Hello, Fall! Tailgating in Style

This is a sponsored post; payment, trade and/or products have been received in exchange for promotion for Oriental Trading and DriveShop and as always, all opinions are my own. 

The days are getting shorter…kids are back in school…football season is in full swing…fall is here! When cooler weather arrives, camping and tailgating seem to be the number one thing everyone has on their mind. Although my family are, I’m not the outdoor, roughing-it type. I’ll always be a city girl at heart; camping means a cabin and tailgating is done in style…sorry, no apologies here!

When DriveShop reached out to check out the Mazda CX-9 Grand Touring, it was inspiration to head out and enjoy the changing seasons here in the Pacific Northwest! As a midsize, three-row crossover SUV, there is plenty of room to tote everyone and everything we need. Whether seating for 7 or folding down a row for storage, we are ready to hit the road.

I love all the tech features from the standard rearview camera and rear backup sensor, blind spot monitoring system and rear cross traffic alert to the BOSE®12-speaker surround sound system. Bumping my 80’s jams through XM radio makes me feel young and cool!

Other great safety features my own vehicle doesn’t have includes the Smart City Brake Support and Distance Recognition Support System. Both designs are to alert you to front vehicle proximity and brake the vehicle if there is not a braking response from the driver.

With so much room, we are ready to enjoy the outdoors the way I like it.

Being able to plug in mini appliances is enough to get this city girl into the woods or outside for football. Nearly as important as the games themselves, tailgating is a ritual with one rule: go big or go home. While we can’t control the outcome on the field, outside the stadium you have what it takes to rock a fabulous party space. It’s time to upgrade those plastic cups and coolers. The Grand Touring is perfect for tailgating…let me show you how with some help from my friends at Oriental Trading!

My tailgating standby, chili! A big crock-pot with all the fixings is sure to please any crowd.  Use your own recipe or check out my Chili Lasagna recipe.  The Grand Touring has power outlets in the rear of the vehicle, so you can plug in your crock pot to keep the chili warm.

Shop The Look: burlap fabric, red and white spirit pom poms

Keep snacks on hand for easy nibbling.  I like healthier options like popcorn, nuts and yogurt-covered pretzels in addition to my personal weakness, Munchies snack mix.

Mini pies are always my party jam.  They are easy to make and tote and so many fun ways to cute them even further.

Shop the Look: wood utensils, small and large trophy bowls

Corral your tableware on a serving tray so it can be moved and easily accessible to guests. Disposable, compostable items like paper and wooden items make for easy cleanup.

Shop the Look: buffalo plaid serving tray, wood utensils, striped plates

Just as important as the food, the drinks!  I love my gold butler tables for outdoor entertaining.  They fold up so they are easy to transport. Setting up hot and cold drink bars is perfect for everyone!  Canned beverages like wine (I know!!), beer and cider are offset with hot cocoa and cider with a variety of tasty add-ins from marshmallows to cinnamon sticks.

Make the banner in your team’s colors by downloading my free shirt printable and print out on cardstock.  Spell out a phrase, team name or even your favorite player’s name with felt letters.  Punch small holes through and string up with twine.

Shop the Look: football plastic cups, paper straws, wooden hot cocoa spoons

Don’t forget to have warm blankets on hand to offer guests…

I hope you are inspired to head outdoors and cheer on your favorite team!  What are your favorite outdoors activities?