Let's get ready for some Terrific Tailgating!

I am getting ready to kickoff a "Terrific Tailgate" to celebrate all things football, college and professional. There is nothing better then a good football game, good friends, and great food!

My husband is from MN. So of course, we are Minnesota Viking fans! Yes, Brett Favre is a dirty word in our house. My husband still has a few choice words for Favre over losing a trip to the Super Bowl. I swear Favre is like the Energizer Bunny, now that he is back for another year. The man just wont give it up.

Me, well it is a long standing tradition in my family to love all things Atlanta Falcons. Who doesn't love the underdog? The Falcons are one of those teams that can start out great, then just fall apart. I don't know that there will ever be any hope for them to be a winning team. Although, there was the 1998! They did make it to the Super Bowl for the first time! lol They beat the Vikings to get there, which did not sit well with my husband. Of course the Falcons did not win, but gosh darnit they tried! There is always hope, however they played New England on Thursday and found themselves on the losing end of 28-10.

For college football, we are kind of all over the place. We live knee deep in Carolina/Clemson country. But we show love to the Golden Gophers, FSU, and Ole Miss.

Whether you are at the game or watching it at home, all Terrific Tailgaters need a game plan. Here are a few of my favorite tips for making tailgating fun and less stressful for everyone.

I always like to make dishes that will feed a large group. I love to make tailgate chili. Soups and chili are great way to feed a crowd. It is wonderful, especially on those really cold days when everyone is bundled up for the game. You can also consider dishes like potato or pasta salads, even macaroni and cheese.

If you are tailgating with a large group, go pot luck. Ask everyone what they would like to bring. This way all of the cooking and cost is not solely on one person. You will also have a great variety of food. Make a list and share it with everyone, so each dish is different. Not everyone likes to cook. So assign those friends a job they will be comfortable with it. It could be helping with set up and clean up, or put several in charge of drinks.

Shop together! Try and arrange for everyone to meet up to food shop and prep together. Consider it a pre tailgating party. Come prepared with your shopping list and meet up at your local Costco or Sams. Buying items bulk, such as meat, is a great way to help save money.
After your shopping trip, meet at a central location. You can start marinading meat or pre-make hamburger patties.

This is also a great time to check your master list and remind everyone of what to bring. Do you have enough containers? Are you grilling, do you need propane or charcoal for your grill? how many coolers do you need? It is always a good idea to have at least 2 large coolers. One for your meat or other items that need to be kept cool and one for drinks. Do you have enough paper products? (plates, cups, forks,napkins, etc.) Comfort items? ( chairs, blankets, small event tent, stadium cushions)

Stay organized and try not to get stressed out. The best part of tailgating is hanging out with your friends, eating great food, and enjoying some football.