If you are going to a football game, you are likely going to make sure you are there early enough to tailgate. After all, tailgating can be an awesome experience, filled with games, drinks, friends, and lots of food! There are several ways to prepare for a tailgate, from choosing the right food to serve to renting a clear span tent.
Want to know how to be the most hip and stylish tailgater in the parking lot? Keep reading to find out.
Grub
It’s all about presentation, presentation, presentation. You can make anything look sophisticated and delectable if you present it right. Scrap the paper plates and Styrofoam containers and splurge for real table wear. Well, wooden or metal, that is (stay away from glass). For instance, using a silver metal platter to display the hotdogs, burgers or whatever you choose to make can take the display factor up about 10 notches. So, no need to stray from your normal food course if you aren’t ready to or if it would mess with your superstitions!
If you do decide you want to make your munchies a bit more grown up, try ideas like making beer brats and gouda stuffed turkey burgers. Or, take your tailgating menu to a whole new level by picking a theme and creating a menu. For example, have tacos, guacamole, black bean dip, etc. Or a shrimp boil with crab cakes and fish dip. Even get fancy and set up a fondue feast. Your choices are endless!
Drink up!
Red solo cup? Not for a stylin’ tailgater! Who says you need to use plastic glasses or even drink out of cans or bottles? There is nothing written in the playbook that requires this. In fact, you are free to drink whatever your heart desires. Make it classy. Party and restaurant stores sell plastic barware, including margarita, highball, and martini glasses that lift you a step above those other plastic cup drinkers.
Instead of drinking beer, pick a drink of the day. Make it something fun to match the game you are tailgating for or your specific team. You can match it to the name of the mascot or pick a drink that has your team’s colors. Have fun with it, but don’t make it boring! You can even bring a blender and make it a frozen drink. Don’t forget to bring cut, fresh fruit for a garnish!
Rent a Clear Span Tent
You are there to have a good time. Let everyone around you know this by decorating your space to reflect the same. First, because you cannot predict the weather, renting or buying a clear span tent would be an extremely good idea. This will keep out the elements and protect your food and drinks from wind and rain, as well. Clear span tents come in all shapes and sizes, so choose the best one to meet your needs and match the look you are going for. If you want to go all out, have the tent rental customized! Get your team’s logo, or color, or even have sides added for extra protection.
Then, decorate, decorate, decorate!
Things To Do at Your Tailgate
If you decide you want to watch other games or you like to watch the sports talk prior to a game, bring a TV, laptop, or other device that you can hookup and stream live feeds. Better yet – hook this up to a sound bar if you have one so that your whole gang doesn’t have to squeeze close together to get near the speaker.
Bring games to pass the time and increase the fun factor. Sure, you could play beer pong or cornhole, but everyone does that! How about a game of football trivia, travel table tennis or card games? Choose anything to keep your friends entertained and active – in an adult like, civilized manner, of course.
Extras
Depending on your location, the time of year, and the time of the game, there are a few things that you may want to include to top off your stylish tailgate experience.
- During the evening, use lanterns or solar/battery operated string lights to set a soft mood for your space.
- During peak sunlight hours, make sure you have shades for your eyes available – and some extras for those who may forget.
- For chilly weather, it is always a good idea to have blankets or throws to keep warm.
- Ponchos are a necessity if it rains. Don’t forget baggies to protect important items such as cell phones and wallets.
- Goody bags. No, it isn’t a kid’s birthday, but creating a unique item for you and your guests to sport while you tailgate – and even at the game – is a thoughtful gesture.
- And a first-aid kit because you just never know what could happen.
Whether you are a sports nut or not, tailgating is about coming together in support of a team with drinks, food, games, and laughter all under one clear span tent. It is up to you to tweak a regular tailgate to make it classy, stylish, and memorable. Set the bar high. But, whatever you do, do not blare 80’s music or surround yourself with screaming, half-naked, drunk football fans. There is no amount of style or class that can override that tailgate experience! Good luck!