When it comes to tailgating, I've got a few years of experience under my belt. When my husband and I first started going to games, it was a simple affair: pre-made sandwiches, bag of chips w/dip, fruit in a tupperware container and a full cooler of bevvies. Put up a small table and two tailgate chairs behind the car, and we were set. And there's absolutely nothing wrong with that.
But now, it's a four-tent affair with chafing dishes, ceramic platters, and a cooler full of bevvies (cause that can't be improved upon). Luckily, there's another person in our group that does the "heavy-lifting," so to speak (tents, tables, chairs), but I thought I would impart my knowledge about what I consider to be some helpful items to bring to the tailgate to promote maximum game-day fun! Plus, I'm in a shopping mood, so I thought I'd have a little online window-shopping fun. It's a win/win!
A rolling cooler:
It is important that any cooler have a handle and wheels (sometimes you have ground to cover when reaching your designated tailgating spot). And when a cooler is full of ice, beer, soft drinks and, in my case, sparking wine, it can get VERY HEAVY! Here are some great options:
http://www.walmart.com/ip/Igloo-28-Quart-Island-Breeze-Roller-Cooler/16606377
http://www.dickssportinggoods.com/product/index.jsp?productId=20545086 (Coleman 50 qt rolling cooler)
Beverage Dispenser:
You might think this is a bit over the top. But seriously, a good plastic beverage dispenser (glass is beautiful & nice, but heavy and can break) will take up the same space as bottled waters, is less heavy, and more environmentally conscious. Instead of a case of water bottles, all you need it two gallon jugs of water and some ice. Here's the one I own:
http://www.bedbathandbeyond.com/product.asp?SKU=18746220 (although I got mine from Sam's Club)
Similar one - http://www.samsclub.com/sams/3-gal-beverage-disp/prod8440054.ip (they apparently changed brands - see above).
There are some dispensers that don't have a stand, but I find the stand makes it easier to dispense & prevents any potential falling-off-the-table scenario. Fill it with water, ice, & lemons, and people will flock to it. Plus, it keeps everyone hydrated during those brutal September gamedays (especially when adult bevvies are also being consumed). It's also great for lemonade (or sangria,but make sure to tell the kids its off limits!). However, if you already have a dispenser without a stand, Pottery Barn has some awesome dispenser stands.
A Sharpie marker:
I know you're thinking "What?!" but how many times have you put your solo cup down at a party, then turn around to find three others just like it sitting in close proximity. Ugh! Mark your cup with a name or initial, and you'll save throwing out a drink or cup - how wasteful! Plus, what if you run into a player or coach that you admire, you have a Sharpie and might get that autograph you've been wanting! Another option: Buy plastic cups you can personalize. Fun idea! http://www.solopromotion.com/my-solo-cup.shtml )
Speaking of cups, the most crucial tailgating item .....
Plastic Cups:
Thanks to tailgaters everywhere (and Toby Keith), plastic cups have never been more popular. They come in all crazy colors and sizes, but when tailgating, it's important to stick to traditional school colors. For me, it's red and blue, but for you LSU folks, they always have gold and even purple, occasionally. (Note to Auburn & Oklahoma State fans, stock up during Halloween for your orange cups! I'd say Texas too, but I'd probably get schooled on the difference between orange & burnt orange.)
Another way to make your tailgate a notch above is to get personalized cups for gameday. I personally love styrofoam (I know, I know - "What about the environment Kitty?!") but they keep drinks colder longer and keep your drinks from getting watered down. It's a trade-off. You can even order different cups for each game! They're pricer but let's face it, they're pretty cool and people will be impressed for sure!
For you other Ole Miss fans: http://www.themississippigiftcompany.com/ole-miss-foam-cups.aspx
I just bought these from a local vendor; my usual online site is sold out. But I'm sure they have them in Oxford somewhere.
For personalized cups, I like Paper House Online. http://www.paperhouseonline.com/products.php?category_id=58 It costs about $1 per cup.
Rain gear:
Sadly, Mother Nature doesn't always provide us with blue skies and 70 degree weather, damn her. So don't let a little shower ruin your gameday experience. Unfortunately, umbrellas in a tailgating crowd is not ideal, so here are some ways to stay dry, stay stylish, and keep on partying and cheering.
Trenchcoats are great and look fantastic. They are also good for those dry, crisp autumn afternoons as well. Here's a couple I love:
http://www.target.com/p/merona-women-s-trench-coat-assorted-colors/-/A-14277720#prodSlot=medium_1_4
This one is very chic!
http://www.zappos.com/dkny-double-breasted-trench-w-contrast-sleeve-pearl?zfcTest=fcl%3A0
We got caught in a downpour during a game on a couple of occasions & head-to-toe raingear saved my sanity. However, my rain jacket is old & not as waterproof as it could be so I won't recommend the brand. There are numerous brands (North Face, Columbia, Patagonia) that sell quality waterproof gear. I would recommend checking out your local sporting goods/hunting store too (Bass Pro Shops, etc.) & don't be afraid to look in men's wear. They usually have more stuff like that and, personally, I'm always thrilled to buy something in small/medium for a change! And make sure it has a hood! Speaking of keeping your head dry, totes-isotoner makes some really cute rain hats. This black & white one is adorable:
http://www.totes-isotoner.com/product/totes-black-tie-rain-hat-mtr.do?sortby=ourPicks (They also have a waterproof fedora for men - so chic!)
Rain boots are also necessary for navigating rain & muddy grassy areas (like the Grove!) These are gorgeous and only $65!
http://www.zappos.com/chooka-top-solid-navy?zfcTest=fcl%3A0
These Pelican (navy scarf print) rain boots from Sperry are fabulous! (And are on sale at Zappos for $53!) http://www.sperrytopsider.com/store/SiteController/sperry/home
Tote bag:
You need something to carry the cups, Sharpie, hat (always bring a cap/hat!), jacket/poncho, straws, etc. in right? Land's End has the best totes, and you can find them on sale a couple of times during the year. Plus, they can be personalized. I love mine! This is one is large and has a zipper top - nothing falling out when you're trying to navigate crowds! http://www.landsend.com/products/large-natural-zip-top-canvas-tote-bag/id_232444
My boss just bought this one for Ole Miss games. It's perfect for those drizzly days as it's made from a water-resistant material. http://www.desden.com/Shopper-Tote-Ole-Miss-p/1050mis.htm (This site also has merchandise for a lot of college schools. It's a great shopping source for gameday totes!)
This is a great lightweight one from L.L. Bean that can be folded up when not in use & comes in lots of colors. And it's only $24.95. http://www.llbean.com/llb/shop/78927?feat=677-GN1&page=everyday-lightweight-tote
As far as the rest of the tailgating checklist, a tent and a few tailgate chairs can be easily purchased at your local warehouse store or Wal-Mart. Plus, you'll need napkins (again, school colors or personalized are great!), paper plates, cutlery (don't forget serving pieces!). And not to plagarize Chicago Tribune columnist, Mary Schmich, but pack & wear sunscreen! (No, it wasn't Kurt Vonnegut! http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wear_Sunscreen)
Oh, and don't worry, I haven't forgotten about food and serving platters/bowls. That's just another post...or two...or three! Now, get to shopping & planning! There's only five weeks to go!
