Favorite Football Traditions, Recipes & Looks

We weren’t sure if football would be happening this year, but thankfully, many teams in the Southeast are attempting to play some games! It has been so fun to have football on these past couple of Saturdays and Sundays! In celebration, our stylists are sharing some of their favorite football traditions and recipes for fun days of football watching, as well as some fun looks for the occasion, whether that be at home or in {socially distanced} in a stadium!

Katie’s Favorite Football Traditions

As a Tennessee fan, finding cute game day outfits can be hard…. You don’t see many cute pieces in UT orange LOL! But every now and then you can find a fun piece, and when you do, it’s smart to grab it up! I love this cropped sweater from Free People. I’d keep it simple and pair with a high waisted jean and some fun booties for a game day party. Add in a few gold accessory pieces, and you are ready to go!

My go-to appetizer that I take to sports related get togethers is Wing Dip. I originally got the recipe from a friend years ago, but I’ve tweaked it to make it my own since then!

Katie’s Wing Dip

2 blocks cream cheese (softened)

1 bottle of ranch dressing

1/2 bottle of Frank’s hot sauce (I usually get the buffalo one)

1 package of shredded cheese

1 package of boneless skinless chicken breasts

Boil and shred 2-3 boneless skinless breasts. (Sidenote: You can also use a rotisserie chicken!). Mix the cream cheese, ranch, hot sauce, and chicken together and pour in an oven safe dish. Cover the mixture with shredded cheese and bake on 350 until the cheese starts bubbling, or about 30 minutes. Serve with fritos, carrots, and celery!

Emily’s Favorites

I’m all about the flannel in the fall! Put a feminine touch to it with your accessories and sneakers! These jeans by Universal Thread at Target are the best fitting jeans you’ll put on your body! I love the light wash and distressing with the raw cut hem! Choose these star ear cuffs in your team colors – wear a pair or just wear one as a statement with smaller studs! And I am so excited to be going ole school this Fall in my Adidas!

Flannel Shirt | Distressed Denim | Sneakers | Star Ear Cuffs

I love a good chili cook-off for a football gathering! I put out decorative chili pepper plants, pumpkins, mums, and corn husks for décor and ask everyone to bring their favorite toppings for the chili bar. My tried and true chili recipe is always a hit – my secret is I use bison rather than ground beef.

Emily’s Chili

1 pound ground bison, browned

2-3 cloves minced garlic

1 can diced tomatoes & 1 can tomato paste

1 white onion, diced

1-2 cans chili beans

1 can kidney beans & 1 can black beans

1 packet of chili seasoning

1-2 seranos (optional for spice)

Katey’s Favorites

For game day, I love the idea of a fun graphic tee! This style tee has become my new favorite – I love the slouchy off the shoulder look. Tie it in a knot to add a little more shape and structure under this fun twist on a cardigan. As always, animal print shoes are the easiest way to step up your casual and make it look like you put more thought and effort into your look than you really did! Top it off with some fun gold hoops, and you are ready to enjoy some football with friends and family!

Graphic Tee | Cardigan | Black Distressed Denim | Leopard Mules | Gold Hoops

These ham sliders are a crowd pleaser at any event, but the perfect anytime snack for a tailgate. Kids love ‘em too which is of course a bonus, and they travel well!

Katey’s Ham Sliders

24 slices of deli honey ham

6 slices of swiss cheese, cut into fourths

1/3 cup mayonnaise

1 tablespoon poppy seeds

1 1/2 tablespoons dijon mustard

1/2 cup butter, melted

1 tablespoon onion powder

1/2 teaspoon worcestershire sauce

2 packages Hawaiian Rolls

Cut rolls in half and spread mayo onto 1 side of the rolls. Place a slice or two of ham and slice of swiss cheese in roll. Replace the top of the rolls and bunch them closely together into a baking dish. In a medium bowl, whisk together poppy seeds, dijon mustard, melted butter, onion powder, and worcestershire sauce. Pour sauce over the rolls, just covering the tops. Cover with foil and let sit for 10 minutes. Bake at 350 degrees for 10 minutes or until cheese is melted. Uncover and cook for additional 2 minutes until tops are slightly browned and crisp. Serve warm!!

Jenny’s Favorite Football Traditions

I love a chunky sweater with a skirt for this time of year when it is still warm during the day and cooler at night…. Add a cropped jean jacket tied around your waist in case you get chilly! I always wear my Golden Goose to games because they are fabulous AND comfortable for walking – and this pair is perfect for my team colors (GO WILDCATS)! These purses are my favorite game day accessory… You can switch out the straps for games and concerts – I love my blue bee strap for Kentucky game day. Top your look off with these “wildcat” earrings!

My favorite thing to take to football gatherings are fun custom decorated cookies from my local bakery! I also love this cookbook full of recipes and traditions from all the SEC schools – oftentimes, I pull ideas from here as well. This cookbook also makes a great gift!