Game Plan for Tailgating

It’s back – one of the most anticipated seasons of the year – football season!

No matter what team you are rooting for, it’s always important to have a sure-fire game plan when you’re hosting your own parking lot party.

Here’s a list of tailgating tips to ensure your party makes a touchdown every time:

- Let your guests know the theme of your party is “Pre-Game Potluck.” This is a great way to have friends contribute to your festivities so you have a variety of food options and you don’t spend all day at the grill.

- As the host, arrive early enough on game day so you can park in your team’s designated lot or in the surrounding neighborhood.

- Set up your corner of the lot with folding tables, beach or lawn chairs, disposable linens and balloons or banner in your team’s colors. This makes your party easy to spot as guests look for parking.

- Bring a boom box, radio or mini TV to add some party music or to help your guests catch all the pre-game action.


- Prepare for the elements: pack extra blankets for your guests if it’s chilly or sunscreen and extra sunglasses if it’s a scorcher.


- Designate one table for your football food, set up another table with fan favors: face paints, team tumblers, temporary tattoos, poster board and markers to make signs.


- Pack disposable plates, napkins, cups and utensils in your team’s colors.


- Remember that a child’s plastic football helmet may double as a festive bowl for chips or popcorn!


- Bring bags of ice in a rolling cooler and tie a bottle opening to it’s handle.

- Beer is a staple, but make sure you include bottles of water or lemonade for other beverage options.


- Make some boozy "Potluck Punch!" It’s easy, simply clean and fill a small cooler with ice and your favorite mixer (fruit punch, margarita mix, or something in your team’s colors). Have guests bring a bottle of booze to add to the mixer and serve it directly from the spigot on the side.


- Pack disposable garbage bags for trash and recycling.



- Be a good neighbor. The fans parked next to you should be invited to join your festivities as well!

If you’re feeling more like a fan than a host, let One Hour Parties help you out. We can devise a plan for decorations and even deliver food and beverages worth rooting for! Check out our signature Punch Buckets and Team Party for easy fun and all our great appetizer and buffets for game time grub.