This adorable serving platter is available at Blue Bird Gift Company on Etsy for $40 - and that includes personalization!  What is it about the South - we put our names on everything!  I don't think I've ever seen a monogram I didn't love. 

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.

 

Easy game day tabletop

 

 

Last weekend, Ross and I threw a fun Razorback-themed wedding shower for my brother and his fiancee.  Here are a few (instagrammed - yes, that's a verb now) photos of the table.  We served a simple spread of fried chicken, potato salad, baked beans, tomato basil tortellini salad, yeast rolls, cupcakes, and brownies.  The table setting was simple, too - black tablecloth, red and white runner, and a white pitcher filled with glads and pom-poms for the centerpiece.  Finishing touches were Razorback plates, a Razorback tin bucket for serving the rolls, and cute homemade cupcake toppers in red, white, and black.