What makes a good tailgate

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Bee's Knees Shandy. Buff Strickland. Texas-Style Pimento Cheese. Vegetable Kebabs with Lemon-Scallion Vinaigrette. Kana Okada. Turkey Chili. Chunky Tomato Salsa. Herbed Goat Cheese Dip. Chorizo-and-Manchego Crostini. These bite-size toasts will fly right off the platter. Mini BLTs. Bloody Mary. Pack plastic containers and aluminum foil to preserve any leftover food or snacks, and have a permanent marker ready to label each container.

Keep hand sanitizer, wet wipes, paper towels and garbage bags on hand as well to help make cleanup a breeze. Start each gameday off right with these must-have tailgating items. Skip to content. So, where should you start?

If you prefer to keep up with games around the league, use the speaker to project broadcasts of various games from your smartphone. Plan your day in advance to ensure you have enough tailgating time.

You want to arrive early to get a good spot. Coordinate with your fellow tailgaters, so everyone shows up at the same time to get spots together.

Keep in mind setting up takes time. You also need time to clean up all your tailgating items and make it into the gates and to your seat before kickoff. A good rule of thumb is to show up about four hours before kickoff.

This arrival time lets you set up everything at a leisurely pace and socialize with all your fellow tailgaters. Coordinate your activities, so the food hits the plates around two hours before game time. Check out the parking lot options.

You may find the restrictions vary by location. Another consideration is the proximity of the parking lot to the stadium. Make sure everyone is on the same page when it comes to location. Once you arrive, scope out the available spots. Look for a prime spot right next to a grassy area, so you can extend the fun with plenty of space on soft grass. Proximity to restrooms, the stadium or other facilities is also a bonus. Fall means cooler temperatures, along with unpredictable weather.

Check the forecast as game day nears, so you know how to dress and what to bring. High winds can also make grilling a challenge. As the season progresses, you may find it necessary to load up on warm coats, long underwear and blankets to stay warm. Choose a look that works for you to show your team spirit.

You can also show your allegiance in the way you decorate your tailgating area. Hang pennants, banners, and flags sporting the team logo. Once you arrive, figure out how to set up all your tailgating gear. The best tailgate setup ideas maximize space to keep your crew comfortable with plenty of room to spread out and enjoy your time.

Arriving early with your whole gang gives you your choice of spots. Start by claiming your space. Position your vehicle as far forward as possible to maximize your tailgate spot. Define your area using tables, chairs and other large items. If you have multiple vehicles parked next to one another, form an outer perimeter spanning all of the vehicles.

Your physical boundaries keep your tailgating neighbors from poaching some of your ground. Consider the direction of the wind. Keep the grill away from flammable objects and from the main flow of traffic, so no one accidentally touches the hot grill. Position tables, chairs, coolers, tents and trash containers to make them easily accessible while still allowing for traffic flow.

Keeping those items around the perimeter gives you more space in the middle to congregate. This hearty breakfast casserole will be the star of your next morning tailgate. Prep it the night before and bake just before heading out to the game. Set your slaw apart by throwing the greens on the grill first for a charred alternative to a plain old mayo-based salad.

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