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What to Prepare for a Tailgate Party
To host a successful tailgate party, you’ll need the right gear, food, and entertainment. Start with these tailgate party essentials.
Choose a Right Location
Make sure you arrive early to claim a prime location. Additionally, prepare enough space for your setups, including grills, chairs, and games. A good rule of thumb is to leave enough room for everyone to move around comfortably.
Essential Gear
Grills: A portable grill is a must for cooking up classic football tailgate party food like burgers, hotdogs, and BBQ.
Coolers: Keep your drinks cold and your food fresh with a high-quality cooler. Consider bringing multiple coolers to separate drinks from perishable foods.
Tent or Canopy: It’s great to pitch a tent or canopy to shield people from the sun on hot days or shelter from unexpected rain.
Chairs and Tables: Provide portable chairs and tables, so guests can relax and enjoy their food.
Hand sanitizer & wipes: Bring enough hand sanitizer and wipes to provide a chance for guests to clean their hands before eating.
Trash bags: Have an ample amount of rash bags available to dispose of leftovers, bottles, and other waste to keep the area clean.
Food and Drinks
Football tailgate parties are a celebration of both the game and the mouth-watering food that brings everyone together. The dishes below are very popular for tailgate parties.
Grilled burgers: Juicy and loaded with toppings, these are the ultimate crowd-pleaser.
Hot dogs: A classic dish, perfect for customizing with all your favorite condiments.
Buffalo wings: Another essential, this offers a perfect blend of spicy and tangy flavors that keep fans reaching for more. For those who crave something smoky and tender.
BBQ ribs: A sure-fire hit at tailgate parties, these are slow-cooked to perfection and slathered in rich barbecue sauce.
Loaded nachos: Brings a burst of flavor with layers of cheese, jalapeños, and savory meats, making them an irresistible snack.
Chili: It’s a hearty dish that warms you up and packs a punch of spice.
Pulled pork sliders: They offer a delicious, handheld option that’s both savory and satisfying. These dishes make every tailgate party feel like a true game-day celebration.
When preparing football tailgate food, making sure that your meat is cooked to perfection is essential. The ThermoPro TP972 Twin TempSpike Plus 600-ft Wireless Meat Thermometer is the perfect tool for portable grilling. This thermometer allows you to monitor the internal temperature of your food from up to 600 feet away, ensuring that your meats are cooking properly without needing to stand over the grill. It’s a game-changer for any tailgate party.
Drinks:
Tailgating calls for a mix of beverages. Stock up on soft drinks, water, and beer, and consider bringing a cooler dedicated to each.
Desserts:
Don’t forget the sweets! Cookies, brownies, and cupcakes are easy to transport and serve.
Always Have a Plan B
It’s also important to have a backup plan for your tailgating in case things don’t go as planned. Weather can be unpredictable, so bringing a contingency like a tent or canopy can keep your guests dry if it rains. Similarly, if your grill or other equipment fails, having alternative cooking options or pre-prepared food can save the day. You can consider bringing sandwiches, wraps, or subs that are easy to eat and don’t require heating.
Cold pasta salads, potato salads, and coleslaw are also great options that can be enjoyed straight from the cooler. Finger foods like chips and dip, veggie platters, cheese and crackers, and pre-cooked chicken wings or drumsticks can keep everyone satisfied without the need for cooking. Dessert options like cookies, brownies, or fruit are perfect for a sweet finish.
By planning ahead with these ready-to-eat options, you’ll ensure everyone stays well-fed, even if the grill doesn’t fire up.
Tailgate Party Activities
No tailgate party is complete without games and entertainment. Here are some ideas to keep the fun going:
Classic Tailgating Games
Classic tailgating games are the heart of any tailgate party, adding a dose of friendly competition and tons of fun to the festivities.
Cornhole: A staple at any tailgate party. Cornhole is easy to set up and fun for all ages.
Ladder Toss: Another popular game. It is simple to play and adds a competitive edge to your gathering.
Beer Pong: If your crowd is more laid-back, beer pong can be a hit. Just remember to play responsibly!
KanJam: Also known as Kan Jam or Kan-Jam, this is a flying disc game. People can throw discs to hit or slot into a can, which can bring a thrilling twist to your tailgate party.
These games are more than just entertainment. It’s a great way to break the ice, get everyone involved, and keep the party vibes going strong all day long.
Music and Entertainment
Music and entertainment are the heartbeat of this kind of football party, setting the tone and keeping the energy high.
With the right tunes and entertainment, your tailgate party will be the place everyone wants to be.
Music: A well-curated playlist filled with game-day anthems and crowd-pleasers can transform a simple gathering into a full-on celebration.
Speakers: It’s necessary to bring some portable speakers with good battery life to provide the perfect soundtrack to your grilling and game playing.
Display Monitors: If you have access to a portable TV or projector, you can turn your tailgate party into the ultimate pre-game event. Nothing gets the crowd more pumped than watching highlights before kickoff.
Decorate Your Tailgate Area
Decorating your tailgate party is all about showcasing team spirit and creating an inviting atmosphere. Start with your team’s banners and continue to add flags and tablecloths that boldly display the colors of your team. Balloons, streamers, and even custom team gear like hats and jerseys add a festive touch and demonstrate team loyalty.
Personalize your space with creative details like themed napkins, plates, and cups that tie the whole look together. Don’t forget to deck out your vehicle with team logos and window decals, turning it into a mobile fan zone. With the right decorations, your tailgate party will be a vibrant celebration that rallies everyone together before the big game.
Safety Tips for Tailgate Parties
Safety is the key to a successful tailgating party, ensuring everyone has a great time without any mishaps.
Keep Food Safety
It’s recommended to use a reliable meat thermometer, like the ThermoPro TP972, to make sure all your meats are cooked to the proper internal temperature.
Keep raw and cooked foods separate to avoid cross-contamination, and keep cold foods cold by storing them in a cooler with plenty of ice.
Don’t forget about fire safety around the grill and make sure your setup is sturdy to prevent any accidents.
Responsible Drinking
Encourage guests to drink responsibly. Offer plenty of non-alcoholic beverages. In addition, you should encourage the use of designated drivers or ride-sharing services to ensure everyone gets home safely after the tailgate party.
Take Care of Belongings
When the event is over, clean up the area thoroughly. Leaving your tailgate spot as clean as you found it is not only courteous but essential for preserving tailgating traditions. What’s more important, make sure you haven’t left your belongings behind, especially anything valuable.
Secrets to a Successful Tailgating Party
Planning and flexibility are key to a successful tailgate party. Here’s how to ensure everything goes off without a hitch:
Plan Ahead
Create a checklist of all the football party goods and tailgate party essentials you’ll need. Prepare as much as you can before the event. Double-check everything the night before to ensure nothing is forgotten.
Collaborate with Others
Tailgating is more fun with friends. Assign tasks to different people, such as bringing specific food items or setting up games.
Don’t be afraid to interact with neighboring tailgaters. Sharing food, drinks, and games can enhance the experience for everyone.
Perfect Host, Perfect Attitude
As important as preparation is, there are things you can’t plan on. A sunny day suddenly turns to rain, your batteries die unexpectedly, or there’s a catastrophic equipment failure… sometimes, things just don’t go your way. That’s why the most important thing you can bring to your tailgate party is a good attitude.
As the host, your guests will be following your lead. Provide a relaxed, easy-going atmosphere, and your guests will react accordingly. Remember, your guests are there for you, not your food or drink. Be a magnanimous host who finds joy in every situation, and your guests can’t help but have a good time too.
