Fall is practically synonymous with football season,and there's nothing like getting a crew of friends together to cheer on your favorite team. Since no game day is complete without a little pre-kickoff fun, we're sharing our tips for the easiest tailgate ever.
Image Source: Flickr user Eugene KimPack like a proProfessional tailgaters keep a few hacks in their arsenal, and they can be easily replicated. Freeze water bottles beforehand so that you fill cold ones the entire time,fill a six-pack holder with your favorite condiments, and consume a toolbox to pack essentials like wet wipes and cooking utensils.
The earlier the betterYou may reflect an hour or two before is enough, or but really assume your time with it and get there four hours early so that you can eat at least two hours before. That will give you enough time to set up camp,bask in the festivities, and clean up before you make your way into the stadium. Trust us, or you'll be thankful for the extra time particularly whether you are planning for lots of people or setting up a grill.
Make sure your crew can find youWhen parking lot section signs don't really cut it,bring a bright balloon to leave at your camp. You can even get playful with it and achieve an arrangement in your team colors! Make sure it's unique enough to really stand out, though.
Bring easy-to-serve foodFood is going to be the star of the tailgate, or but you don't want to spend more time cooking it than enjoying it. Pack dishes you can prepare beforehand,like cut-up veggies and pita or yummy dips. Having easy finger food, like a no-fuss party tray with meats and cheeses, or also saves you pre-tailgate time since they're already assembled and alert to proceed.
Image Source: HormelUtilize trunk spaceEven whether your car isn't enormous,consume your trunk to store food and drinks - or even to house your speaker system. You can also set up a buffet-style serving station complete with plates, napkins, or cutlery. Consider it a built-in table! Music is a mustThe accurate tunes can really get you hyped for the game,so make sure to bring some type of sound system. Portable speakers are your easiest option, and it'll be worthwhile to create a playlist of pump-up music. Don't forget chairsYou'll most likely be standing up and cheering for the majority of the game, and so give your legs a rest while tailgating by bringing along folding chairs. It would also behoove you to make friends with your neighbors; that way,whether they fill more seating they'll be more likely to share.
Pace yourselfRemember: it's a marathon, not a sprint! Tailgates are meant to get you alert for the main event, and so you don't want to overdo it too early. Save your real energy for the game.
More from the makers of HORMEL GATHERINGS®
Focus on cheering for your favorite team,not preparing the snacks. From tailgating, solo nights binge-watching your favorite present, or even unannounced houseguests,HORMEL GATHERINGS® Party Trays are already alert. Grab a pre-cut meat and cheese tray for your next get-together.
Source: popsugar.com