Game Day Table Setting Ideas For The Ultimate Tailgate

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If the word “tailgate” makes you think of a sad utility table and old camping chairs…think again! In this post I’ll share easy game day table setting ideas including the same gear I use for at- home entertaining: layered textiles, design conscious height variation, functional (but pretty!) serving pieces, and a lot of fun extras to make your next parking lot party a bit more stylish.

This year I’m helping coordinate a weekly tailgate for my daughter’s cheer team before home games, so I’ve been looking for inspiration on how to make each week feel fun, festive, and oh-so-sporty. These are the game day table setting ideas I’m leaning into this season.

Read on to learn how to make your next tailgate a little bit extra!

Build The Foundation With A Table + Tablecloth In Your Team Colors

The sky is the limit here, but if you’re just getting started I recommend keeping it simple.

Start With a Folding Table

You will need at least one folding utility table. This is the one I am currently using and it works well. The key here is to make sure it folds so you can easily tuck it in the back of your car.

Choose Your Base Layer

For a base tablecloth, you can go one of two ways.

1. Grab disposable plastic covers in your team colors (they come in fun patterns and colors!) .
2. Buy a set of washable fabric tablecloths in your team colors that you can use year after year.

I do a mix of both when I host team dinners, but for a tailgate to feel extra special, I prefer a real tablecloth!

These are great to pick up at local home stores like Marshall’s or Homegoods. I recommending grabbing a set of 3 so you have a matching set in the future if your luxury tailgate setup expands!

For a truly tailored and professional look, consider a fitted utility table cover. I ordered this one for my setup this year, and it makes a great base to build on!

TIP: When investing in a set of base tablecloths, opt for neutrals like black, white, or navy that you can use for other holidays and occasions unless you know you will be using a specific team color year after year and are sure you want to go all-in.

I actually find that RED is very versatile as well (Valentine’s Day, Christmas, July 4…)

Build With Texture + Pattern

Add another layer of color and texture with a table runner, table topper, or blanket on top of your base tablecloth.

I love this chili-bar example… perfect for a fun fall Tailgate!

Get creative and use what you have!

Try:

• Cozy plaid blankets
• Spooky Halloween fabric
• Ribbons
• Vintage Jerseys, flags or pennants
• Faux grass/turf
• Stamped or decorated craft paper
• Wrapping Paper
• Cloth Napkins

The unique game day table setting ideas are endless!

Add Some Height With Creative Risers

If you’ve ever seen a food display on Pinterest and thought, “Wow, that presentation looks AMAZING!”, chances are you’re noticing that the food is displayed at a variety of heights.

Catering professionals use tools like chafing dishes, tiered serving dishes, and acrylic risers to build a balanced display that makes it easy to see -and reach- every item on the table.

If you have a set of two tablecloths, you can absolutely tuck sturdy boxes between two layers toward the back of the table to make a sturdy surface. Any old box, cooler, etc. will work because it’s hidden!

You can also shop your kitchen for cake stands or serving trays to add height.

Creative Display Ideas

If you want to get even more outside of the box, why not go theme-specific with real-life props you already have on hand?

Think:

• Large Orange Sports-Drink Coolers on a football-themed tailgate setup
• Apple crates or mini straw bales crates for fall-themed tailgate decor
• A vintage look cooler
• Woven Picnic Baskets
• A stack of books

In addition to risers, you can add height to your table by including custom signage on easels (see photo above!), pennant strings, or even an adjustable display bar to hang flowers, streamers, etc ABOVE the table.

Include Elevated Details To Make It Special

One of my favorite tailgate party decorating tips is to take special touches that you might ordinarily reserve for a traditional dinner party on the road!

Flowers

A gorgeous floral centerpiece, while admittedly over the top, can make a big impact on your tailgate tablescape.

This could be a big bunch of backyard flowers, leafy fall branches, or a gorgeous bushel of mums picked up from the supermarket.

If you tailgate often, you could consider buying reusable faux mums in your team colors that you can use week after week!

I bought these for my porch but can always steal them for a night at the stadium.

Team Memorabilia

Do you have old letter jackets, flags, foam fingers, helmets or poms laying around?

This type of decor is great because it’s very on-theme AND it will naturally layer in even more of your team colors for extra school spirit!

Here’s a great example of everything I’ve been talking about put together!

Dinner-Party Worthy Details

One of the most important ideas to keep in mind is this: if it would elevate a dinner party, it will elevate your tailgate setup too!

Handwrite menu cards on placecard holders to identify the dishes you are serving.

Place drinks in a pretty beverage tub and bring a separate ice bucket if you’ll be mixing cocktails or sodas.

Set the mood with battery-operated LED candles in votive holders if it’s a night game or cute rechargeable lamps.

Finally, don’t you dare think about leaving home without a speaker to play your best gameday playlist!

Nothing is too fancy, as long as it’s not breakable.

Which leads me to my next point…

Choose Travel-Friendly Serving Dishes

One area where you want travel-specific gear is the food containers and serving dishes you choose. This is one of the most important game day table setting ideas to keep in mind!

Nothing is worse than spilled chili in the back of your car on the way to the field.

Ask me how I know…

Tailgate Tips

• Use a travel-friendly crockpot with a lid that locks on!
• Choose pretty melamine serving dishes that won’t break if they drop in the parking lot.
• These nesting bowls with lids are pretty enough to serve from- but secure enough to take on-the-go.
• While you could opt for real silverware and plates, this is one area I typically opt for disposable. They make such cute disposables nowadays, they almost look real!

Make it comfortable

A few final considerations revolve around comfort.

Stylish Shelter

If you’ll be out in the elements, you may want to consider bringing a pop up tent, umbrella or canopy to provide shade and shelter.

If you have a basic tent, you can dress it up with balloons, banners, garlands, etc. for a hit of team color.

Another fun idea is to buy an inexpensive outdoor rug in your team colors to anchor the tailgate area and make it feel extra welcoming for your guests.

Take a seat!

Finally, comfortable chairs are a must!

I love folding bistro chairs for this because they are soooo cute, but they also fold up super flat, making it easy to back them in the car with all your decor.

Of course you can also bring your favorite sideline chair if you’ll be sitting for awhile!

My Full Tailgate Table Setting Checklist

Tailgating makes such great memories, and for those who love hostessing, it’s another fun opportunity to share your gifts!

I hope this post has been helpful and you have a great season enjoying time with the people you love at your favorite field.

xoxo,