It’s true, tailgate season is here and we are here for it. Who doesn’t love a good tailgate? There is something about getting ready for the big game with family, friends, fun, and food that seems to put a smile on everyone’s face. Getting ready for a tailgate should be just as enjoyable as the tailgate itself; it’s all about the planning and ensuring you are ready for the big game as much as the players on the field. Do you have everything you need for your next tailgate? Our tailgate checklist can help.
Do You Have Everything You Need for Your Next Tailgate?
We have reviewed some tailgate grilling tips before, and as we said then, if you are going to host a tailgate, nowadays, that doesn’t necessarily mean that you actually have to serve and prepare food on the back of a pickup truck. These gatherings have come a long way from when they first started over a century ago; however, one thing remains the same, food is the focal point. To make sure you don’t fumble and let your guests down, you need to make sure you have everything you need for your next tailgate.
We have put together a tailgate checklist that should help.
Let’s start with the basics, what you need to know beforehand. Knowing how many people you need to plan for, the rules and regulations for the lot or stadium, and the time of the event, can all really impact your tailgate. If you don’t have enough food, bring a grill and one isn’t allowed, or prepare your items with enough time for them to be enjoyed, your tailgate is being tackled to the ground before it even begins. So, as you start your planning, keep in mind the below:
- Guest Count
- Rules of the Location
- Time of the Game
Now, onto the fun stuff, what to bring. Once you know how many guests you need to accommodate for, how you can prepare the food, and what activities you can have at the location, it’s time to start packing up. Based on the rules of where you are hosting the tailgate, below are some of the things we suggest you bring to ensure you have everything you need for your next tailgate.
- Coolers with Ice
- Folding Tables and Chairs
- Canopy or Tent
- Tablecloths
- Serving Utensils
- Grill and Grilling Utensils
- Grill Starter, if needed (matches, lighter, charcoal, etc.)
- Aluminum Foil, Plastic Wrap, and Plastic Bags
- Plates, Napkins, Cups, and Silverware
- Disinfecting Wipes and Paper Towels
- Bottle Opener
- Trash Bags
- Portable Speaker
- Prepped Food Items, Condiments, and Seasonings
- Beverages
- Outdoor Games
- Decorations for Your Favorite Team
- Lights (if at night)
What else should you think about? Having everything you need for your next tailgate and planning ahead is key to its success. Some of our other tips include:
- Preparing your Food Ahead of Time: If you plan on grilling burgers, you should patty them before you head to the event. If you are serving other meats that need to be marinated, don’t forget to do that the night before.
- Having Your Grill Ready: This goes with preparing your food before you arrive to tailgate, if your grill needs cleaned, do it before you arrive. You should also set up your grill as soon as you arrive and turn it on as soon as possible to heat it up and get it ready for grilling.
- Considering How Long or Difficult it May be to Cook Certain Items: When it comes to your tailgate, keep it simple. Be sure you allow enough time for you and your guests to enjoy your feast before the game starts. Consider how long it takes to grill particular items and plan accordingly.
- Planning for Postgame Cleanup: While your grill is still hot, clean it. Also, allow enough time to breakdown any furniture, clean up food, etc. before the game begins. By bringing foil, plastic wrap, and bags, you can store leftover food in your cooler while you enjoy the game. Most food left out during the game will not be good later. The more you do before you head into the game, the easier things will be after.
Following the above tailgate checklist and tips can help to make your next party a success by ensuring you have everything you need.
When it comes to finding the right tailgate grill, Litehouse Pools & Spas can help. You should find a grill that adds flavor, is temperature controlled, will work even in the chilly fall weather, and is easy to transport.
At Litehouse Pools & Spas we have a variety of grill and smoker options to keep you grilling all year round, even in colder weather. Find your next favorite cooking device at Litehouse today.