Here in the South we welcome football season with open arms and while we pride ourselves on stellar tailgating skills, one peek at Pinterest will show that the whole US of A loves to tailgate. In my family alone we’ve got loyalties to three SEC and a couple of Conference USA teams, too. So yes — Gameday is big doin’s around here. 🙂
To fully embrace the fun, have a plan in place so your crew can munch and sip to their hearts’ content before, during, and after the game. Think through your location and logistics — are you at home or in the stadium parking lot? Electrical outlets or no? Do you need chairs/tables/serveware/extra coolers? Then create your menu, keeping simplicity in mind for preparation AND consumption, and variety in mind for enjoyment.
Start with hearty appetizers. I don’t know a single soul that doesn’t love a good appetizer… and for tailgating the more filling the better! Make sure you’ve got crackers, chips, fruit and veggies for digging into these dips.
Finger food for your main course. Meaty choices that can be scooped up or speared and enjoyed are always a good choice. Think sandwiches, wraps, meatballs to satisfy the hungriest guest.
If a fork is required, make it easy. Scoop a tasty pasta salad into clear plastic cups or small mason jars and tuck the fork right into it. Or whip up the fixings for these genius “walking tacos” that can be eaten right out of the bag!
Fill in the gaps with sweet treats! No tailgate is complete without a sweet treat. Bite-sized cookies and brownies, a fun candy corn bark or graham cracker treats that can be dished into small cups are winners here.
Top it off with a signature beverage. While you always want to have a cooler of drinks such as bottled water, sodas, and beer on hand consider adding in a festive concoction, too. Simple Arnold Palmers might be your crowd’s speed or maybe a a fun adult beverage is in order.
Decorate! Show your team’s spirit, whether it’s on your living room mantel or on the tailgate of your SUV. Embrace the day and have fun!
Find more recipes and home inspiration on my blog, Decor & More.
