Scoring a Space
For the best location, get to your game-day parking lot as early as possible. Stake your claim with your vehicle and set up your space with folding chairs and tables, and a portable grill. For sounds, consider a radio for pre-game hype and play-by-plays during the game. If you prefer to just listen to tunes or a special game-day playlist, bring along a Bluetooth-enabled portable speaker or boom box. Hanging out for hours under the sun on pavement can get uncomfortable, so give your guests some shade with a pop-up canopy tent.
Class up Your Pre-Game Brews and Bevvies
A tailgate party is casual by nature, but that doesn’t mean you have to settle for plastic cups. Glass mugs not only make beverages look more appealing but keep drinks colder longer. For extra frosty glasses, freeze or chill beer mugs in ice before you arrive. If you prefer liquor to beer, try pre-mixing seasonal cocktails such as apple-spice sangria or cranberry cosmopolitans in a large, break-resistant acrylic dispenser. Preparing the mix before the game allows the flavors to mingle for a full-flavored and well-balanced cocktail. Class it up in a tall Collins glass filled with ice.
Score Big with Mouthwatering Bites
Nothing says tailgate like the tempting aroma of freshly grilled hot dogs, brats and burgers. Whether you prefer the flavor of charcoal or the convenience of gas, a grill is a must-have at any tailgate party. To go along with your grillables, toppings are a must. Mustard and ketchup are great but take your condiments to another level by adding sautéed onions, peppers or mushrooms. For lip-smacking onions put sliced onions, butter and a pinch of sugar in a cast-iron or grill-proof frying pan and heat until the onions darken and caramelize. As the onions cook, heat up beer in a stockpot to infuse grilled sausages with heady flavor.
While the food cooks, start setting up the buffet table. Team colors are an easy choice for tablecloths and napkins. Stuffed animal mascots, soft footballs and other game-day trinkets add to the fun atmosphere. For a crafty accent, place yellow napkins in clear jar labeled as “Penalty Flags.” Elevate stand-by apps such as chips and salsa or veggies and dip by serving in chip-and-dip bowls or coordinating serving bowls and platters.
Be a Spirit Leader
Embrace the competitive spirit with classic tailgate games. The bean bag toss is always popular and easy to set up. For something less traditional, try Trash Can Frisbee. All you need to play this fun-filled game are two trash cans and a Frisbee. Play involves two teams of two. One partner throws the Frisbee and the other attempts to knock it into the trash can.
Have fun before the game even begins at your next tailgate party, and share your favorite tailgate party ideas with us at #Cratestyle.
