How to Plan the Perfect Tailgating Party

	Food and Entertaining

You've probably heard the saying, "Nothing is more American than apple pie." Well, the same could be said about bonding with friends, family and your fellow football fans at a tailgate party.

These informal gatherings have a long history in American culture, dating back to the very first college football game between Rutgers and Princeton in 1869. Today tailgating is a part of most athletic events, especially college and pro football, whose seasons are in full swing right now.

So what's the key to putting on a party to remember? The four "Fs" of course - friends, food, family and football - and following the advice of the self proclaimed Commissioner of Tailgating. Here are Joe Cahn's top ten tips for a successful tailgating party:

1. Make a list of items you want to bring along and check them off as you pack.

You'll need paper products, utensils, a small first aid kit, trash bags, water and damp towels in plastic baggies to clean hands and dirty faces. And don't forget the most important thing - the grill.

Rather than trying to pack up your backyard grill, now would be a good time to invest in one specifically for tailgating. The Weber Baby Q Portable Gas Grill is small enough to carry under your arm, but with a 189-square-inch cooking surface, offers plenty of room to grill.

You'll also need a convenient way to serve the food. While some people simply rely on paper plates and napkins, you can really wow the crowds by having a Plate Caddy for each of your guests. The device allows you to hold a plate (up to 12 inches in diameter), drink, napkin and eating utensils, all in the palm of one hand.

2. Plan your menu and do prep work a day or two before the game. Keep the menu simple and pack prepared food in disposable containers.

3. Plan to arrive 3 to 4 hours early and stay 1 to 2 hours after the game.

4. Find a good place to park. By arriving early, you should be able to set up camp at the end of an aisle, or near a grassy spot where you will have more room to spread out.

Bring along a table and chairs so everyone can be comfortable. Browse the new Web site, www.tailgatingbasics.com, to find the perfect set. The 4-Foot Roll Up Table they offer is 48-inches long and 28-inches wide, large enough to comfortably seat six. It features a heat-tolerant aluminum table surface and a lightweight, rustproof aluminum frame that folds compactly and stores in its own carry bag for transport and compact storage.

Of course you want everyone at the party to be comfortable, so recommend they bring along their own chairs. As guests arrive, you can kick back in the lap of luxury in your Deluxe Beaten Steel Recliner. Sleek, ergonomic armrests accent this folding recliner that offers infinite comfort adjustment from fully upright to fully reclined with just a twist of the easy-grip side tension knobs. Weather-resistant black honeycomb fabric covers the seating surface and the removable pillow that supports your head, knees or back.

5. Dress in team colors.

6. Decorate your tailgating site with team pennants and other team stuff.

7. Fly a flag on a high pole so your friends can find you.

8. Meet your tailgate neighbors, throw the football with friends, read the Sunday paper and have a good time! Note: If attending a Thursday or Saturday game, substitute appropriate newspaper.

9. Make sure food is ready 1 1/2 hours before the game starts. This is plenty of time for those going to the game to eat, clean up and extinguish fires.

10. Leave the area clean. Begin thinking about food and friends for the next home game which will take place before you know it.

Copyright © 2006, ARA Content