The first priority is to reserve a parking space for clock, sports whistle, thermoses and of course lots
a home game. Then attempt to purchase extra tickets of food and drinks.
for anyone you’d like to invite who doesn’t have Pampering could include an awning or, depending
season tickets. Collect recipes, prepare the equip- on the weather, portable fans or heaters.
ment list, invite your “team,” check weather Strategy Pointers
reports and establish a decorating theme. First Down
Decorations are easy: Just use the home team’s Your appetizers should be easy to make, easy
colors. For example, a football tailgate party could to refill and weather flexible. If someone asks what
include a tablecloth made from sheets of Mylar in to bring, request an appetizer, as that’s the easiest
team colors. It’s fun and waterproof. Add a football for most tailgate guests.
flower vase. To make, start with an old, inexpensive Second Down
football, slice an oval hole along one side and nail Score big with marinated, room-temperature salads
to a board. Carve floral foam to fit the inside of versus greens, which will wilt and get soggy.
the ball, soak it in water and pack in a resealable Third Down
bag for easy transport to the game. Heat up the action with an abundant offering of
On tailgate day, set your table, add the colorful grilled items. Grilling is an activity in which everyone
Mylar and place the football vase attached to the has an opinion, even armchair quarterbacks.
board slightly off the table’s center. Weight the board Time-Out
down with some rocks if needed. Remove the soaked Guests will be thirsty, so be sure to offer many
floral foam from the bag and stuff it into the football non-alcoholic beverages, including bottled water
centerpiece. Add bunches of flowers in team colors. and at least one hot drink, as well as an assortment
We guarantee no penalty whistles. of beers and wines.
Pat’s Advice: You still can invite friends Two-Minute Warning
without game tickets to the tailgate. A few minutes before the start of the game,
After all, it’s going to be a great the mad scramble begins. Why not assign someone
party, and you just never the job of watching the clock and blowing the
know when an extra ticket whistle for a 20-minute warning. As a special treat,
might pop up. give a bag of goodies such as Kirkland Signature
Fundamentals Snack Packs to each departing guest.
HuddleDefense
In football, the huddle The best offense is a good defense:
has to be called eight yards • Provide a separate cooler for drinks.
from the ball. All tailgate • Blankets and umbrellas just may save the day.
party planning should be • Napkins, napkins, napkins and then more napkins.
completed at least eight days • Keep hot foods hot, cold foods cold. Even room-prior to the party. temperature food should not stay out for more
Offensive Line than 2 hours. Never leave food in the sun.
Set up your party using • Remember aluminum foil, plastic wrap and plastic
manageable folding tables storage containers for leftovers. And, of course,
and chairs, coolers, at least lots of heavy-duty disposable garbage bags.
one grill, lots of ice, a battery- Touchdown!
operated radio or CD player,
