How to Throw a Great Tailgate Party

This weekend, my husband and I are off to Hampden-Sydney college, where tailgating is taken seriously. People dress up in bow ties and pearls, tablecloths are laid out, oysters are shucked, and everything is decked out in garnet and grey.

Last year we lived in Minnesota, so we missed football season in Virginia, which is making this year’s easy drive from Charlotte to Farmville feel really exciting. I love tailgating because I’m passionate about anything that brings people together and/or involves drinking wine outside and eating all day long.

In this blog, we will dive deep into the ultimate tailgate party ideas and tips for throwing the best tailgate party. But first, what even is a tailgate? 

What is a Tailgate Party? 

A tailgate party is all about celebrating game day with friends, family, and fellow fans before the big event. It usually happens in the parking lot of a stadium or arena, but you can set one up just as easily in your backyard or even at a local park. The essence of a tailgate is to enjoy great food, drinks, and camaraderie while showing off your team spirit. 

Typically, tailgates revolve around grilling up delicious food like burgers and hot dogs, mixing up refreshing drinks, and engaging in fun pre-game activities. It’s as much about the social experience as it is about preparing for the game. Whether you’re flipping burgers on the grill or enjoying a cold drink with friends, a tailgate party is the perfect way to get into the game-day spirit and make lasting memories. 

Setting Up Your Tailgating Space 

To get everyone pumped for the game, deck out your space with team colors and memorabilia. Think tablecloths in your team’s hues, banners fluttering in the breeze, and maybe even some fun, game-day-themed decorations like foam fingers or pennants. This is your chance to transform your tailgate area into a mini stadium, so go all out and let the team spirit shine! 

Make sure your guests have plenty of comfy spots to kick back and watch the game. Mix it up with a combination of folding chairs, picnic blankets, and maybe even some bean bags or inflatable seats if you’ve got the space. Aim for a setup that encourages mingling and lounging, so everyone can settle in, relax, and focus on enjoying the game and the company. 

Tailgating Food and Drinks 

For a stress-free tailgate, focus on easy-to-serve foods that keep your guests happy and well-fed. Stick to crowd-pleasers like chicken wings, chips, and veggie trays, which are simple to prepare and don’t require a lot of fuss. Here are some of the most common and popular foods to have at your tailgate party: 

• Chicken Wings: Always a hit, easy to eat with your hands, and great for sharing.  

• • Get our Korean Gochujang chicken wing recipe 

• Sliders: Mini burgers or sandwiches that are simple to grab and go. 

• Chips and Dip: Classic crowd-pleasers like tortilla chips with salsa, guacamole, or queso. 

• Hot Dogs: A staple that’s easy to cook and customize with a variety of toppings. 

• Pulled Pork: Delicious and easy to serve, especially if you have a slow cooker. 

• • Recipe: Pulled pork with blackberry Pinot BBQ sauce 

• Vegetable and Fruit Trays: Fresh, healthy options that provide a nice balance to heavier fare. 

• Cheese and Charcuterie: A selection of cheeses, meats, and crackers for a sophisticated touch. Check out our blog on how to make the perfect charcuterie board. 

• Mini Cupcakes or Brownies: Sweet treats that are easy to enjoy while mingling. 

Drink Selection 

A well-stocked cooler is key to a successful tailgate. Pack a variety of beverages, from sodas, wines, and beers to a couple of thermoses of hot drinks like cider for those cooler days.  

Wine to Complete Your Tailgate 

To make your tailgate even more memorable, consider adding some great wines to your drink selection. La Crema’s Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir and Chardonnay are excellent choices that pair well with a variety of tailgate foods. Their versatility and quality can elevate your spread, offering a bit of refinement alongside your casual fare. Having a couple of bottles on hand will ensure that you and your guests have something special to sip on while cheering for your team. 

Tailgating Theme Ideas 

Here are some creative themes to inspire your next tailgating event: 

• Classic Game-Day Vibes: Embrace traditional tailgating by decking out your space in your team’s colors and logos. Use banners, tablecloths, and napkins to show off your team spirit. This theme keeps things fun and focused on the game, with plenty of room for classic tailgating fare. 

• Backyard BBQ Bash: Turn your tailgate into a BBQ feast with grilled favorites like ribs, burgers, and sausages. Decorate with checkered tablecloths and use a grill as your centerpiece. Add some fun, retro music for a laid-back, homey feel.  

• Retro Sports Tailgate: Travel back in time with a vintage sports theme. Decorate with memorabilia from past decades, and serve classic comfort foods like sliders and milkshakes. A vintage radio or jukebox playing hits from the past can set the nostalgic tone. 

• Beach Party Tailgate: Bring a bit of summer fun to your tailgate with a beach-themed setup. Use beach chairs, umbrellas, and tiki torches to create a relaxed atmosphere. Serve seafood, tropical fruits, and refreshing cocktails for a taste of paradise. 

• Campfire Tailgate: Embrace a camping vibe with a campfire-themed tailgate. Set up portable fire pits or use a grill to mimic the campfire experience. Serve up s’mores, chili, and hot dogs, and consider some campfire songs or stories to complete the feel. 

• Farm-to-Table Tailgate: Focus on fresh, locally-sourced ingredients with a farm-to-table theme. Serve dishes made from local produce and offer fresh juices or craft beers. Decorate with rustic elements like wooden crates and burlap. 
• Game Night Extravaganza: Combine tailgating with game night fun by setting up board games and card tables alongside your tailgate spread. Offer snacks that are easy to eat while playing, and create a lively, interactive atmosphere with plenty of games to keep everyone entertained. 

4 Tips for Throwing a Great Tailgate Party 

Here are a few tips for putting together a great tailgate without too much work:

1. When possible, stick to pre-made or takeout. I believe the exact opposite in most cases, but if you’re hosting a large number of people for an informal occasion like a football game, I like to either have everyone bring something or stick to easy items like chicken wings, chips, and veggie trays. I love a tailgate with raw oysters, too, and while they can be pricey, they’re easy enough to serve.
2. Finger food forever. While you’ll definitely want to provide some seating, most people will grab a plate and stand around, so maybe try to stay away from serving anything that absolutely needs a knife and a fork. Ham biscuits, mini cupcakes, and anything that can be picked up with a toothpick (like those famous crock-pot meatballs with ketchup and grape jelly) are some of my favorites.
3. Think about serving temperature. Heating and cooling are limited outside, so while you should bring insulated containers to keep cold foods cold and hot foods hot, it makes life much easier if the majority of your food is fine at room temperature, like a veggie or fruit tray, chips, crackers, and little sandwiches.
4. Provide a good variety of beverages. Pack a cooler full of ice with sodas and a selection of beers. I also like to have a thermos or two of hot apple cider. And last but most certainly not least, La Crema’s Cabernet Sauvignon and Sauivignon Blanc make wonderful additions!

Tailgate in Style with La Crema Wines 

Whether you’re at the game or just in your own backyard, you can throw together a quick, easy, and beautiful tailgate party to celebrate the last bit of college football season. Enjoy! 

For a touch of sophistication, don’t forget to add La Crema wines to your tailgate menu. Our selection of cool-climate wines is perfect for any gathering, offering great flavors that pair beautifully with your favorite tailgate snacks. Skip the store and shop our selection online for convenient home delivery, so you can focus on the fun. Cheers to a winning tailgate!  

SHOP ALL WINES