Issue link: https://www.cominghomemag.com/i/1525817
How to host the ultimate pre-game party. Tailgates invite fans to gather outside stadiums and in parking lots to eat, drink, and get hyped up before the main sporting event. An exciting and cherished game-day ritual, a tailgate should make everyone feel like winners regardless of the score. Don't drop the ball—use our tips to become the tailgating MVP. 1 2 3 4 6 8 10 5 7 9 WINNING THE TAILGATE SET-UP Folding tables Fitted sheets Folding chairs Umbrella, tent, or canopy Team gear Bungee cords or rope Jumper cables Balloons & decorations Extension cord FOOD & DRINKS Drinks Water Food & snacks Bottle opener & corkscrew Coolers Ice & ice packs Koozies Condiments Seasonings Utensils Serving utensils Plastic cups Plates & bowls COOKING Thermos Grill Grilling tools Grilling mitt or potholders Aluminum pans Can opener Meat thermometer Foil or plastic wrap CLEAN-UP Cleaning supplies Napkins & paper towels Trash bags Trash cans Plastic containers & zip-top bags Hand sanitizer OTHER Flashlights Rain gear Generator Propane or charcoal Matches & lighter Games Portable speaker Sunscreen Bug spray Fans or heaters Blankets First-aid kit Duct tape Tickets & parking decals TAILGATING SUPPLIES CHECKLIST Play by the rules. Check stadium guidelines for instructions and regulations on parking, entertainment, food, and drinks, and follow them. The last thing you want is your tailgate to get tossed because of a violation. Claim a good location. Snag a spot that's easy to find with enough space for mingling. Use colorful accessories, balloons, and streamers to stand out among the crowd. Set the table. Skip the cloth and plastic tablecloths and cover your table with a twin-sized fitted sheet instead. They're reusable, eco-friendly, and will stay secure when it's windy. Keep food simple. Your tailgate doesn't have to be gourmet. Stick to finger foods, like hot dogs, hamburgers, and bite-sized appetizers. Contain condiments. Make sure you have plenty of sauces and dips. Store popular condiments, like ketchup, mustard, hot sauce, and mayonnaise, in a cardboard six-pack holder so they're all in one place. Have a full drink roster. Your coolers should be well-stocked with ample choices. Separate beer and alcoholic beverages from the non-alcoholic options, label what's inside, and use frozen water bottles as ice packs. Plan your background beats. What's a party without music? Bring a wireless and weatherproof speaker with an upbeat playlist. If you forget your speaker, pop your phone in a cup to amplify the sound. Make clean-up a breeze. Invest in a portable trashcan or repurpose a mesh laundry basket with a trash bag to collect waste. Station a lidded plastic tub at the end of a table for dirty dishes, cups, and utensils, or provide disposable plates and cutlery. Let the games begin. Have some friendly competition before the big game. Pack a cornhole set, frisbee, or football for people to toss around and pass the time. Meet your teammates. Get to know your tailgating neighbors—even if they cheer for the other team. They might come to the rescue when you need to borrow a bottle opener or get a jump. COMING HOME MAGAZINE 13