| How to Throw a Tailgate Party |
The tailgate party is one of the great American sports traditions.
Whether you're into football, NASCAR or any other spectator sport, a
tailgate party is an ideal way to gear up for the big event, socialize and meet people
who share your enthusiasm for the sport! The goal of a great tailgate
party is to eat, drink and have a good time. With a few tips and
some careful planning, your tailgate party will be the talk of the parking lot!
Planning a Tailgate PartyThe key to throwing a successful tailgate party is in the planning. Because the party will be held outdoors in the middle of a parking lot, and away from the modern conveniences of home, pulling off a great party can be a challenge. You'll have to get creative on this one and be prepared for anything. Remember, once your party is underway, you won't be able to run inside and grab the mustard!Planning a great tailgate party is similar to planning for a camping trip. Here are the things you'll need to bring along for a super tailgate event. Don't Forget the Beer!Of course, a tailgate party would not be a tailgate party without the beer! A keg travels best and sets the right party atmosphere. There's nothing that will ruin a cool party faster than warm beer. Keep your keg cold with a tailgate kegger kit, which comes with its own tap and an insulated keg bag. Or, if you're an avid tailgater or love to entertain outdoors, invest in a cool-looking jockey box, perfect for one-day parties. Remember, anything else you forget to bring along will quickly be forgiven, as long as you have plenty of ice cold brew on tap.FoodYour tailgate party menu is limited only by your imagination. Traditional tailgate party fare ranges from submarine or deli sandwiches, which can be made or ordered ahead of time and transported to the event, to hot dogs, hamburgers, chicken or even steaks grilled right in the parking lot. Side dishes can be as simple as potato chips and salads, or as creative as do-it-yourself nachos or a baked potato bar.You can't go wrong with traditional tailgate party food, but if you want to kick things up a notch, remember that anything you can be cook in your kitchen can be served in a tailgate party, even the most elegant fare. All it takes is a little imagination and pre-planning to pull it off. EquipmentIf you're going to be cooking out-of-doors, you'll need to bring along a good portable grill. It's important to select a grill that will meet the particular needs of a tailgate party. Depending on the size of your party, even a small hibachi grill may do the trick. But if you're really into tailgating and want to draw a crowd, start saving up for the Big Daddy of all portable grills, the Crown-Verity TG-1, known as The Tailgate Grill. This spectacular grill hitches right up to your vehicle and is practically a portable kitchen on wheels! Make sure to pack all the cooking and serving utensils you will need, as well as plates, cups and plenty of napkins and paper towels. Paper plates and cups are perfectly acceptable at a casual tailgate party, but camp-style or even elegant outdoor serving ware can be used if you want to throw a more elegant tailgate affair. Have Fun!Whether you throw a gourmet tailgate party or the traditional hot dogs and burgers grill, the most important key to the success of your tailgate party is to relax and have fun. Plan ahead so that your party is as self-serve and casual as it can be, then relax and enjoy the day! |