<p>DS and I are planning his graduation party for later this month. He has decided that it should be a “southern tailgate”. Rather than focusing on his graduation, he would like it to be an opportunity to gather all his friends for a great send off for all. The Bama houndstooth invitations are out inviting all to join his southern tailgate. He asked that everyone wear their college gear.</p>
<p>I have watched a few videos of the tailgating in the Quad, but have few questions since I have yet to experience one in real life.</p>
<ol>
<li>Are there traditional foods that should be served?</li>
<li> Any recommendations on a “go to” online store for Bama tailgate decorations and supplies?</li>
<li> Any great ideas for COLD non-alcoholic drinks (maybe somethingthat might be sold during tailgates)?</li>
<li> Is their a resource for Million Dollar Band CDs that could be played during the party?</li>
</ol>
<p>Thanks all. Any help or additional suggestions for the party would be greatly appreciated. I realy want his to be special for him. He is so proud to be attending The University of Alabama!</p>
<p>Here is a link for party supplies. They have houndstooth also if you want to mix it up. As for food, of course BBQ and wings are always appropriate.:)</p>
<p>My D had a tailgate theme for her graduation. We served wings, BBQ pulled chicken slammers, fruit and veggie slides. We play the BCS football cd on loop, decorated with alabama balloons, cups, plates, etc. It was great fun!</p>
<p>We had “southern food” at my party like barbeque, fried chicken, Mac and cheese, coleslaw, baked brand, and pecan pie. My mom also made virgin Alabama Slammers, which were a hit!</p>
<p>Food - BBQ (pulled pork and chicken) and wings, or burgers and hotdogs. Plenty of snacks and chips. I definitely second the idea of virgin drinks - alabama slammers or yellowhammers.</p>
<p>For MDB music, check youtube - I’m sure you could make a playlist of videos of their performances. They have a couple CDs out as well, and you can get MP3 downloads from Amazon ([Amazon.com:</a> Gameday Faves: Alabama Crimson Tide Classics: University of Alabama Million Dollar Band: MP3 Downloads](<a href=“http://■■■■■■■.com/79ld7lg]Amazon.com:”>http://■■■■■■■.com/79ld7lg)).</p>
<p>Hello!!! I’m so happy you posted because my daughter is hosting a U of M/Alabama party for the Cowboy Classic Football game on September 1st for friends. These two schools are 2 of her top choices for school and I am hoping for Alabama . . . and telling her whatever school wins is where she will go (thinking Bama has the advantage). I have heard that the nachos are big, using barbequed pork on them, then the usual toppings. I will be serving these and non-alcoholic Alabama Slammers at the party! Also, if you have a Hobby Lobby near you, they sell houndstooth fabric, wrapping paper, and tissue paper that would be cute on centerpieces, table covers, etc. I will be making centerpieces for our party as well. Also, at a grad party I went to they “covered” all sides of a “college” table with U of M wrapping paper and that was really cute . . . only I would like the houndstooth paper if I was picking the school . . . I wish we could get pictures! I love your idea!!!</p>
<p>Thanks for the Hobby Lobby info. I will head there on Monday! Thanks to the CC community, I am feeling much more confident that I can give DS the party he is imagining! FWIW, I’m getting tons of positive feedback about DS’s request for guests to wear their college gear to the party. One of my friends, who did not go to college, has already found a shirt that says “The College of Hard Knocks”. I love it!</p>
<p>What about the Yellowhammer? We hear that it is a big drink at BAMA, served at a very popular bar. Could I pull this one off without alcohol? Seems like it is pineapple juice, OJ and grenadine…any suggestions for this one?</p>
<p>For Christmas, my D bought her little brother a Bama cookbook. It has a nonalcoholic recipe for the Yellow Hammer. I don’t know how close it is to the real stuff (haven’t had one yet to compare) but he did make this over spring break and everyone liked it:</p>
<p>36 oz pineapple juice
18 oz orange juice
12 oz white grape juice
6 oz apple cider
1 tablespoon vanilla extract
juice from one lime</p>
<p>Combine all ingredients in large pitcher and pour over ice in glass.</p>
<p>I’m confident I will not be able to serve Casino’s creation to the vast majority of the guests! However, I’d certainly be interested in knowing his final ingredient list for a batch that could be hidden in a secret dispenser!</p>
<p>Since Casino has not checked in, I am a resident “martini maker” for my neighborhood - we host an annual Martini Party, so I have looked up the Yellowhammer (with alcohol, and will be making it at my next Martini Party). Add the following to a martini shaker with ice: 2 oz. pineapple juice, 1 oz. orange juice, 1 oz vodka, 1 oz. malibu (or coconut-flavored) rum, and 1 oz. myers (dark) rum. Shake and serve in a martini glass garnished with and orange/cherry/pineapple. Now, for those who need a less-potent drink, serve the above-mentioned ingredients in a tall glass with ice but double the juices. Now, if my daughter decides on Alabama, I promise to serve all of you my drink at move-in 2013!!!</p>
<p>OP here. Party date is getting closer! The temperature is going to be sky high. So, DS suggested we do sweet tea. It’s a great idea…if I just knew how to make it. Would anyone out there be able to give me a bit of help? Is there a certain brand of tea bags you would recommend? How much sugar do I mix with each gallon made? Thanks a million.</p>
<p>My personal favorite brand of tea is Tetley. Let the tea bags steep for 10-15 minutes. Remove the tea bags. Add 3/4 to one cup of sugar per gallon while the tea is still warm, stirring to dissolve. Place in refrigerator to cool. Serve over ice.</p>
<p>You’re welcome! Our household of 4 consumes almost two gallons of tea a day. DS recently had his first experience trying to order sweet tea “up there.” He complained on his FB account about “being forced to order a Diet Coke.” haha!!</p>