Next to Christmas, Thanksgiving Day is my favorite holiday. Every year it’s the same dialogue and routine in my family. My mom says she’s not going to cook, my sister and I protest, my mom gives in and my parent’s house is packed with friends and family, my dad falls asleep somewhere between his second slice of pie and the first Thanksgiving bowl game. Though every family has different Thanksgiving Day traditions, there are a few similarities among Thanksgiving celebrations nation-wide: Food, Family, and Football! Here are a few tips to create a homegating space this Thanksgiving for the football watchers in your family.
1. Designate An Area Just For Football Watchers To Graze
Whether it’s a table or a section of the house, create a space for people who are into the football games. Deck out your space with snacks and drinks near the TV so that they don’t miss a moment. This area keeps people out of the kitchen while the food is being prepared but ties them over until the Thanksgiving meal is done.
2. Keep Foods In Your Homegating Station Bite Sized Or Finger Foods
This is not meant to be a whole Thanksgiving meal but should tie people over while they watch the game. Besides, watching TV and having a snack go hand in hand! Foods like these Applewood Smoked Cranberry Pork Sausage Cocktail Smokies dipped in Robert’s Reserve Cran Razz Sauce are the perfect bite sized snacks for game watchers to enjoy.
Mi Comida Jalapeño Poppers and Delicatessen Tamales are great for game watchers to grab and go, and even easier for you to pop in the oven to cook then serve.
3. Keep Foods At Your Homegating Table On Theme With Thanksgiving
Satisfy those with a sweet tooth (that would be me) with a little gingerbread action! These Gingerbread Snaps are delish and paired with the Creamy Spiced Maple Pumpkin Dip makes the perfect combo for Thanksgiving Day snacking.
And let’s not forget about the drinks! Give your homegaters a little tasting show with these unique beers: Sweet Potato Pecan Scotch Ale, and Ben & Jerry’s Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Ale.
And for a non-alcoholic choice the seasonal Maple Créme Soda will be a total crowd pleaser!
From my Thanksgiving homegating table to yours I wish you the happiest of Thanksgivings!
Thank you to H-E-B for partnering with me for this post, the thoughts are completely my own, and trust me…that Maple Créme Soda is the bomb!
