How to Throw a Tailgate Party

You can gear up for the big game in the stadium parking lot (or in your own driveway) with a good-time BBQ tailgate party.

Difficulty:

Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need

• Portable Radios
• Barbecue Grills
• Grill Baskets
• Grill Utensils
• Wire Grill Brushes
• Folding Chairs
• Folding Tables
• Ice Chests

1. Put on every bit of clothing you own with your team's insignia on it. You cannot go overboard here. Face paint in your team's colors is always a nice touch.

2. Decorate your truck, van or sports utility vehicle (see "How To Decorate Your Vehicle for a Tailgate Party"), making sure to put a flag on your antennae so that your friends can find you.

3. Pack your ice chest with lots of hamburgers and hotdogs to grill, buns and condiments (see "How to Pack for a Tailgate Party") along with plenty of beer. If it is cold, you may want to make a batch of tailgate tumblers (see "How To Make A Tailgate Tumbler") before you leave and bring them along in a thermos.

4. Pack your BBQ grill, charcoal, lighter fluid and spatula. If you really want to show off your team spirit, you can get a helmet grill or NFL cooler with your team's logo on it.

5. Order a party-in-a-box, including plates, napkins, cups, cover and snack bowl, with your team's insignia on it.

6. Bring a portable radio, and set it up on top of your vehicle so that you can hear pregame interviews or keep track of the other games going on.

7. Bring several folding chairs so that everyone can sit comfortably while they chow down.

8. After a few drinks, wander around until you find John Madden's bus - wave and yell, "Hi, John," at the tinted windows.

Tips & Warnings

• Prepack your ice chest and cooler as much as possible the night before to save time when you're heading out for the game in the morning.

• If the forecast calls for rain, pack up your patio table with the big umbrella. You don't want to let a little weather ruin your party.

• Just because you couldn't get tickets to the game - or your team's on the road ' doesn't mean you can't have a tailgate party at home. Park your truck in front of your house or in the driveway, and decorate every square inch of it. Drag your television (with a long extension cord) and chairs out onto the lawn.

• Check with the school or stadium about tailgating rules.

• Don't drink and drive; have a designated driver for postgame transportation.