Sharing is caring!

If you are planning a tailgate party, being prepared is one of the essential components of making it successful. We love tailgating and have done it many times over the years. This post contains affiliate links.

We love football and today I have put together a list of things that are helpful in planning a tailgating party.

Planning A Tailgate Party

Deciding Where to Tailgate

First, it is important to know the rules of the stadium where you are planning to tailgate. Many have very strict guidelines on what you can bring/cook/drink at your tailgating location. Most tailgating spots are usually in the parking lot or a nearby park. Check the website of the stadium you will be going to and read the policies carefully.

Tailgating Menu Ideas

Once you have determined how many people you are expecting, you will want to plan your menu accordingly. Depending on the regulations of the venue, you can make it an easy menu with sandwiches and pre-prepared food, or go all out with a barbecue or smoker. Personally, I feel that make-ahead foods were made for tailgating. Potlucks are also a good idea at these parties so that you do not have to be responsible for the entire menu. Check out our suggested recipes below.

Tailgating Decorations

Below are some fun decorative items to include in your tailgating space. Some of these are also great for football viewing parties too. (These are affiliate links that help support the running of this site at no extra cost to you. We appreciate your support) Part of tailgating is relaxing and enjoying time spent with friends and family so it is good to have a few activities available.

1. Amscan Football Frenzy Birthday Party Hanging Lanterns
2. Football Stadium Chip And Dip Sports Serving Set
3. Game Day Football Tablecover
4. Football Goal Post Centerpieces
5. rel = “no follow”All American Football BBQ Set
6. 12 Inflatable FOOTBALL Beach Balls
7. Game Day Table Runner
8. Inflatable Football Target Set
9. 50-Pack Game Day Football Picks for Parties
10. Football Shaped Plastic Tray
11. NFL Rush Zone Game
12. Football Face Tattoos – 6 Sheets
13. Football Frenzy Birthday Party Large Bowl
14. NFL Football Game, Superbowl and Birthday Party Supplies – Paper Plates, Napkins, Cups
15. Football Frenzy Dinner Plates Party Accessory 50 piece
16. Football Frenzy Birthday Party Large Plastic Serving Tray
17. Pin The Ball Football Game
18. Football Disposable Cups
19. Touchdown Spreader
20. Bamboo Football Shaped Bamboo Serving Board
21. Sports Field Runner
22. Football Pinata
23. Football – Party Favor Popcorn Boxes
24. Inflatable Football Buffet Cooler for Parties
25. Football Party Supply Pack for 25 Guests
26. Football Balloon Bouquet Set
27. Referee Restroom Door Cover for Parties
28. Football Stress Balls
29. Football Inflatable Buffet
30. Football Door Cover

Tailgate Party Food Ideas

Depending on what kind of heating elements will be available, here are a few suggestions for fun and tasty tailgating items.

Clockwise from Top: Glazed Chicken Wings

Football Cereal Treats

Creamy Macaroni Salad

Blue Cheese & Chive Dip

Chorizo and Green Pepper Dip

Fruity Iced Tea

Tailgate Party Planning Checklist

I have kept a list of items that are essential to planning a tailgate party and made a printable checklist for you. You may not need everything on here, but it has a lot of what you will likely need.

Have you been to a tailgate party recently?