Our Favorite Football Season Finds and Tailgating Essentials

A vintage station wagon with the tailgate down, filled with supplies ofr a picnic, near folding chairs and a record player outdoors.
Photo by Mac Jamieson.

As eagerly anticipated as brisk days and brilliant foliage, fall in the South is synonymous with football season. Whether you’re cheering on your favorite team from home or gathering at the stadium, these fun finds and crowd-pleasing recipes will add an extra dose of charm to your gameday get-togethers. 

Briton Court

2 images, one of a woman running in a purple-and-gold dress with tigers on it, and another of 2 girls with pom poms in red-and-black dresses.
Photos courtesy of Briton Court.

Apparel brand Briton Court made a name for themselves with breezy dresses fashioned from colorful, lightweight fabrics. Their gameday collection brings the brand’s signature whimsical style to matching mother-daughter dresses in a variety of school colors. Pair them with cowboy boots or chunky sneakers for an ensemble as comfy as it is cute.  

Pittypat’s Clothing Co. 

2 images of women wearing toile print clothing in college football colors.
Photos courtesy of Pittypat’s Clothing Co.

Pittypat’s Clothing Co. blends timeless Southern style with team spirit, offering adorable dresses and separates well suited for print mixing. While the brand is based in South Carolina, they partner with universities all over the South to create officially licensed, hand-drawn toile prints embellished with iconic landmarks from each campus. Keep an eye out for more custom patterns coming to their lineup during future football seasons.

ZAGS SunWraps 

2 images, one of a woman in a purple-and-orange leopard print sunwrap by the pool, and one of a woman in a red-and-black leopard print sunwrap.
Photos courtesy of ZAGS.

When Charleston mom Jennifer Horton couldn’t find cute protective blankets to ward off the sun, she developed her own: ZAGS SunWraps, chic coverings made from UPF 50+ material that come in a variety of vibrant designs and versatile sizes. ZAGS’ Gameday Essentials, a collaboration with Savannah designer Emily McCarthy, features playful cheetah prints in an array of vivid team colors. Tote them along to the stadium for easy sun protection you can throw on in a pinch. 

Beatriz Ball 

2 images of Beatriz Ball tableware, including melamine ice buckets, bowls, and plates, and a shiny metal tray.
Photos by Stephanie Welbourne Steele and Mac Jamieson. Styling by Mary Beth Jones.

Tableware brand Beatriz Ball New Orleans crafts fuss-free pieces that jazz up any occasion. High-shine patented metal trays and platters can go straight from the oven to the table. Bring their melamine plates and bowls to a tailgate for shatter-proof dishes that will elevate the vibe. 

Woodhill Cottage

2 images, one of Woodhill Cottage Tomato Jam in a jar, and one of Mini Potato Gratin Stacks with Bacon and Tomato Jam.
Photos by Will Dickey and Becky Stayner.

Delectable on biscuits, burgers, and more, Woodhill Cottage’s Tomato Jam is a jar full of joy. We love this versatile spread for party trays: add it to a charcuterie board as a tangy dip, or dollop it on top of mini sliders. Order a jar on their website, where you’ll find a slew of kickoff-worthy recipes including Mini Potato Gratin Stacks with Bacon and Tomato Jam. 

Milo’s

2 images of Milo's Sweet Tea and Lemonade chilled in an ice chest.
Photos courtesy of Milo’s.

Beloved all over the South, iconic food brand Milo’s has served up old-school refreshers for decades. Whether by the bottle or the gallon, Milo’s sweet teas and lemonade are ideal for gameday get-togethers. Impress fellow fans even more with the company’s yummy recipes, such as Sweet Tea Grilled Short Ribs.  

A Classic Southern Tailgate Party with Taste of the South

2 images, one of Pork Tenderloin Sandwiches with Caramelized-Onion Mayonnaise and one of Pecan-Chipotle Tassies in Cornmeal Crust.
Photos by Mac Jamieson.

Boost any outdoor party with portable bites and clever ways to serve them. Take inspiration from this fall alfresco feast shared by our sister magazine Taste of the South. Revel in the laid-back menu featuring Pork Tenderloin Sandwiches with Caramelized-Onion Mayonnaise and Pecan-Chipotle Tassies in Cornmeal Crust. 

9 Irresistible Appetizers for Game Days and Tailgate Parties

eggplant fries and pinwheel bites.
Photos by Mac Jamieson and Stephanie Welbourne Steele.

Easy-to-serve snacks keep a crowd satisfied no matter the score. Browse our nine irresistible appetizers that are as simple to throw together as they are to enjoy.  

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