The fun starts before the football game with your tailgate party. Whether it's flag football, pee-wee, high school, college, semi-pro or pro, sitting in the stands is an exciting way to spend an afternoon or evening and your tailgate party will get the gang ready to cheer.
Use your computer to create a ticket with all of the party information or send a football-shaped pre-made invitation. And if it's a last-minute party plan, then get on the phone, text the information or shoot out an e-mail to invite your gridiron gang to the game.
Here are some tips to make your tailgate party a success.
- Arrive early to ensure a great spot. Many stadiums have special tailgating sections.
- Ask your guests to bring along their own chairs.
- Help friends find you by flying a special helium-filled balloon display or hang up a custom banner.
- When tailgating plan a menu of food that can be prepared ahead of time and transported in insulated containers, are partially prepared or can be cooked quickly at the game in front of your guests.
- Pre-cut foods at home and keep in separate sealed plastic containers or tightly locked plastic bags. This will not only help in preparation and cooking but will keep any meats and side dishes from contaminating each other.
- Be sure to bring along all the cooking essentials that you'll need including tongs, corkscrews, cutting knives, folding tables, tablecloths, meat forks, serving utensils, disposable or unbreakable containers, cups, flatware and plates. Don't forget about can openers, lighters or safety matches, charcoal or gas needed for your grill and anything else you might need to cook and serve your meal. Make a list and be sure to check off all of the items as you load up your vehicle. For greater game style, buy some football-designed party ware.
- Pack foods in reverse order so that the first items to be eaten are the last ones to be packed.
- Keeping things cold is going to be essential for drinks and food so buy or borrow enough ice chests and get enough ice to ensure safety and dining enjoyability.
- For ease of eating, cut foods to bite size so knives aren't required or make sure you create a "no utensils needed" menu of finger foods.
- Don't forget snacks for guests to munch on while they're waiting for the meal.
- If kids are part of your party picture, bring along games, toys and snacks specifically for them.
- Encourage guests to come in football attire or team colors. Or bring along some football-themed accessories (hats, pom-poms, noisemakers and such) to keep them in the spirit.
- Swap recipes and food with nearby tailgating neighbors.
- TV or lap trays are helpful for kid and elderly guest dining.
- For large groups, regular gatherings and cost-savings, create a potluck party or assign guests to bring along specific items such paper goods, flatware, ice, soda, side dishes, games, coolers, football decorations, alcoholic beverages, buns, snacks and so forth. You supply the main dishes and cooking apparatus and your guests will bring everything else. This will make it easier on you and won't be a financial burden on anyone.
- Light up the party at evening games with spotlights, twinkle lights or festive football novelty lights.
- Don't forget clean-up. So be sure to pack wet wipes for sticky fingers and faces and plastic bags for proper trash disposal.
Whether your team wins or loses, your guests will cheer as you win the "Most Valuable Tailgate Host" award.
(For links to purchase italicized football-themed items, click here.)
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