Tailgate Time!

September means the start of the NFL season. If you can’t get to the first (or any) game, why not throw a tailgate party in your own backyard instead? You can capture that game day spirit at home! Here are the top 3 tips on making your party amazing!

LOCATION

Naturally the game is the main event, so decide where you’re going to watch it—inside the family room or outdoors on the patio? Check the weather and plan accordingly. Be sure and have enough seating indoors and out. You will want to visit with your friends before and after the game.  Have you ever considered a built in ice chest  (see left) to keep all those adult beverages nice and cold?

FOOD

When it comes to hosting your backyard tailgate, you can serve a few stadium favorites. Put that grill to good use and serve up favorites like burgers and hot dogs… and the usual nachos, chili, and wings. But since you’re at home, why not add a few new items to the tailgate party for your foodie friends?

If you want to get creative, make finger sandwiches in the shape of footballs, make football fields on cupcakes, or serve cookies with your favorite team’s logo.

CLEAN UP

When all is said and done and the party is winding down, you want to make sure it doesn’t take forever to clean up after yourselves. Remember to make sure your guests know which bathroom to use. Have an indoor and outdoor trash area easily accessible to throw your garbage in and keep it all contained in those areas. The less you have to clean up, the better.

So, it’s actually pretty easy to have the tailgate party of the SEASON with a little planning ahead.