Tailgating Essentials, Hacks, Food, Ideas & More
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I have put together lists for tailgating essentials, hacks, food, ideas and so much more for you to prepare for this season’s tailgate parties.
Football season is right around the corner, so I have put together a list of ideas for tailgating essentials, hacks, food, ideas and so much more for you to prepare for this season’s tailgate parties.
Being prepared for football season and a tailgating event really does make your get-together go so much nicer. You don’t want to forget anything or realize you don’t have something when you get there. If you have a group that helps you with your party, assign tasks, roles, and contributions ahead of time. Also, check stadium tailgating policies if this is your first time going to a stadium.
Tailgating Must-Have Essentials
Cooking – Portable Grills, smokers, smoking wood planks, fryers – line your grill with foil for easy cleanup. Extra LP Gas or charcoal for your grills and smokers. Slow cookers are great for keeping food warm and for storage.
Grilling accessories – utensils, mitts, aprons, wireless meat thermometer, and a metal bucket with a lid to put used hot charcoal coals in.
Tables, chairs, and canopies – Small folding tables for food prep and larger folding tables for guests with folding chairs and don’t forget Canopies to cover it all.
Washable or waterproof tablecloths – great for when the weather may be bad and you need something to drape over items
Several coolers – Separate ones for the adults and kids drinks and coolers for food you will be grilling
Extra Ice – stack your cans on the bottom of the coolers and then lay ice on top to fill in spaces. Food should be packed on top. Frozen bottles of water make spare ice or use ice substitutes.
Plastic Milk Crates or 5-gallon Plastic Buckets– Perfect to carry non-perishable items in
Beverages, bottled water, bottle openers, and plastic team cups – set up a beverage table with galvanized tubs of different beverages with your bottle openers tied to the handles. Glass dispensers can hold water, tea, etc. The tubs make great storage to and from the game.
Prepared food – The night before marinade meat in plastic bags, form hamburger patties, and stack between wax paper, precut all the burger fixings, and condiments in easy-to-use containers and veggies washed, prepare, and store in plastic bags or bins. Think of making finger foods to keep from having to supply utensils to eat with.
Serving – Plates and napkins, wooden utensils (if needed, large slotted serving spoons, football-shaped serving dishes, serving trays on ice, So many serving items come in your team’s colors to choose from.
Plastic containers and bags – Have extras for leftovers
Signs – Let everyone know about your party or list what you are serving.
Trashbags and/or trashcans – Set up a cleaning station with detergent, extra water, rags, wet wipes, a wash bin, and paper towels. Check ahead where to dispose of your used coals and other trash.
Comfy Needs – Blankets, throws, hand warmers, Sunblock, and bug repellent
Entertainment – Tailgate games, outdoor speakers, radio, projector and screen, and extension cords
Emergency – Portable Phone chargers, First Aid Kit, Small extinguisher, and Flashlights
I hope this list will get you started on what to bring to your next tailgate party!!
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Who doesn’t love a good tailgating party. They are really big around where we live. Guessing there are some new items we might need and enjoy. Always looking for new recipes to try out.
My family loves football season and I’ve hosted my fair share of football parties. It’s always fun to get new ideas, hacks, and recipes – so many great ideas.
Tailgating is so much fun. You get to hang out with your friends watch some football and enjoy some delicious food. You have some great ideas here.
I’m not into football, but I love tailgating season because of all the fun recipes that everyone comes up with. You can find the best snacks at tailgating parties!
Wow, this is a thorough combination of all things tailgating! We start our tailgating season on September 1. Go Tigers! MIZ…
Football bores me to tears, but I do love to eat! I go for the food and then I leave before the game begins 😉
So excited for fall and football to be back. There is just something fun about spending your weekends enjoying the games while indulging in some tasty treats.
I’m so excited for tailgating season, mostly for the food! We definitely use the heck out of our canopy, since the sun is still really hot here during tailgating.
It has been a long time since I have tailgated. I love your ideas! Sounds like a great time.
We are total football fanatics and so excited a new season is almost upon us. I can not wait to tailgate while incorporating a few of your awesome ideas!
Do you believe I have never gone tailgating? That’s something that needs to change soon! Football season is coming!
Hi Heather. I have done only small time tailgating. If that’s such a thing. 😉
I’m so excited for fall and football season! It is the only sport I can get on board with, mainly because I get to play host! 🙂
Me too Maddy. I do watch baseball, but football has always been my sport. Can’t wait!!
Great ideas, this would be perfect for when my husband invites his friends. Can’t wait for football season.
this is one handy dandy list. If only I was tailgating but alas no one I know is into sports anymore!!
I have never done tailgating yet. Reading your posts makes me want to experience it.
So many great tailgating ideas! We haven’t tailgated in years!
My husband would love all of these things! These are perfect items for fall ball season!
That’s awesome! It’s been so long since we last hosted a tailgating party! I think these tips will help make it worry-free and easy!
I love tailgating parties! They’re a great way to get together with friends and family while enjoying a good game. This post is definitely worth taking note of!
Yes – I have to get myself into fall and football. I’m still trying to hold onto summer (lol)
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Hope to see you there.