Your prescription for a national football championship: the perfect tailgate
By Leigh Crank Perry
Tailgating is an American party phenomenon for sports fans. Its popularity for men stems from their love of sports, vehicles, eating and drinking. Its popularity for women probably stems from the fact that husbands and men friends willingly participate in the cooking and set-up, and that no housecleaning is involved! Whatever the reason, tailgating now enjoys as many of its own fans as do the teams playing in the stadiums.
To put on a perfect tailgate, here are some preliminary pointers:
Plan
- Invite friends to share the fun, work and expense—the more, the merrier—more cars means more transport for party amenities and more tailgate space at the stadium.
- Decide if you’re taking prepared foods or grilling on-site and what beverages to serve.
- Make a checklist of items you will need to take with you. Once in your stadium space on game day, you can’t leave to get what you forgot!
Prepare
- Gather tailgate items you already have or can borrow—coolers, chairs, tables, and tents.
- Find something distinctive to guide your guests to your tailgate—flags, inflatables or signs.
- Prep and cook any meal items that you can ahead so you can relax at the party.
Pack
- Pack all but the food items the night before for an early start the next morning. Plan to arrive 3-5 hours early to secure a good spot. Large storage tubs are great carry-alls and can serve as tabletops at the tailgate.
- Wear your team colors, and don’t forget your game tickets, jumper cables, duct tape, rain gear, first-aid kit, sunscreen, toilet paper, plastic trash bags and extra ice and water.
Party-planner Leigh Crank Perry of Party Themes and Schemes teaches classes on planning and hosting parties through the School of Continuing Studies. To see courses that Perry is currently offering, visit the Home & Garden page of the SCS Website. One of the classes Perry offers, Tying on a Terrific Tailgate, offers inexpensive, transportable ideas for easy entertaining at your favorite sports field or stadium.