Tailgate parties. Gone are the days of simply bringing a sandwich and a six-pack to consume on the back of someone’s pickup truck before the game. People now throw elaborate parties which might not only be a pre-game celebration, but a party for fellow fans lasting throughout the game! We found some tips to help ensure you and your friends will have the best Tailgate experience.
- Make a list and prepare as much as possible the night before the game. Bottle Openers? Check!
- Make sure you are aware of any rules and regulations on tailgating for your event. Are you allowed to grill? Music okay?
- Cook as much as you can before arriving. You don’t want to spend the entire party behind a grill.
- Hang a paper towel roll from the car or tent struts using a bungee cord.
- Don’t forget a phone charger!
- Bring more trash bags to your tailgate than you think you’ll need. Sometimes trash bags become ponchos.
- Making a dish you want to serve warm? Use bricks to prop up a pan above a Sterno can to heat the pan from below.
- Looking for an easy hot dish? Try our Pulled Pork Sandwich with Mango Barbeque Sauce! s://www.hardings.com/recipes/recipe-details/7411/
- Always tailgate with a clean grill grate. Forgot your brush? Grab some foil. Crumple it up, pinch it with tongs, and scrub away. Better yet, clean & oil your grill grate before game day. Otherwise food is going to stick.
- Mason Jars are awesome! Make chili, walking tacos, cocktails, etc; store and serve it in Mason jars!
- Game day grilled corn: Pull down the outer husks and remove the silk. Fold the husks back up and soak in water for 10 minutes. Grill.
- Know what potato salad from the Harding’s Deli looks like in a bowl? Potato salad that no one has to know came from the Harding’s Deli! Save yourself some time!
- Form burger patties the night before and freeze between wax paper to save time. Throw them straight on the grill.
- Set up a DIY toppings bar so people can customize their hot dogs.
- Chili is the ultimate tailgate food. Delicious on its own, and better when combined with hot dogs, burgers, nachos, or baked potatoes.
- Slaw goes great with your pulled pork sandwich. It’s even better when it comes from Harding’s Deli! Save yourself some time!
- Serve specialty drinks in your team’s colors with matching cupcake liner lids to keep insects out.
- Freeze colored water balloons as spirited replacement for ice cubes!
- Make sure your guests stay hydrated. Frozen bottles of water will keep items in the cooler cold, and provide ice cold water to drink!
- Need to hands to eat your sandwich? Attach magnets to Koozies! Just attach your drink to the car while you are biting in!
- Use cardboard six-pack containers to hold condiments, napkins, silverware, etc. Easy to pass, easy to organize.
- Make it easy for friends to find you. Tie helium balloons or flags to your car/tent to help identify your spot.
- Pop up or folding hampers make perfect Garbage Bins.
- An empty laundry detergent container with a spigot, filled with water and a little soap makes a convenient hand washing station.
- Empty apple sauce or baby food pouches make easy disposable beverage flasks.
- Want a super easy Tailgate solution? Order party trays from Harding’s Deli online and pick them up on your way to the game! http://hardings.shoptocook.com/store/