Tips for Tailgating with Team Spirit!

I love football. My dad was a star player in high school and college, I was a cheerleader, and I attended (and my children too) one of the greatest football schools – Penn State!

I was also born and raised in Philadelphia and still consider it home in many ways- so you know I’ve been in my glory celebrating the incredible Eagles!

I’m pretty unhappy that both teams had horribly disappointing weekend performances (ugh), but I remain loyal and hoping they get back on track!

I love to settle in to watch my teams on the weekends (especially when they’re winning).

If you can’t physically be at a game, the next best thing is making your house a festive place to celebrate those wins!

Setting up your Home Tailgate

I love breaking out the cups, plates and napkins in my teams’ colors and logos.

Have you seen these ice cube trays? Adorable!

You can honestly get anything these days, and I think little details that add to the theme just make it better. How about these football snack trays? I keep a stack of these handy for some self-serve snacks.

I was known for throwing some pretty cool kids’ birthday parties where I was right on point with the themes (see my post, the Theme Queen), and still enjoy it!

We of course, wear our gear to show support. If you happen to have a spouse like mine who did not go to a football school, this is the funniest shirt ever.

We saw a woman at a game wearing a shirt like this a few years ago, and my husband said, “I am not watching another game until I get that shirt.” He wears it with pride!

I love dressing with team spirit the whole weekend of the games- it’s so fun when you go to the gas station or grocery store and people yell, ‘Go Birds!’ You must have warm weather outfits like t-shirts and ball caps, and cold weather gear like sweatshirts and wool hats, since the football season spans a lot of varying temperatures!

I love to put out yummy game day snacks and drinks. See my post on Game Day on WW if you’re looking to cut calories and keep it light. You can make an incredibly delicious chili that is low fat and low carb! This is one of my favorites, since you just let it simmer all morning until game time. I’ve recently tried my sister’s recipe that adds extra proteins making it a wonderful, healthy chili version.

Healthy Game Day Chili Recipe

Add to your crockpot:

• 1 pound of ground turkey
• 1/2 a block of crumbled firm tofu
• One chopped red onion
• 3 cloves of garlic
• 2 small cans of diced tomatoes
• 1 can of seasoned spaghetti sauce
• 1/2 a container of cottage cheese

Cook on high for four hours or on low for six hours. Your house will smell amazing! Serve with low fat shredded cheddar and fat free plain Greek yogurt.

When we watch a Philly team, we must have Philly foods! Hoagies are our go-to, but we love soft pretzels, too. If you root for another team, celebrate that city’s food – Chicago hot dogs, Boston baked beans?

Other Ways to Celebrate the Team

Flags! I personally haven’t gone so far as to fly one in front of the house, but people in my neighborhood are doing it! Check out this banner at our local airport, ha. We’re not the only fans around here!

We have magnets on our cars that are so fun for sharing team spirit, too.

I just love the back of my mini Cooper.

I hope you enjoy watching your teams this season! GO BIRDS, and…

WE ARE…!! 🐾