Tailgating 101…SCORE!!!

Into everyone’s life, the occasional sporting event surely falls.  Who said you can’t be fab and tailgate?

This Saturday, Rhonda and I will join Dee at her alma mater (of which she is very proud, no doubt…she’s even nicknamed her vehicles after it) for a day filled with friends, food and football.  Tailgating is one of those things that can be as simple or over-the-top as you have the time, creativity and money to do. 

I’ve pulled together yet another one of my primers (you know you love them) which will hopefully serve as a foundation for yet another fabulously frugal soiree.

Tailgate Chic

As you know, comfort is Queen.  Jeans or khakis are always reliable.  Dependent upon the weather, do dress in layers.  A light jacket atop a long sleeved tee is appropriate. Throw in a scarf with your team’s colors for extra measure…tah daaahhhh!!!!  What you might want to leave home, though, are your Jimmy Choos or Manolos. Tailgating + any heel over 3 inches = a very, long, miserable day.  Don’t do it to yourself; it will be atrocious and such horror can be contagious. 

Ideally, you want to appear pulled together without the appearance of having tried too hard (isn’t this a pillar of TBS’s Cardinal Rules?  Note to self: write this down… stat!).

The Fabulous Tailgate Tool-Kit

• A Blanket – For the ground (especially if you’re bringing the little ones) or the bed of your vehicle. 
• At Least Two Large Coolers - One for food, the other for beverages
• A Picnic Basket – Not necessarily for food but  it’s great storage for cutlery and beverages that do not require ice
• Trusty Bottle Openers and Corkscrews (two of each; God forbid that one gets lost)
• Fold-able Chairs – Who can really stand up ALL afternoon?
• Cutlery- A no-brainer unless you’re only serving finger foods
• Condiments – See how quickly you’ll lose friends if you serve a dry burger!
• Cups, Plates, Serving Dishes/Ware and Napkins – Try discount stores for sports-themed items
• A First Aid Kit – Hey….You never know!  Anything could happen!
• Hand wipes and/or Hand Sanitizer and Hand Creme
• Fire Extinguisher – If you are grilling
• Ponchos – TBS is not a stand-in-the-rain kinda girl but you’ll thank me for being prepared if you roll upon a sketchy looking cloud!  It’s good to have a couple on hand for good measure.
• Camera – Of course, for memories, precious memories
• Balloons – Represent your team colors!

Chic and Budget-Friendly Tailgating Menu Ideas

Brunch:

• Lox, Cream Cheese, Hard-boiled Eggs, Onions and Bagels served with Bloody Marys
• Low Country Shrimp and Grits (should there be a grill)  served with Mimosas

Lunch:

• Homemade Pimento Cheese on Sourdough Bread (I can’t wait until Katie T licenses me to share her recipe), Chips, and Olives served with Lemonade Beer (simply 1/2 beer to equal part pre-made lemonade)
• Grilled Salmon on Wheat Buns, Baked Sweet Potato Wedges (made at home) and Coleslaw (made at home) served with Peach Iced Tea

Dinner:

• Grilled Bleu Cheese Stuffed Burgers on Wheat Buns, Pickle Spears, Kettle Chips served with Martinis
• Italian Turkey Brats and Potato Salad (from the deli is fine; just season to your liking) served with Rum Punch

Desserts:

• A Sweet Tooth Tray – cookies, cookie bars, brownies, cupcakes

Consider the items which can be prepared in advance.  Who wants to spend the entire tailgating experience focused on food?  Better yet, spread the responsibilities with your tailgating crew.  This ensures that no one person is overly taxed (financially or otherwise).

Tailgating Etiquette

• First and foremost, have a good time!  Try to leave all troubles behind.
• Old fashioned ribbing the rival team is expected but becoming obnoxious is not cool.
• Share the bounty: one of the most wonderful elements of tailgating is community but don’t overextend your welcome (read: be greedy).
• Housekeeping – leave your tailgate spot better than you found it.  Who cares what the folk next to you do (or not)?

Do you enjoy tailgating?  Do you have tips/tricks to share?

Until next time,

TBS