The Fine Art of Tailgating

It’s official: football season is here. Tailgating is a great way to revel in game day excitement, but more importantly, it is the perfect chance to entertain without having to clean your house. The key to success is to huddle up and pre-plan your event:

Décor & More
Just because you are in a parking lot does not mean you can’t decorate!

- Your team colors can be tied into every aspect of the decor. Cover your table with a solid table cloth in your team’s primary color and then offset it up with a table runner in your team’s secondary color or jazz it up with some funky placemats. Compliment the table with coordinating cups, napkins, utensils and a great new tailgating accessory: plastic plates with built in cup-holders! Add some sparkle to your tent by hanging strings of party lights powered by a portable generator. And the finishing touch: a simple floral centerpiece in your team’s colors.

- Flying a flag on a very high pole makes your tailgate location easily identifiable from the far reaches of the parking lot. Instead of spending $175 on a flagpole kit, you can purchase a telescoping window washing extension pole for about $20 from stores like Bed, Bath & Beyond. They extend to up to 15 feet and you can use zip ties to attach your flag.

- If it’s going to be a windy game, use the 3D Photoframe to keep your napkins, plates and tablecloth from blowing all over the place. Put up to three photos of you and your friends from your college days inside and the invisible mirrors inside the crystal cube will create a cool 3D illusion. You can switch in new photos before each game.

Tailgate Tools

- What would a tailgate be with out hot dogs? Now you can scorch your team's logo right into the side of your hot dogs or brats with the Grill Mounted Hot Dog Branding Iron. Simply set the portable grill topper onto your existing grill rack, place the hot dog on top, and voila – edible team spirit!




- Just because it’s 5 below and you can’t feel your toes, does not mean it’s time to pack up the tailgate. The 3-in-1 Cushion / Blanket / Poncho has a patented heated seating surface and it converts from a stadium cushion to a fleece lined windproof blanket to a hooded poncho with kangaroo pouch warmer in just seconds.

- Treat your tailgaters to gourmet pizza right in the parking lot! The ZaGrill Pizza Cooker is created especially for barbecue grills. It’s unique design prevents burning and ensures a crisp crust and evenly melted cheese. And the non-stick surface means that even gooey cheese messes clean up easily and quickly.

Featured Recipe
The best tailgating food are creative, quick, and tasty. With buffalo wing dip, you get the great taste of wings but without the mess.

BUFFALO WING DIP
Ingredients
2 8oz packages of cream cheese, softened
¾ cup Frank’s Red Hot sauce
1 cup Ranch or Bleu Cheese salad dressing
2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
1 cup shredded Cheddar cheese

Directions
1. In a mixing bowl, combine the cream cheese and hot pepper sauce and mix until well blended. 2. Stir in the salad dressing, chicken, and Cheddar Cheese.
3. Spread into a casserole dish.

This dip can be served cold or hot (bake it at 350 degrees for 30 minutes) with tortilla chips, crackers or veggies.

For more great event planning tips, visit www.detailsbykellymiller.com