The Alphabet of Football

Yep, Fall is in the air and no matter where you live, you just cannot escape the fact that this is football season.  Whether it is high school, college, or professional, it's the time of year we get out our seasonal regalia, fire up the grill, and show up with all the team spirit we can muster for the weekend. Football is now the biggest spectator sport in the United States, the NFL now a multi billion dollar business.  NCAA football can't be far behind... with all due respect to the "amateur" athletes that comprise college football teams. We have the SEC, PAC 12, ACC, SWAC, as well as YAC, PAT, TD, YPC, FG, YPC, QB, SS, OLB, LS, and I could keep on going.

My husband is a diehard Mississippi State Bulldog fan while I root for the New Orleans Saints. Sort of a house divided but not as bad as some homes/marriages I have witnessed. As in most states, there is an awesome in-state rivalry and many people date and marry someone from the "other school." I have witnessed some really ugly stuff on weekends in those mixed marriages, many couples who cannot be in the same room when their alma maters' play one another.  I think pro fans are even worse. I make this last statement with a fair amount of certainty because I used to live in Philly.  'Nuf said.

But rivalries aside, Fall and football season can be a really fun time of the year.  The best for some people is tailgating.  In New Orleans, tailgating starts the afternoon of the day before in downtown.  No matter what the day, rain or shine, they don't care.  Perhaps it is just another excuse for partying in New Orleans, not that anyone ever needs an excuse in New Orleans to party. The sights, the sounds, the cries of laughter and recognition of someone you may not have seen in a long time permeate the atmosphere of any tailgating party.  But food always takes center stage!!!!

Ah, tailgating in America didn't really get into full swing until about 1990.  Prior to that, pregame parties were pretty much at home or in the 'hood. Nowadays, people show up with barbeque grills, sausage and peppers, Philly cheesesteaks, burgers and dogs, toasted buns, slaw, potato salad, deviled eggs, antipasti, grilling corn, you name it, it's there for the cooking and eating.  To prove my point, when I searched for "tailgating" in Etsy, no less than 11,998 results came up (seriously, try it!!!). It boggles the mind to see what lengths people go to join in the fun.  I found party invites, game day "kickasserole" plates, NFL shoes (I coveted a pair myself...),  pillow covers, blankets, underwear (really!!!), dresses, tumblers, ice scoops,  labels for plastic water bottles, aprons, outfits for toddlers, wine glasses, headbands, utensil caddies, cookies and cupcakes, and about 11, 980 more items. Below are some shops that are truly fun and unusual, neat stuff to stay in the tailgating spotlight..

Found at Sentimental Decor, you have to admire this team spirit and this great wreath!  What a fabulous Christmas gift for a Cowgirls..... er, Cowboys fan. Tamara, the owner, will do a custom request for you, too. You know you want it......

https://www.etsy.com/listing/202570660/dallas-cowboys-wreathfootball-wreathnfl?ref=sr_gallery_14&ga_search_query=tailgating&ga_explicit_scope=1&ga_page=2&ga_search_type=all&ga_view_type=gallery 



Make a fashion statement .. or have your little girls make a fashion statement with this outfit.  Make it yours and the fun is endless!!
                                                                            
https://www.etsy.com/listing/119726240/football-tutu-leg-warmers-set-tailgating?ref=shop_home_feat_3
Found this prize at BornTuTu Rock.


Just to show you how seriously some people take tailgating, here is the ultimate wedding invitation...... one has to admire a woman with true team spirit.
You can find it at girlsatplay.
https://www.etsy.com/listing/82489417/bridal-shower-football-tailgate-party?ref=sr_gallery_27&ga_search_query=tailgating&ga_ref=auto2&ga_explicit_scope=1&ga_search_type=all&ga_view_type=gallery

Well, it's 5:00 somewhere and looking at all this tailgating stuff has me all worked up to go eat and drink.  'Till next time!!

My etsy store?  designbayou