How to Throw a Great Tailgate Party

Football season is finally here after months of waiting. The leaves are changing their color from dark green to burnt orange and the time honored tradition of tailgating is eminent. It just doesn’t get much better this. Some tailgate parties are better than others, but with proper planning anybody can throw a great tailgate party.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

1. The first thing you need to do is plan. I cannot stress this enough. Nothing will ruin a tailgate party or the whole atmosphere if you forget half of the essentials. The essentials being drink, food, utensils/plates/bowls, garbage can, pit/pot for cooking, food, tables, radio, chairs, canopy and something to keep the food either hot or cold. A TV is optional but it sure does make it nice to be able to watch other football games while waiting the start of another. There are many other optional accoutrements but the ones previously mentioned are the essentials.

2. Start by picking out a great spot and then set up the canopy. If the weather turns hot, you are going to want some shade. Set up your tables and the plates and utensils. Turn on a radio to set the mood and get to cooking. Most people barbecue but some will bring a burner with propane and cook a gravy or a gumbo.

3. Take your time and cook it slow. No need to rush and it. While the food is on cruise control, set out your chairs and hook up your TV. Pop a top on whatever your beverage of choice may be and soak up the good times.

4. After the food is ready, you are going to need a way of keeping it warm. If barbecuing, an aluminum pan covered in foil is good method. If cooking a gravy/gumbo, put the lid on it and crank up the propane periodically to keep it warm. The main thing is to keep hot foods warm and cold foods cold. Food poisoning will definitely put a damper on things. Now sit back and enjoy the fruits of your labor. Oh yea, you might want try to watch a football game too.