How to Plan a Tailgate Party

A tailgate party is usually organized before or after a sporting event or concert. Normally held in an informal setting, such as a parking lot, picnic area or park, a tailgate party takes little preparation when it comes to the location, but requires quite a bit of thinking in order to bring the appropriate items along. If you are planning to offer a tailgate party for friends or family, there are some things to keep in mind.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Things You’ll Need:

• Food
• Table and chairs (optional)
• Drinks
• Disposable cups, dishes and server ware
• Decorations

Plan a Tailgate Party

1. Plan for food, one of the most basic ingredients for a successful tailgate party. Think of food that can be either cooked in a barbecue or brought pre-made to a picnic area. Traditional fare for a tailgate party includes burgers, hot dogs, corn, sandwiches, pies, potato salad and meat rolls.
2. Purchase alcohol. Beer is a common choice, but you can also add wine, martinis and even whiskey to the mix. If you are planning on holding the party at a park, you may want to prepare bar mixes for the guests.
3. Pack all the small essentials first, so you don't forget them. Include bottle openers, a Frisbee and other toys, paper towels, disposable plates and plastic cups. You may want to think about folding chairs if you plan on staying around for a long period of time.
4. Decide whether you need a table or intend to use the back of your truck as an impromptu surface. This depends on the type of food you plan to offer and the kind of car you are driving. If you bring a table, make sure it's the type with a locking mechanism on its legs, so you can ensure the safety of the items you pack on it.
5. Obtain decorations. They can be as simple as tying large flags to the sides of involved vehicles. You may want to have balloons and dress up in your team's colors as well.

Tips & Warnings

• Always check the rules and regulations for a particular area before bringing alcohol along. Some places allow it as long as it is inside plastic bottles while others prohibit it completely.
• Designate drivers if you will be serving alcoholic beverages. You don't want an unfortunate accident to spoil your fun.