Score big at your next tailgate with these epic party ideas! From food and drinks to games and decorations, I’ve got you covered.
Tailgating is a great way to get into the game-day spirit and enjoy some food and drinks with friends and family. But if you’re new to tailgating, it can be tough to know where to start. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know to throw an epic tailgate party.
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Planning Your Tailgate Party: Key Considerations for Success
The first step to throwing a successful tailgate party is to do some planning because there are a lot of things to remember. Here are a few tailgate party ideas to consider:
- The date and time of the game: This will help you determine how much time you have to set up and how long you need to keep your food cold.
- The location of the game: Some stadiums have specific rules about tailgating, so be sure to check in advance.
- The number of people you’re expecting: This will help you determine how much food and drinks you need to bring.
- The weather: Be sure to dress for the weather and bring sunscreen, bug spray, and rain gear if necessary.
Tailgate Party Food Ideas: Score Big with Delicious Bites
Easy finger foods are ideal for tailgating, as they’re easy to eat and don’t require utensils. Some popular tailgate food ideas include:
- Sliders: These mini burgers are always a crowd-pleaser.
- Wings: Chicken wings are a classic tailgate food that’s easy to make and always delicious. I’ve got a great recipe for baked chicken wings that keep well! We toss them on the grill to freshen them up just before serving.
- Dips: Chips and dips are a great way to satisfy your cravings without having to eat a full meal. I love to bring my favorite spinach artichoke dip recipe.
- Fruit and vegetable platters: These are a healthy and refreshing option for your guests. I always bring my favorite hummus recipe with a side of cut-up veggies for easy snacking.
- Desserts: Don’t forget to bring some sweet treats for dessert!
Need more ideas? I shared more than 25 easy tailgate recipes for your next party here.
Tailgate Party Drinks: Quench Your Thirst in Style
Be sure to bring plenty of drinks to keep your guests hydrated, especially if it’s a hot day. Some popular tailgate drink ideas include:
- Beer: Beer is a classic tailgate drink that’s perfect for enjoying with friends.
- Wine: Wine is a more sophisticated option that’s perfect for a special occasion.
- Soda: Soda is a great option for non-alcoholic drinkers.
- Water: Water is essential for staying hydrated, especially if you’re drinking alcohol.
Tailgate Party Decorations: Show Your Team Spirit
Decorating your tailgate space with team colors is a fun way to show your team spirit. Here are a few tailgate party ideas for decorations:
- Bring a banner or flag with your team’s logo.
- Put out some team-colored tablecloths and chairs.
- Decorate your food and drinks with team-colored sprinkles or decorations.
- Bring some team-themed games or activities.
Tailgate Party Activities: Keep the Fun Going
Tailgating is a great opportunity to have some fun and socialize with your friends and family. Here are a few ideas for tailgate activities:
- Play some games: Cornhole, frisbee, and ladder toss are all popular tailgate games.
- Listen to music: Create a playlist of your favorite game day songs.
- Watch the game on TV: If you have a TV, you can watch the game while you tailgate.
- Throw a football around: This is a great way to get some exercise and have some fun.
- Just relax and enjoy the company of your friends and family.
Bonus Tailgate Party Ideas: Take Your Celebration to the Next Level
- Set up a photo booth: This is a fun way to capture memories of your tailgate party.
- Create a tailgate-themed playlist: This will help set the mood for your party.
- Have a contest: This could be anything from a best-dressed contest to a chili cook-off.
- Offer a variety of seating options: This will ensure that everyone is comfortable.
- Bring a portable charger: This will keep your phones and other devices charged up.
Additional Tips for an Unforgettable Tailgate Experience
Here are a few additional tips for throwing an epic tailgate party:
- Arrive early: This will give you time to set up your space and find a good parking spot.
- Bring a cooler: This will keep your food and drinks cold.
- Bring a grill: This will allow you to cook food at the tailgate.
- Bring folding tables and chairs: This will give you a place to sit and eat.
- Bring a trash can: This will help you keep your tailgate space clean.
- Be respectful of your neighbors: Don’t play loud music or block their view of the game.
- Have fun! Tailgating is a great way to celebrate game day with friends and family.
By following these tips, you can throw an epic tailgate party that everyone will enjoy. Feel free to customize and adapt these tailgate party ideas to fit your specific needs and preferences. The most important thing is to have fun and create lasting memories with your loved ones.
Tailgate Party Ideas You’ll Need for the Perfect Spread
There are so many great tailgate party ideas to consider before packing up your car or truck. Are you grilling? Bring a portable grill like THIS and all of the grilling accessories.
How will you keep food and beverages cold?
Bring a huge cooler like this to keep your drinks cold and food at safe temperatures. As an aside, we are huge Yeti fans here. I know they can be a little pricey, but they can keep food and beverages cold for DAYS! It’s a great thing to have at home, particularly if you have an extended power outage like we did during Superstorm Sandy. We were out of power for two weeks and that cooler kept food cold for a LONG TIME.
Don’t forget to bring some seating because it’s no fun to stand around for several hours and you’ll want something to sit in. I love these camping chairs. We’ve had them for several years. They even have cooler pockets.
If you host a tailgate party, you definitely want a pop-up tent. Not only will it keep you cool on a hot day, but it will protect you from inclement weather AND help define your party space.
Is it going to be cool weather? Bring a team blanket. There are lots of different teams you can choose from too.
If it looks like rain, pack some umbrellas, ponchos, and other foul weather gear items. To pass the downtime, bring some games like cornhole. And of course, a football to toss around!
Packing the Essentials
Use this list as a starting point so you remember to bring everything you need for your tailgate party.
- portable grill
- basting brush
- grill brush
- grill tools
- cooler
- folding table
- camping chairs
- table cloth
- plates
- cups
- napkins
- hand wipes
- utensils
- ice
- bottled water
- garbage bags for easy cleanup
- cornhole or other fun game
- football
- blankets
- foul weather gear (check weather)
- pop up tent
And that’s it!!! Have fun at your tailgate party!
Final Thoughts: Tailgate Like a Champion
As die-hard Ohio State and NY Giants fans, we know the thrill of a tailgate party. Every year, we gather with friends and family, decked out in our team colors, ready to celebrate the game day spirit. From the sizzle of burgers on the grill to the cheers erupting during a cornhole match, tailgating has become a cherished tradition that brings us closer together.
I hope these tailgate party ideas inspire you to create your own unforgettable experiences. Whether you’re cheering on the Buckeyes or the Giants, remember that the heart of a tailgate lies in the shared moments of joy and camaraderie. So gather your crew, fire up the grill, and let the good times roll!
Go Bucks! Go Big Blue!
Have you been to any tailgate parties yet this year? Will you host one? I would love to know more in the comments below.
Thank you so much for following along.
Enjoy a beautiful day! xo
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Follow the Rest of the Tailgate Party Dinner Group Tour
My friends from supper club have some amazing tips, tricks, and tailgating party ideas that you’ve got to see! So be sure to check each one out by clicking on the photo with the blog name below.
