Creating the Perfect Tailgate
College football is nothing short of my favorite time of the year. I've been going to Husky football games since I was an infant and I have no interest in ever stopping. The older I get, the more I pay attention to other teams, who's playing on them, and how their season is going. But overall, it's Huskies or die.
A significant part of Husky football is Husky tailgating. I realize there are schools that tailgate big - any team in the SEC comes to mind - but I guarantee we have more fun.
We plan a tailgate with and for friends but we always end up with more people dropping in, stopping by, and having a drink. To make sure we have food for anyone that stops by, we make loads of food and bring extra chips, dips, and peanuts so there's something for everyone.
These tailgate sandwiches are my favorite things to make & serve. It's so simple to make ahead of time and then transfer into an insulated bag to keep warm during the drive. You can stuff them with literally anything! If you have children at your tailgate, try basic pizza toppings or just cheese. If it's all adults, add spicy peppers and loads of meats.
These are also good when they've cooled and it's the end of the game and you're camped out at your car since the traffic is so bad and there's no reason to leave yet.
I get that decorating for a tailgate is maybe a little "over the top." But really?? It's a party! Let's make it fun. Choose wipeable fabrics to cover the tables and top them with trays in your team colors. Or, if you want to be really fun, trim an old poster to fit into a frame and have a piece of glass or plastic cut to fit into the tray. Fun fact :: My cousin is in the poster fit into the tray above.
Finally, don't forget your supplies. There is nothing worse than a bottle of wine and no wine opener. Grab a box and load it with paper napkins, wine bottle openers, salt & pepper, silverware, a sharp knife and anything else you might need that you only think of when you are already there.
