Get the Game Plan for a Terrific Tailgate Party

Plan ahead for easy parking lot picnicking

For starters, decide whether it’s pot luck or not (if so, divvy up the menu and keep a list of who’s bringing what). Check whether grilling is allowed, and what beverages can be brought on-site; some stadiums may restrict alcoholic drinks. Keep an eye on the weather, and have Plan B ready if dry skies aren’t forecast. Begin by packing the basics:

• Portable grill with a starter, charcoal or (preferably) propane
• Meat thermometer
• Knife, cutting board, eating and serving utensils
• Bottle opener, wine opener
• Condiments: ketchup, mustard, mayo, pickle relish
• Recyclable plates (paper or bamboo), paper or cloth napkins
• Collapsible chairs and/or table, table cloth
• Ice chest and ice (freeze bottles of water to pack less ice)
• Hand wipes, roll of paper towels
• Roll of plastic wrap and extra plastic containers for leftovers

Go simple so you can party too

When planning the menu, think easy-to-transport and easy-to-serve dishes that can be made a day or two in advance and served at room temperature. For green salads, toss with dressing just before serving. Appetizers, salads, and side dishes can follow a theme—Mexican, Thai—or be traditional picnic favorites. Standard picnic fare such as grilled burgers, sausages, London broil, and/or hot dogs make a terrific main dish. (Remember food safety rules and transport meat frozen or on ice at a temperature around 40°F.) And don’t forget dessert!

Here’s how much you need to cook for 10 guests (with some healthy substitution suggestions):

• 3 1/2 cups dip or salsa
• 60 appetizers (bite style)
• 3 pounds potatoes (for potato salad)
• 1 pound dry/uncooked pasta (for pasta salad)
• 2 to 3 heads of lettuce (for green salad)
• 20 hot dogs (try turkey or veggie)
• 4 pounds hamburger meat (try substituting 1 pound with a box or two of vegetarian burgers)
• 10 to 20 pieces of dessert

Featured players 

Starters

Dip into tasty starters, such as prepared salsa, hummus or babaganoosh with corn or pita chips:

• Easy Corn and Black Bean Salsa
• Super Creamy Deviled Eggs
• Garlic Herb Spread

Sidelines

Select transportable salads and side dishes, such as your favorite coleslaw, pasta or potato salad:

• Arugula and White Bean Salad
• Big Fat Greek Salad
• Couscous Salad

Sweet victory

Get ready to cheer with cake and cookies:

• Ginger Spice Cookies
• Peanut Butter Oatmeal Cookies
• Depression Cake