Seven Time-Saving Tailgating Tips

Whether or not cool fall temperatures have arrived in your area, football season is here! It often includes tailgate meals with family, friends and fellow sports enthusiasts. Gathering together to share the comradery and the sport of the game is good medicine for the heart. As you keep traditions alive and create new memories, see below for seven ideas to make things run a little more smoothly before kickoff.

Grab and Go

By planning a ready to serve menu, you will spend a little more time in the kitchen before game day. However, the payoff during the festivities is big. Southern Living has a host of ideas; some are predictable but still winners, such as deviled eggs and potato salad, while others may surprise you. Refer to their slideshow for mini muffulettas, warm gumbo dip, chili cheese spread and more.

If you have a go-to game day dish, be sure to tweet me @dianegottsman, tag me on Instagram or post on my Facebook page.

Full Participation

In the spirit of group sports, don’t turn down offers from fellow guests who would like to bring a dish or drink to share with others. With a little coordination, you can ensure all food groups are covered, from appetizers to entrees, snacks and dessert. You’ll win a trophy for your coordination skills and everyone will be able to sample each other’s favorite football recipes. Your friends will enjoy knowing they played a part in a delicious feast.

Aside from the main course, you can never have enough drink and snack options. Delish has 13 tailgating cocktail ideas that may be helpful.

Pack Safely

Proper food safety and handling will give you peace of mind. It’s easy to send a small fortune on sturdy plastic ware. Visit your local dollar store and load up on disposables along with transport items you can wash and save. Whatever suits your lifestyle can be found for much less when you shop early. While you are at it, gather a few large insulated coolers to stack food and keep everything safe. Don’t forget to ask your friends if they have an extra before you go out and buy something new. Fill it with plenty of ice, and you are ready to go.

Think Stackable

If you are serving a signature beverage, go for stackable cups that won’t easily break. Crate + Barrel make stackable, acrylic wine glasses. If you’d rather not use disposable plates, melamine plates are stylish and durable. Pottery Barn has several options – you may be able to find your team’s colors.

Utilize Your Blankets

Gather your blankets and use them for warmth as well as function. Place them on the ground to sit, cover a cooler to use as a chair and throw a few over picnic tables to be used as table cloths.

Weather and Bug Smart

Your ideal setup should include shelter from the elements, relief from the bugs and comfortable seating (don’t forget the bug spray and sunscreen). There are an array of tailgating tarps and tents online. Some even hook onto your SUV and have a mesh lining to protect from flying pests. Refer to New York Magazine lists for their top five picks.

A Breezy Cleanup

Load up on plenty of trash bags and disinfectant wipes to assist with cleanup. For grilling tools and silverware, a small toolbox can be quite handy. As for the tents, tables and seating, the hope is that everything is easy to break down and store. Reusable dishes can be stored in large ziploc bags for easy washing at home, and plasticware and acrylic cups go back into your totes with blankets, nice and snug.

You may also like 10 Fall Home Updates. For more of Diane’s etiquette tips, read her posts on Inc., subscribe to her articles on Huff Post, “like” The Protocol School of Texas on Facebook, and follow her on Pinterest, Instagram and Twitter. Buy her new book, Modern Etiquette for a Better Life.