Tailgating is a Pre-Game Ritual; and one I would love to experience and never have. It’s a social achievement of happiness and exceptional meals. Plus we have to remember the game and the company! The good news is we are no longer the fans with our picnic meal watching the Roman Gladiators in the Coliseum. Or how about the picnics by local citizens watching the battles between the North and South?!
We are officially the tailgating crowd that developed post World War II. When the station wagon is designed for the baby boomers, the tailgate becomes the official portable table for sporting events. Entire families can now go to the local college for their football games. A huge boost is the development of the food cooler. A table (tailgate) and now cold beverages are perfect for the tailgating party. The savings of eating one’s own food is huge too, so the popularity expands even more. Bring along a small cooker and the Tailgate Party is a permanent fixture to sporting events throughout the world.
The best part of the tailgate party is the Food. During NFL games there is usually some sort of coverage with the tailgate crowd. This is when I really want to be at the game. I can imagine the smell of wafting delights in the air of the parking lot. Some stadiums, especially in the colleges, have grassy areas just for this purpose. I want to participate and be partying as long as there is some really Great Beef!
Gather up the Gear
Let’s get this Party started right, and that means all of the accessories. Need shade, then get a pop-up gazebo along with a folding table. Comfortable chairs are a necessity as well as with the clothing gear necessary for the weather. True tailgaters love the challenging element of weather. But let’s start with the picnic basics.
- Large tub with lid for most of this stuff!
- Good disposable utensils
- Disposable cups and heavy duty paper plates
- Salt and Pepper
- BBQ Sauce and condiments
- Disposable gloves
- Good steak knives in their own container (holds the dirty knives too)
- Paper towels, disposable wipes and trash bags
- Propane lantern for evening games!
- BBQ, BBQ tools and Cooler
- Water and bagged ice
Recipes for the Barbie
I put together a collection of recipes for the BBQ with the Tailgate Party in mind, of course these are good for any party type or group. The BBQ is the main theme for the means of the actual cooking, which I love since the kitchen will stay fairly clean and the visiting gets to be out at our Gazebo. See the gazebo pictures if you’d like to see our outdoor pride and joy!
Treat Yourself to the Best
Tailgate time is the time for a special treat, and that is the best of your favorite foods and drinks. Splurge on the very best drinks, meats, salads, snacks; whatever you love to consume on those rare celebratory times. And try out the new trend at sporting events, and that is the pleasure of a Fine Wine. What’s better to go along with a Great Meal! Your tailgate meal is just as special as going out to a fine restaurant and your meal you create should be enhanced by the best wine.
Arrive at home, and it’s an easy clean-up. Hopefully your team wins and you’ve created another Great lifetime memory. For some start a new tradition at home, and that’s treat yourself to the best food and snacks occasionally as well. Our change is the beef we eat and the wine we drink. We are members of a monthly Wine Club and thoroughly enjoying it. This is not on our lifestyle radar and then it is. Sometimes our meal is just a large Caesar Salad, top notch rolls and a glass of our wine. Sometimes our appetizer is the old fashion onion soup mix/dip. We rediscover this dip and we’re loving it.
Enjoy your meals whether they are simple or complex. Embrace your passions, such as your favorite sports. Love on your family and friends with all your heart, and focus on your Blessings in your past along with what is possible in your future. Keep it all positive in your thoughts and your life is now much better without changing a thing!
Response Magic