Big or small, your tailgate party needs to be well-planned in order to succeed, so start by creating a list of tailgating supplies. Go beyond setting up lawn chairs and eating sandwiches, and get the right accessories to make a truly memorable party atmosphere right before the big game.
Grilling: Almost all tailgating revolves around grilled food, so planning out the cook station is important. Besides the grill, the cook should have his own garbage can, table top and cooler to hold food. The perfect utensils for grilling are a must, from hamburger flippers and tongs to barbecue sauce brushes and plenty of plates and platters to avoid cross-contamination. Don't forget hand sanitizer among the tailgating supplies for the cook.
Serving: A large table is best, along with plenty of room to set out food, plates and utensils. Include paperweights to hold down items like napkins and paper plates. Make room for a cooler full of drinks in this area as well. Another garbage can and a hand sanitizing station are important tailgate supplies for cleanliness and health. If your area is big enough, consider setting up a separate bar area, with drinks, ice and a separate garbage can.
Eating: The eating area should feature plenty of chairs and garbage bags. If you have a tent or canopy, as well as the space to erect it, that makes a nice touch, especially if it's hot, raining or even snowing. Don't forget any tailgate supplies that will make guests enjoy themselves, such as blankets, decorations or music.
Checklist: When you are making plans for a tailgating party, it's helpful to have a checklist. You can divide it up into different categories: food (main dishes, side dishes, condiments), tableware (utensils, serving spoons, toothpicks), drinks (beer, water, soft drinks), grill (gas tank or charcoal, cooking mitt, sauce brush) and miscellaneous (chairs, towels, sunscreen).
For the ultimate tailgating party, some accessories may convince you to stay in the parking lot instead of heading into the stadium. Some of these include a generator, a kerosene heater, a fire extinguisher, a stereo/CD player, a camp stove, a blender for mixed drinks and a portable satellite TV.
 | Tailgating has become a national pastime for sports lovers everywhere because it gives you the opportunity to show off your team spirit, not to mention your grilling skills. Knowing what to expect and being ready for the weather conditions will help ensure that you have a good time. |
 | At a tailgate party, people congregate, grill food, drink beverages, and play some picnic games. Sometimes the guests have the tailgate party a few hours before the sporting event, go to the event and then go home. Other times, the whole event takes place at the tailgate party, including listening to the game on a radio or watching the action on a portable TV. |
Cheering your favorite sports team on with a tailgate party can be a lot of fun, and you may be surprised to learn that it doesn't have to cost a lot of money. For fun ways to turn your next tailgate party into a thrifty affair, consider the following. |
There is a giant misconception that to have a great tailgate one needs to have a $5,000 grill, Omaha Steaks, and beer that is imported. That is not the way to have a great American Tailgate. There are a few necessities needed and a few luxuries that are often overlooked. |
I went to my first tailgate party for my local college football team, the Bulldogs of Fresno State about 15 or 16 years ago. Back then it wasn't that big a deal - it was put on by the TV station I worked for and there weren't that many other parties around ours. |
