Time for Tailgating

One of my favorite parts of the fall season is football. I love watching both college and NFL football and have been playing in a fantasy league for the last few years. The best part of watching a live football game is the pre-game tailgate parties outside the stadium. I enjoyed tailgating when I was a student at Florida State University where it felt like the whole town came together on game day.


The NFL holds its draft every spring and fantasy football teams hold drafts as well. What about holding a tailgate party draft to decide what to bring? Man Crates asked me to draft my tailgate essentials for a football tailgate. Man Crates is a new company that ships awesome gifts for the men in your life in custom wooden crates with various themes to choose from. I love the concept for customized gifts for hard to shop for men. I was given a $25 limit to draft my essentials for a great tailgate celebration with friends.

My tailgate line up:

1. Dogs/Burgers- Good food is key to any successful tailgate party. Burgers and hot dogs are classic football food and you can't go wrong with them.

2. Beer- What is a tailgate without a cold beer to go with your burger or hot dog? I would also include water and soda to the cooler as well. I'm originally from Florida where water is a necessity on those hot day games where the temperatures can still be high in October. Soda is a good option for those in the party who don't like to drink beer.

3. Football- While I don't tend to play a game at tailgates, I think you should always have a football on hand for spontaneous games between friends.

4. Face paint- Some of my fondest tailgate memories from my college days involve putting some spirited face paint on before the game. Getting your face painted in the team colors is a fun way to get into the football spirit.

5. Option Play- Sweets. I have a big sweet tooth and like bringing something like cupcakes (in team colors) to the tailgate to share with friends.

6. NFL Barware Crate- I love the team logo pint glasses that come in this Man Crate. You can show your team support throughout the year and it is a great addition to the tailgate with the snacks. You can never have too many snack options at a tailgate party.



What would you have in your tailgate lineup?