Getting ready to watch a big game? Then, you will appreciate some advice for your next tailgating party. Check out these tips to make your next tailgating party to the next level.
Plan and Organize
First, make sure you know the policies of wherever you plan to tailgate. For example, there may be restrictions on glass containers or certain types of food. Once you know the rules, you can plan the menu. Then, assign everyone a role, so no one has to do too much.
Know What Items to Bring
Before you can delegate what to bring, you have to know what you need. As an example, your checklist should include:
- Stadium chairs
- Folding tables
- A grill
- A first aid kit
- Wet wipes or hand sanitizer
- Dish soap
- Paper towels
- Plastic tarps
- Somewhere to put dirty dishes (like a large tub)
- Food storage (zip bags or containers)
- Rain ponchos
- Hand warmers
- Blankets
Arrive Early to Get a Spot
As you plan, confirm who will arrive at the location early. You want at least two people to get there early. Therefore, they can get spots next to each other. Once you arrive, let the others know where you are.
Tips to Plan the Food
No tailgate party is complete without food. As you plan, think about foods you can prepare in advance. Also, consider other steps you can take to make cooking easier on game day. For example, cut veggies ahead of time or marinate meats before.
Plan the Cooking Utensils
No tailgating party is complete without grilled food. But you need to make sure you pack all your grill accessories. Consider what to pack and then pack it ahead of time. Some items to consider include:
- A fire extinguisher
- A grill basket
- A lidded metal bucket for used coals
- A grill mat
- Insulated gloves
- A grill scraper
- A basting brush
- Spatulas
Plan to Keep Food the Appropriate Temperature
As you plan the food, don’t forget about food safety. You need to keep hot foods hot but cold foods cold. This means bringing coolers for cold items. On the other hand, consider insulated containers or warming trays for hot food.
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Don’t Forget About Entertainment
Obviously, the game is the main entertainment. But tailgating starts well before the game. As such, you want some entertainment on hand. For example, you could play bag toss. Or you could watch or listen to a pre-game stream.
Take this a step further. Make sure that you can enjoy the game from the tailgating area, if necessary. This means having a streaming device or radio on hand.
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