Two things are true this time of year in my household: we watch a lot of football and we always seem to have a house full of family and friends. I love that entertaining on game day has a much more relaxed vibe which means it's the perfect opportunity to keep things simple. No need to fuss in the kitchen or plan a ton of appetizers. Simply bake your favorite frozen pizzas and serve up a beer cocktail –you'll make everyone happy!
Last weekend we had a few friends over to watch the game and I served up this pumpkin shandy beer cocktail (recipe below). It was really delicious and easy enough for guests to whip up themselves. This means more relaxing for the hostess and more time to visit with friends while we watched the game.
As the guests were arriving, I baked off a variety of frozen pizzas (Freschetta, Red Baron and Tony’s) which meant the house smell delicious and effort on my end was minimal. Once baked, I sliced them and placed them on cake stands. This was a easy way to dress up the presentation, and was a really functional way to serve up the slices. Then, as guests were hungry they helped themselves to a slice or two. Who doesn't love pizza?
I also placed out a bowl of red pepper flakes and fresh grated parmesan cheese in case anyone wanted to top their pizza. I love the idea of serving pizza on game day. You can also cut it into much smaller pieces and serve as an appetizer.
Want to host your own simple tailgate at home party? I’ve teamed up with TailgateAtYourPlace.com to give one lucky Thoughtfully Simple reader a party pack of their own. The winner will receive everything they need to host your friends and family and watch the next game.
GIVEAWAY! [UPDATE: Giveaway closed, winner notified]
To enter, simply comment on this post letting me know you want to win. One winner will be chosen at random will win The Tailgate at Your Place prize pack which includes all the items you see above + more. You will also get 12 free pizza coupons!
Winner will be selected at random on Nov 20th and notified via email.
- 4 bottles of Blue Moon Harvest Pumpkin Ale (or your favorite pumpkin beer)
- 2 cans ginger beer
- 4 lime wedges
- Fill glass ½ way with pumpkin beer.
- Squeeze one lime wedge into each glass
- Top with ginger beer
Tim says
... Pumpkin... beer... now I'm a pumpkin lover for sure, but I'm not so sure about pumpkin beer. We've gotta draw the line somewhere people!
Tiffany Dover says
I would LOVE to win this party pack! We host game day parties weekly at our house with friends and family!
Breanna Pollard says
I would love to win so I can have a game night with family and friends.
Ashleigh Gunter says
I would love to win! Absolutely perfect for game day! Thanks for the chance!! :)
Melissa Johnson says
I would love this for when we hv a birtgday/civil war football party for my dad & my bday!
Tessa Wear says
Would love to win!
3 boys and me in the house....pizza is a staple in this family.
Rushell Tuggle says
I would absolutely love to win such a wonderful prize pack. We try to do pizza night once a week and it's usually on Saturday or Sunday, depending on what teams are playing and what day, haha! You have the perfect setup there, with beer, pizza, and football! Thanks so much for the chance!
Kelly Hubbard says
We do game day feasts at our friends houses every Packers game. We love Red Baron pizza its one of our favorites and I would be able to host at our house if we won.. OMG would be so excited..:)
Jordan says
I love love love football, and I'd love to win this party package!!
Love your idea about putting pizza on cake stands- brilliant!! (And I love your idea of cooking frozen pizza- even more brilliant...and inexpensive!) thanks for sharing :)
Jennifer Essad says
I'd love to win and share with our family this month. Our daughter is marrying a fine gentleman from London on the 21st. I'm meeting his parents & brother for the first time, we'll be entertaining and hosting Thanksgiving with them, including about 18 people so over 25 people will be here, coming/going and this package will be awesome for us all watching football all weekend long. - thanks for the chance
Desiree Wilcox says
I have some pumpkin beer sitting in the fridge already! And I'm a sucker for anything ginger.. what a great idea!
I'd love to win the tailgate giveaway! I'm in Charlotte, so lets celebrate the Panthers! (PS- I hope that doesn't hurt my odds of winning!!)
Ashley says
How cute! I love your set up! Thanks for the giveaway! Pizza and beer the perfect combo for any football event :)