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.