When fall rolls around, my family is ready for some football! Here in the Pacific Northwest we get a little, ok a lot, of rain, so anytime you can take a party outside, you better believe that's what we're doing! Let's kick off the season with friends and family, and of course, football! Tailgating is about good food, but food that is easy and travels well. If you have an SUV or a large and open trunk, then you are set for a true tailgate! So, grab your portable grill, ice chests, and my easy appetizers of Roasted Rosemary Cashews, Buffalo Cauliflower Bites, and a Rice Krispie Football Treat and find the nearest game day parking lot!
A great place to start with your tailgate party, is to find colorful and coordinated accessories. Your team's colors are the obvious choice here! I couldn't help but add in some flowers to bring that touch of home. My flowers are real, but using faux would look just as great! Using the wicker picnic basket and wood stool create height and add texture to the display.
Paper goods are the easy choice when tailgating, so make sure to find some fun plates and napkins, cups and straws that match your team or color scheme! Bring a utensil caddy to hold them all, in case of a breezy day! Since I'm the hostess, I love fun vessels to serve food, something out of the ordinary, and this Football Snack Helmet was perfect to hold my Buffalo Cauliflower Bites with bleu cheese. Lots of hydration is key when partying outdoors. Ice chests full of ice and beverages, and even a water dispenser with sliced lemon is great to have on hand.
It's always fun to have a little friendly competition, so this Football Bets board is a lot of fun. Other fun games to have on hand is a corn hole and a football!
Chips and salsa are pretty much standard fare at any football party, as well as nuts. This recipe for Roasted Rosemary Cashews will keep your guests coming back for more. They are salty, sweet and savory all rolled into one!
Don't forget a tablecloth when setting up your table! A great trick is to find a piece of fabric in the colors you're looking for, or you can even find team logo fabric to use as well. There is no need to hem or sew the edges, just drape on your table and you're done!
It's nice to remember a few comforts from home when tailgating, so bring along hand sanitizer, sunscreen, bug spray and tissues. A few blankets and a couple extra chairs are great to have on hand for extra guests and when there is a chill in the air. Also, don't forget a portable speaker to broadcast prior games or music!
So, here are a few last tips for tailgating:
- Think of it as a "picnic". Bring food that is simple and easy to transport
- Bring items that can pull "double duty". A picnic basket can hold food inside, and then once you arrive it becomes a styling tool!
- Don't forget to add your team spirit with garlands, pennants and flags.
- Make sure you have lots of water and other non-alcohol drinks on hand to stay hydrated.
- Bring anti-bacterial wipes, Kleenex, and extra chairs and blankets.
I hope I've inspired you to get outside and tailgate. It can seem a little daunting when thinking about loading the car and hauling all the food, drink, tables, etc with you, but if you follow my tips, I guarantee you will be glad you made the effort! Don't forget to get my recipes for Roasted Rosemary Cashews, Buffalo Cauliflower Bites and the Rice Krispie Football Treat!
