Photo by: marta juez

What should you keep in mind in order to have the ultimate tailgating party? To follow are several tips to get you on your way to being known for the best ones ever:

The first one should actually go without saying but in the interest of clarity…you should always know exactly where you are going. This means having a map of the parking area, contacting the owner to see if there are any specific guidelines that you need to follow and be sure to get there early enough; before the gates so that you can stake out a great spot.

Your next tip is to not assume that since you have had that same spot for a number of years that you will naturally get the same one, especially if you do not show up early in order to claim it. After all, it is basically a “first come – first served” type of event.

You will need ice, lots of ice. You will need it to keep drinks cold and if you plan on having any cocktails you will need it for that as well. Ice will also help you keep any raw meat as close to 40 or below as you can to help ensure no one gets sick.

You should also have a good grill; charcoal is great for flavor if you have the time to get it up and going properly. However, gas is quicker and you plank cook or use wood chips to get that smoky flavor. You also want to bring one that is big enough to handle more than just a few burgers at a time. Along those same lines make sure that you have enough food to actually feed everyone; most grill masters agree that you should have at least 8oz. of meat for every person. Also, side dishes are good but you want to make sure it will be something that everyone will eat, there are many times that several tubs of unopened coleslaw or potato salad are thrown away.

If you are going to be making cocktails forget about the gas powered blenders all you really need are a few large shakers. You can whip out those margaritas on the rocks, mai tais and several others just by using a shaker. A personal favorite is ice, Grand Marnier, tequila, limeade and fresh limes in a well salted glass.

Of course seating is something to consider; bring some comfortable chairs, invest in a tailgate couch or find one of the inflatable couches (just be sure you have a way to fill it).

One last item, try to load as much as you can the night before so that you will be pretty much ready to go on game day and claim your title as “Tailgating King”.

Put on your game jersey, chill the beer and round up some of these tailgate friendly foods:

1. Chili; probably the standard for many tailgate parties. It is simple to make, can be prepared way ahead of time and then stored until it can be re-heated as necessary (many people think that chili has the best flavor when it has been left for a day or two).
2. Potato Salad; another standard that just begs to be on every tailgate. There are many different ways to spice up the old standard and it can also be made ahead of time and brought out when you are ready to eat.
   

   Photo By: Jeffrey Collingwood

3. Quesadillas; a warm, gooey snack that is another blank canvas waiting to be improved upon. Traditionally it is made with cheese and veggies but when you add some spiced chicken or ground beef it becomes more of a meal than a snack.
4. Chicken Wings; the ultimate finger food. You can bake them before hand in your oven at home and pack them up for later or even better take them with you to barbecue while you are at the game. Try bringing several different sauces or baste them with different ones such as hot or mild sauce or honey mustard, etc.
5. Chicken Skewers; another hand-held meat idea. They taste the best when they are cooked on the grill but if you won’t have the time they can be done in the oven prior to game time.
6. Cheese bean dip; what tailgate party would be complete without some sort of dip? Spice it up with some garlic cloves and onions, add some kidney beans, or whatever bean you prefer, some freshly grated cheddar, melt it all together and get ready for some good dipping.
7. Standard Tomato salsa dip; the favorite standard that is enjoyed by most everyone. This is a staple at tailgate parties and it tastes the best when you make your own using onions, garlic, white vinegar and some jalapeno’s for a little added “oomph”.

You probably have your own favorites so don’t be afraid to brush up on your culinary skills and totally wow your friends at the next game.