Whether throwing a tailgating party in the backyard or outside the stadium this football season, these essentials will rack up points on the scoreboard.
Food
What’s on the menu is of equal importance to the game. The presentation is what will earn the winning touchdown.
If grilling burgers and hot dogs or smoking barbecue and wings, serve on melamine trays alongside a basket of buns and a condiment bar where guests can serve themselves. Side dishes can include a fruit, pasta or potato salad and coleslaw.
A Lowcountry boil and watermelon slices can be easily arranged on newspaper covering long folding tables.
Use a variety of cheeses, cold meats, cornichons, olives, fruits, veggies, dips and crackers to lay an artful charcuterie scape onto paper grocery bags scattered across tables or in the popped trunk of the car.
Another crowd-pleasing option is an assortment of tea sandwiches including chicken salad, Duke’s tomato and pimento cheese. Serve with a side of deviled eggs.
Or make a giant pot of chili (check out chili recipes) with a garnish bar.
Add hand sanitizer and rolls of paper towels to the list.
Beverages
Depending on the number of guests, allocate more than one bar area so no one has to line up for refills. Fill large tubs, sinks or coolers with plenty of ice, wine, beer, water and any other drinks that guests would enjoy. Offering a pre-made signature cocktail served in pitchers adds a unique twist to the party. If necessary, make sure each station has a bar tool for popping corks or removing bottle caps and a trash receptacle to ensure those spaces stay clean.
Designating Spaces
Creating different spaces offers everyone an experience to remember. A viewing area requires a large TV screen as well as adequate seating. If it’s cool enough, another space could be a fire pit where friends who would rather socialize than watch the game can gather. Add a s’mores station for bonus points. If at the stadium, tented areas with folding chairs will do the trick.
Don’t forget the sunscreen and bug spray.
Decor
Getting the ambiance right is a crunch time tailgating play. Elevate a ho-hum gathering into an elegant and memorable experience by thinking outside the box and having fun with the creative process. Rather than decorating with the same old pennants, flags and pom-poms, weave team colors into a signature cocktail, such as mimosas or sangria. Set out a platter of sugar cookies with the logo on the icing. Cups, plates, bowls, flatware, swirl drinking straws, swizzle sticks, cocktail napkins, tablecloths and tapers are inventive opportunities for blending in the theme. Additionally, floral arrangements and fallen leaves from the backyard add a pop of vibrancy to any tablescape.
Dress
Fashion as well as function are crucial for enjoying the party. Dress for the weather and pack a light sweater in case the temperature falls after sunset. Comfortable walking shoes or boots are a must. Accessorize for team spirit.
With these essentials, even the ref would signal the event a touchdown.
By Sarah Rose
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