Between the Hedges

Some of the most memorable gatherings are created not through extravagant budgets, but through thoughtful details and a little creativity.

While still in college at the University of Georgia, I hosted a fall-inspired brunch tailgate for the Georgia versus Auburn football game. Working with a college student’s budget, my goal was to create an atmosphere that felt festive, welcoming, and intentionally designed without sacrificing practicality.

Rather than investing in elaborate decorations, I focused on making everyday elements feel special. A hand-painted “Go Dawgs” pumpkin brought together the fall season and Georgia spirit, while a handmade game-day banner created a personalized backdrop for the gathering.

A red-and-white gingham tablecloth, coordinated serving pieces, and seasonal accents helped establish a cohesive visual theme. Even the food became part of the design, with fresh fruit, breakfast favorites, and a layered buffet presentation adding color and interest to the space.

One of my favorite details was the mimosa station, featuring both traditional mimosas and apple cider mimosas with cinnamon-sugar rims. It was a simple, budget-conscious way to make an everyday brunch beverage feel seasonal and memorable.

The result was a casual, spirited celebration that captured everything I love about entertaining: thoughtful details, a welcoming atmosphere, and finding creative ways to make the most of what’s available.