We’re big fans of college football and hosting tailgate parties before a game. You might be able to tell which team we root for – the University of Virginia. Go Hoos!
In recent months, tailgating at home, known as “homegating,” has become increasingly popular, and we’ve also embraced the concept. While you miss the vibe of being surrounded by the rooting, boisterous crowd, it’s a decent substitute when you can’t be there.
There are also some benefits of tailgating at home:
· There’s no commute to and from the game
· You save money on tickets and other expenses, such as hotel stays
· The bathroom is right there
· It doesn’t matter if you’ve forgotten something, like the sandwiches or the vodka for Bloody Marys (we’ve done both)
· You don’t have to hike to and from the tailgate area and the stadium
· You have access to a wider variety of food and drink
· The weather is no longer a concern
· You’re not limited by what fits in the car trunk
But there are a few tips to enhance the tailgating at home experience. Here’s what we’ve learned:
1. Replicate the Tailgate Experience as Much as Possible
Sure, it’s comfortable to tailgate at home on the sofa. But that isn’t really a tailgate. We’ve found that it’s more fun to pull out our tailgate furniture, cornhole set, and other swag onto the closest replica of a stadium parking lot – our driveway – and reproduce the tailgate as much as possible. We own the stuff; might as well use it.
For us, that includes our usual three-course tailgate meal: (1) cheeses, charcuterie, hummus, salsa, onion dip, guacamole, chips, carrots, and wings; (2) fried chicken, biscuits, sandwiches, mac and cheese, and french fries; and (3) brownies, chocolate chip cookies, and Berger cookies. Live it up!
2. Try New Traditions on for Size
With such close proximity to the kitchen and grill, tailgating at home is a good time to try out new food and activities. Hello margaritas, hot dogs, and Panera! Trying something new gives you the opportunity to find a new tradition that you might love!
3. Track Your Drinks
Since there’s no commute and a wider range of adult beverages to choose from when tailgating at home, it’s tempting to imbibe a bit more than usual. Beware – those drinks can pack a punch. You might find yourself pretty sleepy by the time the game starts. Keep track of what you’re drinking and know your own limits.
4. Be Respectful of the Neighbors
Most of our neighborhood is pretty chill and friendly. No one has complained about our set up. In fact people have been pretty amused by our tailgating at home and several have come over to say hi. Still, we keep the music at a reasonable level and don’t trash talk our rivals (very loudly).
5. Prepare for Unintended Expenses
We’ve known people tailgating at home that have added inflatables, flags, and other additional swag that weren’t originally on their shopping lists. A change in routine can lead you to buy new items to update your tailgating experience.
We are not immune. Now that we're watching the games at home, we decided to upgrade and buy a new television. Whether it’s new chairs, t-shirts, or technology, be aware that expenses can easily creep up.
We hope these tips provided some insights for the next time you decide to tailgate at home.
Have any other advice or questions about tailgating at home? Any new foods/cocktails you’d recommend we add to our menu? Send us a message at info@winewithourfamily.com. Always feel free to reach out to us with any questions or feedback.
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