As football kicks up again, backyard tailgates are back in action, too! After more than a year of social distancing, though, some hosts may be a bit out of practice. If you’re hoping to host a winning backyard tailgate bash this year, you may want a refresher on some best practices.
Put safety first
Whether you’re firing up the grill, dusting off the trampoline, or assembling the guest list, keep safety top of mind. After all, nothing derails a fun afternoon like an accident!
Before the big day, be sure to run through a safety checklist (Safewise, 2020). Then, remember to follow sanitization best practices, double-check the internal temperature of cooked meats, have a fire extinguisher and first aid kit on hand, establish a designated driver, and have plenty of sunscreen and water for everyone.
Check the weather
Speaking of the sun, you may want to check and re-check the weather leading up to the event. Depending on your location, fickle weather patterns could certainly rain on your parade.
If rain is in the forecast, be sure to have adequate shelter nearby or an easily implemented plan to take the party indoors. On the other hand, if high temperatures and intense sun are likely, you may want a pergola or tent for any guests who might overheat. That way, come rain or shine, you’re sure to be prepared for the best backyard tailgate party on the block.
Set the scene
Next, you’ll want to make sure your backyard space is up to snuff. Repair pavers, finish installing that deck, put in a fire pit, or string some lights across the patio. Of course, don’t forget to pull those last few weeds and give the lawn a fresh mow.
Once the space is looking competitive, you can dress it up in your team’s colors (Home Depot). Whether you opt for banners, tablecloths, koozies, flowers, or dishware and napkins, festive decor always wins.
Put food out
No tailgate would be complete without a selection of game-day snacks! Of course, grilling is a classic choice (Southern Living). You can’t go wrong with burgers, hot dogs, or chicken, but adding fruit, vegetables, and other unexpected options will satisfy even the pickiest of eaters (Epicurious, 2017).
If you want to get a bit more creative, football-themed snacks are always a hit (Delish, 2019). Go the extra yard with a pepperoni football, pigskin in a blanket, or football-shaped sugar cookies.
Get competitive
Before the party, consider setting up a ‘guess the score’ game. Players can submit their bets ahead of time, and the winner could receive a fun, football-themed prize. A jersey, custom trophy, or stadium chair cushion might go over well.
If watching the action from the couch isn’t quite enough, you could also consider adding some fun outdoor games for guests (Martha Stewart, 2021). Perhaps put together a flag football match, set out cornhole boards, or suggest a friendly game of horseshoes.
This year, with just a bit of planning and some best practices, you can host a winning backyard tailgate bash. Whether you opt for football-shaped cookies, cornhole or festive koozies, your event is sure to be a touchdown!
Published on September 13, 2021
