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This blog was updated in December 2024.
It’s starting to feel like fall in Seattle–temperatures are cooling down, kids are getting ready for school, and football season is starting! I was never particularly into football before, but with my favorite Seattle team going to the Big Game twice in a row, I got sucked in over the last two years. I gotta admit, it’s pretty fun–although my favorite part is not so much the football itself as it is the social element of it.
Every game is a reason to gather with family and friends, eat yummy snacks and drinks, and feel like we’re all “in it” together. Who wouldn’t want that? To get ready for this season’s football parties, I decided to make a serving tray that looks like a miniature football field (complete with field goals at either end)! No matter which team you’re rooting for, this DIY football field serving tray will make your snacks and wine feel even more special.
Materials Needed
To make this, you will need:
- Plain wood tray
- Wood stain
- White paint and paintbrush
- Wood letter “H”, cut in half
- Thin wood dowel, cut into two 1.5” pieces
- Artificial turf, cut to the size of the tray
How to Create Your Own Football Field Serving Tray
My “field goals” were made by sawing in half a capital letter “H” that I found in the wood section of my local craft store. I drilled small holes at the bottom of each field goal and pushed a thin wood dowel (cut to 1.5” length) into them. Then, I painted the whole thing white. Meanwhile, I stained my wood tray and drilled small holes in the middle of each end.
Next, I cut a piece of artificial turf to same size as the inside of the tray and painted it with yard lines to look like a football field. I didn’t try to make it perfectly accurate–just enough so you could tell what it was supposed to be. Once that was done, I placed the turf inside the tray and pushed the field goals into the holes on either end of the tray. Voila!
One of my favorite things about this project is that the turf and field goals are totally removable, so you can take them off after football season is over and use it as a regular wood serving tray.
One thing to note: the field goal handles are pretty fragile, so you’ll want to hold the tray by the sides or the bottom (especially if it’s full of snacks and wine!), rather than trying to actually use the field goals as handles.
Serving Suggestions and Pairings for Game Day
Now that you have your football field serving tray ready to go, it’s time to fill it with all the delicious snacks and drinks! The right pairings can really set the mood, and I can’t think of a better way to celebrate the excitement of football season than with some fantastic wines from Kendall-Jackson.
Savory Snacks and Sauvignon Blanc
Start with a crisp Sauvignon Blanc, which pairs beautifully with light appetizers. Think zesty guacamole, fresh salsa, or a vibrant cheese platter featuring goat cheese and aged cheddar. The bright acidity of Kendall-Jackson's Vintner’s Reserve Sauvignon Blanc complements these flavors perfectly, making every bite a delight!
Classic Chardonnay for Comfort Food
For those cozy comfort foods—like creamy buffalo chicken dip or buttery popcorn—reach for a Chardonnay. Kendall-Jackson’s Vintner’s Reserve Chardonnay has rich notes of vanilla and tropical fruit that harmonize beautifully with the creamy textures of your favorite dips and cheesy snacks. Trust me, this pairing is a touchdown!
Pinot Noir with Hearty Fare
If your game day spread leans toward heartier dishes like grilled sausages or BBQ ribs, a glass of Pinot Noir will hit the spot. Kendall-Jackson’s portfolio of Pinot Noir is versatile enough to stand up to savory meats while still being smooth enough to enjoy on its own. Plus, any one of them adds a touch of sophistication to your tailgate vibe!
Dessert to Finish
Don’t forget about dessert! For something sweet to wrap up the festivities, consider a fruit platter or chocolate-covered pretzels paired with a glass of Kendall-Jackson’s late harvest Muscat and Chardonnay. The luscious sweetness complements the desserts and makes for a delightful finish to your game day gathering.
So gather your friends, pour some Kendall-Jackson, and enjoy the spirit of the season with snacks that make every touchdown feel even more special! Cheers!
