Hosting the Morning Tailgate!

Hosting a game day in your 20s is all about the booze... just kidding! But seriously, it can be so much more if you want it to be. Here’s how I hosted Griz game day in the morning, what I served, what I used, and how it all went down.

Morning Snacks to Kick Off Game Day

You want snacks that are easy to prepare, serve, and snack on before a long day—think finger foods that are both satisfying and fun. Mornings are the perfect opportunity to bring a fun twist to classic tailgate food.

• Maple Sausage Crescent Rolls

  Everyone knows pigs in a blanket are a tailgate staple, but since we were starting early, I decided to switch things up with maple breakfast sausage wrapped in buttery crescent rolls. The sweet and savory combo with a touch of maple was the best game day morning decision I made! These are super easy to prep ahead of time and pop in the oven when guests arrive. The best part? You can easily batch them and even add cheese or a spicy mustard on the side for a little extra flavor kick.

• Fresh Fruit

  Mixed fresh fruit was a lifesaver! Not only does it give a refreshing break from all the heavier snacks, but it also doubles as a garnish option for your mimosa bar (more on that below!). I went with a colorful mix of berries, pineapple, and melon. Pro tip: Arrange the fruit in a large bowl, or even better, in individual cups for easy grab-and-go access. It's such a simple thing, but it feels thoughtful and brightens up the table.

• Krispy Kreme and Last Night’s Cookies!

  Sometimes, the easiest solutions are the best. I grabbed a dozen original glazed donuts from Krispy Kreme to play it safe—let’s be real, you can’t go wrong with donuts. To mix things up, I also used some leftover cookies from the night before to create a little dessert plate. It made for an adorable touch on the snack table and saved me from wasting any leftovers. The donuts and cookies were a hit, and the variety on the snack table was a crowd-pleaser.

  
  

Mimosa Bar for a Touch of Sparkle

No morning get-together is complete without a mimosa bar! It’s a fun and interactive way to serve drinks, and it adds an extra level of charm to your game day party. Guests can mix and match their favorite juice combinations and garnishes, creating a personalized experience that makes them feel part of the action. Here’s how I set mine up:

• Champagne or Prosecco

  The base of any good mimosa, and let’s be real, the star of the bar! I kept it simple by going with an affordable but tasty Prosecco. You don’t need to go overboard on the budget here because the juice flavors will do most of the heavy lifting. Just make sure it’s something light and bubbly, and you’re good to go.

• Juice Options

  I kept my juices playful and refreshing. Simply Lemonade is my go-to because everyone knows that it's superior. I chose blueberry lemonade, raspberry lemonade, and classic orange juice to cover all the bases.

• Fresh Fruit Garnishes

  For garnish, I went with classic lemons and oranges. But here’s a trick—use the fruit bowl from your snack table as a double-duty garnish station. Berries, especially raspberries and blueberries, add such a fresh, vibrant touch to the mimosas and give them a pop of color. It’s a simple addition that elevates the whole drink experience.

• Fun Glassware

  You can absolutely serve your mimosas in red solo cups if you’re keeping it super casual, but if you want to add a little flair, cute champagne flutes make a world of difference! I grabbed a set of inexpensive flutes from the dollar store, and they were perfect for the occasion. Not only do they make the bar look more festive, but guests get to feel a little extra fancy while they sip their custom creations. Either way, the glassware adds to the overall aesthetic of your mimosa bar.

  
  

Game Day Décor on a Budget

Creating the perfect atmosphere for game day doesn’t have to break the bank. With a little creativity, you can deck out your space to make it feel festive and fun while staying on budget. Here’s how I transformed my space:

• Balloons

  Balloons are one of the easiest ways to make any space more festive, and they’re incredibly affordable. I picked up six balloons from the dollar store for $1.25 each, and they filled the space perfectly. They added height and color to the snack table, making it pop. Pro tip: Get them in your team’s colors for an extra boost of spirit!

• Flags

  I ordered a set of banner flags from Amazon earlier in the week, and they arrived just in time. The pack came with three long banners, so there was more than enough to decorate the room—and I still have one left over for the next event! These flags only cost around $13, and they gave the room a total game day vibe. The best part? They’re reusable, so I’ll definitely be using them again.

• Glassware

  The dollar store was my secret weapon for this setup. I found three juice serving glasses, six champagne flutes, and a tablecloth all in one trip, and it cost me next to nothing. The glassware not only looked great but gave the mimosa bar a polished feel, while the juice jugs were a hit and added a charming touch to the table. I’ll definitely be reusing these for future events—they’re such a great find.

• Recycled Goodies

  To round out the décor, I repurposed items from previous events. Vases, candles, a large mason jar, and serving plates all made a comeback. One of my favorite repurposes was turning my old sangria jug into a fresh water jug for game day. It was hilarious, but, hydration is key! Using what you already have is a fantastic way to save money while keeping things cute and functional.