To most southerners the month of September means one thing – football season. The weather is starting to cool off, weekends are spent outside, and tailgating becomes a Saturday ritual. Everyone loves a good tailgate before any big game, and hosting one should be fun and simple. Whether you’re attending a game to watch your favorite team play or you just want to have a tailgate party in your backyard, these rules will have you in the best shape!
1. Thou shalt bring food that is easy to pack. Use plastic storage containers to put snacks in and bring platters. When you get there you can transfer the food to platters for a nice display.
2. Thou shalt create an upbeat music playlist. Include tunes that will get everyone pumped up for the big game, and don’t forget to bring a cordless speaker so everyone can join in on the fun.
3. Thou shalt set up games. A great tailgate always includes entertainment and games are the perfect addition. Corn Hole, Washers, and Ladder Golf are some of the most popular.
4. Thou shalt provide a way to watch live games. Some tailgaters go as far as bringing a TV to watch games, but you can make it easier by streaming games from your iPad or computer.
5. Thou shalt pick up food items from the store. Don’t spend hours in your kitchen cooking everything. Instead, choose a few recipes to cook and rely on the store for everything else.
6. Thou shalt seek out a good location. Before the big tailgate, find a good place to have it. Get there early to ensure your ideal space is available.
7. Thou shalt clean as you go. Bring a large bin to discard empty platters - they’ll be out of sight and you can wash when you get home. And always have a visible garbage can for guests to use.
8. Thou shalt bring plenty of napkins and towels. Tailgate food can get messy so you can never have too many napkins for guests and towels to clean.
9. Thou shalt prepare the night before. Make life easier by prepping most of the food and packing the décor the night before. You won’t have to wake up as early and the day will go smoothly.
10. Thou shalt not stress. A tailgate is meant to be fun – not overwhelming – even for the host. Your guests will have fun regardless of what you cook or bring, so enjoy it.
And if all else fails... set up a mimosa bar with buckets of beer and everyone will be happy!
