We know tailgates usually happen at stadium parking lots, but you can throw a tailgate party at home that’s just as exciting. Throwing a tailgate party at home is the perfect way to cheer on your favorite team with your friends and family. You get to save money on tickets, provide more menu options, and have easy access to a clean bathroom. 😉
We’ve gathered some pointers on how to host a fun tailgate party, including the best game-day hosting tips and delicious snacks and apps to make for game day.
How to Create a Game-Day Atmosphere at Home
Creating the right game-day atmosphere is key to hosting a successful tailgate at home. Pumping your space full of team spirit is easy. Decorating your home for the big game can be as simple as color-coordinating all of your tailgate materials with your favorite team’s colors. Provide napkins, plasticware, tablecloths, and even food the same color as your team’s jerseys.
If you want to deck your house out with huge banners, big centerpieces, and other team-themed decorations, go for it! Enjoy making signs, hanging posters, blaring artificial crowd noises, and whatever else you want to do to make your house feel more like a stadium packed with dedicated fans.
Regardless of how you choose to decorate your space for game day, there is one crucial detail you need to prepare before your tailgate guests arrive — make sure you get the channel the game is on!
Strategize Your Spread
Aside from the game, food is the main event at a tailgate. If you want to throw a tailgate party that will be talked about for years, you’ve got to have a championship-worthy spread. While you’re not required to have a tailgate theme, it can be fun to center your food selections around a theme like a burger bar or wing night. Once you know your theme, you can pick a menu that matches.
Party Snack Ideas
Buffalo chicken flatbread: Elevate your typical game-day pizza
Chicken cordon bleu sliders: Sliders are one of the ultimate snacks to make for tailgating. Easy to assemble and perfect for chowing on in between quarters.
Tex-Mex chicken burger bar: For a tailgate spread that’s a bit more substantial than sliders, consider setting up a Tex-Mex chicken burger bar. Guests will love getting to customize their own burger and you won’t have to worry about spending the whole game by the grill.
Chicken nugget charcuterie board: Make the charcuterie board trend tailgate-friendly with a chicken nugget charcuterie board! Everyone will love this unique twist on the traditional charcuterie board that features a variety of nuggets, tenders, fries, honey mustard, ranch dressing, and fresh fruits and veggies.
Keep your Guests Comfortable
Bring plenty of blankets to keep your tailgate guests warm after the sun starts to go down. Your guests may also get tired of standing so make sure you have some chairs on hand. A tent and some lighting could create a cool backyard vibe too.
Keeping your guests comfortable will ensure your tailgate is a hit. Bonus points if your blankets and chairs incorporate your team’s colors.
J&J is here to help with your Tailgate Party!
Consider renting from J&J Tent and Party Rentals. Check out our custom tents, tables, chairs, lighting options, and more!
