Although it’s technically still summer, football season is upon us. NFL regular season games begin on September 5, and college football season officially kicks off on Saturday, August 24. That means tailgating season is upon us. A football tailgate party is a time-honored tradition where you can gather with loved ones and enjoy great food before the big game. Everyone has a slightly different idea of the perfect pregame party, but there are certain things to keep in mind when throwing a tailgate party, like a no-fuss portable speaker and a mega cooler to keep everything at the right temperature.
Here are some of the essentials you’ll need to host a successful football tailgate party this year.
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At its core, tailgating is about having fun and entertaining, but there is a lot of effort that goes into this gathering, so “it helps to prepare as much as possible in advance,” says Lucinda Scala Quinn, chef, founder of Mad Hungry and author of Food for game day. That means planning your menu ahead of time and stocking up on the right grill for your needs, a large cooler, a roomy folding table for tailgating snacks, sturdy cutlery, and more. If it happens to be in your team’s colors, all the better. Remember, tailgating season is just days away and many others have similar plans. Whether you plan to host at home or at the game, stock up on these tailgating essentials while you still can.
The essentials for the tailgate at a glance
Disposable dinnerware is definitely an option for parties, but it’s often not particularly sturdy and needs to be purchased new for each game. This 32-piece set from Teivio is reusable and designed for outdoor use. The plates and bowls look like ceramic but are shatterproof, making them a great choice for enthusiastic guests. One of our favorite sets, this outdoor dinnerware set includes deep bowls that are perfect for chili or your favorite soup recipe. When the fun is over, just throw these in the dishwasher to get them clean before the next game.
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Portable gas grill Weber Traveller
Good food is the centerpiece of any tailgate party, so a portable grill is a must. The Weber Traveler can accommodate 15 burgers at once, making it ideal for guests. It also folds almost flat and rolls around when not in use. The small attached side table is perfect for preparing or storing your favorite beverage. The whole thing is powered by a 16-ounce gas cartridge, but there’s also the option to hook it up to a larger tank if you plan on doing long grilling sessions.
Academy Sports + Outdoor
The Magellan Pro is a massive cooler at a moderate price, which is why our testing found it to be the best cooler you can buy. This cooler has a 45-quart capacity, which should be plenty for your tailgating needs. The cooler also has thoughtful features that make tailgating easier, including a flip-up handle for transporting, puncture-proof wheels, and dividers to separate your gear. The top is sturdy enough to be used as a small table or seat if needed. Choose from five color options, with orange on sale now for $150.
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Best Choice Products Pop Up Canopy Tent
A pop-up canopy tent can protect you from the elements while securing you a spot on the grass or asphalt. This Best Choice tent is a fan favorite thanks to its relatively low price and easy assembly. The tent locks and breaks down with a central button and features a storage bag on wheels for easy transport, so you don’t need a whole team to set it up. Enjoy 100 square feet of shade in this 10′ x 10′ tent, although it’s also offered in an 8′ x 8′ variant if you prefer something smaller. Made from a mix of steel and polyester, this tent is built to last, and with 22 colors to choose from, you’re sure to find a tent that matches your favorite team.
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Beosound A1 (2nd generation) portable Bluetooth speaker from Bang & Olufsen
When you’re hosting, playing trending music through your tiny phone speaker isn’t ideal. This wireless speaker from Bang & Olufsen syncs with your phone and offers 18 hours of playtime on a single charge. Our tests found that this speaker is incredibly lightweight but delivers surprising bass and excellent clarity. It’s also waterproof in case you get stuck in a sudden storm. The attached strap lets you attach it to your tent or table to save space.
The folding table lets you display your food, but they often look cheap. Plus, investing in a budget version comes with the risk of having to replace it later. This chic option from Frontgate is made from weatherproof wicker that’s mold and mildew resistant, combining style and function. The table folds flat when not in use, making it easy to store in the trunk of your vehicle. A nice added bonus: This table comes with a 10-year structural warranty, so you can enjoy it for at least the next decade.
You want your drinking glasses to be as sturdy as your dishes, especially when you’re outdoors. Made from a molded copolymer, these glasses from Pottery Barn have a durable construction that can withstand being pulled out for each game and put away. The glasses – which come in four colors – also feature pearl nails for a chic look. When it’s time to clean up, just run them through the dishwasher.
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Simply Genius Mesh Food Covers, 6-Pack
Unfortunately, flies and other insects also like to party at the grill. These mesh food covers from Simply Genius are the perfect way to keep the critters away. Simply open them when you’re ready to use them and place them over your food. They’re see-through so your guests can see what’s underneath and roomy enough to cover a variety of dishes. They also fold flat so storage and transport are a breeze.
Hosting is hard work, but there’s still plenty of time to relax during a party. The Pacifica Rocking Camp Chair is designed for life on the go, so it’s easy to store in your trunk and pull out when you need it. The chair features a sturdy steel frame and a lightly padded back and seat for your comfort. For maximum comfort, there’s a mesh cup holder in the armrest. Check out even more of our favorite camp chairs to round out your seating.
A good tablecloth is the perfect way to boost team spirit while protecting the table underneath. Designed for outdoor use, this option from Sunbrella is built to last season after season. It’s made from acrylic to resist mildew, fading and stains, and makes cleanup a breeze. Choose from four shades in a bold stripe pattern.
What is a football tailgate party?
Basically, a football tailgate party is a social event where people get together before or after a big game. Food and drinks are usually served and these parties are usually held in a parking lot, although they can also be held on a grassy area. Tailgates are a big part of football culture, with some people hosting a tailgate before every game.
What is needed for a tailgate?
The answer to that is “very local,” says Quinn. “For me and my family, it’s slow-smoked ribs, grilled chicken wings, and sausages with peppers and onions in buns. In the winter months, it’s fun to have a bowl of chili simmering on a hot plate—prepared at home in advance.” In addition, she recommends chips and dip and “lots of cold beer.” The right equipment is also important, says Quinn, listing plates, napkins, ice, and a folding table as must-haves. “Music is also important for the overall mood,” says Malarkey. “It’s a great time to bring a portable speaker.” When deciding what you’ll need, think about the weather first—if it’s going to be hot or the weather is questionable, you’ll definitely want a pop-up tent, for example. After that, consider what kind of food and drinks you’ll serve, and go from there.
