Perfect Portable Tailgating Tips

You need the right gear, a little preparation and friends; lots of friends. Thats the recipe for a good time!

So you’re tailgating in the true sense of the word! That means considering all the tricks to make the most of your time and the best use of the back of that truck so you have all that you need.

Party with power and rock your tailgate party all game day long whether is rainy out or the sun is shining Keep a toolbox (how genius is that?) packed with tailgate essentials like spatulas, lighter, matches, skewers, flippers etc., in the trunk of your car you’re ready on a whim with the tools and just have to prep the essentials.

Here’s a list of a few essential items that will make tailgating easier

• Tent for possible inclement weather
• Portable music system
• Portable beverage cooler
• Tailgating grill
• Chairs

Pack your cooler properly. Start with a clean cooler and make sure to use water tight reusable containers to store your food items. On the bottom of the cooler should be your cans and bottles so they’ll stay cooler longer. Add a layer of ice over the drinks and food containers and let the ice get in between the crevices surrounding the items and keeping them cool.

If you chill everything before it goes in the cooler it will will stay fresher longer. Place any bagged items on the top of that ice layer and make sure the cooler is packed to the top so no warm air gets in.

Pack your meat the night before. Skewer the kabobs, layer the burgers in waxed paper and place in foil trays and do the same for burger condiments. This saves valuable time and clean up after preparation is already done before you arrive!

Pack your condiments like the roadhouses do. Fill a six pack holder with your favourite hot sauces and other condiments and they are easily transportable.

Make sure to bring extra charcoal or an extra tank of propane. Bring two sets of tongs (one for taking out the raw meat, one for everything else).

Make clean up easy by bringing a large plastic tub to haul back dirty dishes and bring a metal bucket is you are using charcoal so you have something safe to dump the hot charcoal into.

If you’re not fortunate enough to have a tailgater and a portable hand sink you can improvise by using a large, empty laundry detergent container for hand wash ups with a bucket underneath and hang a roll of paper towels on a bungee cord from tent struts.

For easy access to dips, cut up vegetables, shredded cheeses etc., make use of those old coffee carriers for take out coffee. Put a clear plastic cup in each corner filled with the snack or dip items!

A good way to support the team and have an easy treat….make jello shots in your teams colours!

Enjoy the game, the weather and your friends! Be organized. Make your plans to arrive about four hours before the game starts. If you plan on eating two hours before the game you will have plenty of time to set up and clean up!