Taiglting

tarheelmatt said:

Come on big guy, you're taking this too hard and serious.  Cook, eat, and be happy.  

+1.

It sounds like you're working too hard.  It's supposed to be fun.  Relax and enjoy it. 

Are you straying too far from the basics of meat, fire, and beer... and maybe some bags of chips?  The only thing that stresses me out is my wife making me make sure we have sides (particularly if they require preparation) and tablecloths and stuff.

Prep and planning are essential to any great tailgating event. If you plan on starting early for a late game, the sky is the limit. If it is show up, grill, drink and head to the seats, make it quick and easy.

Make a checklist of the essential things you will need. Don't fret too much if you forgot something, add it to the list for the next time. Usually, there are enough tailgaters that have whatever you may have forgot and will help you out.

Have fun. I have a check list, for either scenario, which I use for every trip. I always find just one more thing, each time, I will add for the next trip. CDO requires that of me.

I abide.

Interesting questions - book? article? tailgating app?  Doesn't sound like you're looking for help, looking for the problems?

I'm in the keep it simple camp.  If you want to go big, do it with just one item, keep everything else simple.  I like to eat standing up at tailgates, so nothing that needs a knife.  I can't stand seeing the amount of wasted food at tailgates because everyone wanted to bring something or wanted to impress everyone else - take turns, skip a week.  Clean up and storage for tailgate food is a pain in the ass, I suspect most of what gets brought home gets thrown out.

Most stressful for me is finding a good spot, getting there in time, finding everyone we're meeting up with, and then where are the bathrooms!

shubydoobydo said:

All, 

I am doing a little bit of research to see if I am alone in this department. Personally I hate the planning process and only enjoy the community and eating but everything else is a struggle for me. 


Can you help me with the following questions: 
1. Where do you need help in planning a tailgate? (Timing, Recipes, Planning etc) 
2. What has helped you the most during tailgating season? (Product, Plan, etc) 
3. What stresses you out the most through the tailgating process?

In response to your questions:
1.  Areas of needed help -  bottom line it we always try to keep it simple - but the biggest issue is diversity - we have it down as far as timing - planning isn't much of an issue except waiting on the conference to announce game times - could anyone fix this?! - have to know what time kick-off is in order to figure out what to bring.  Having been a college football parent - and being part of a parent group - we all became advanced tailgaters while our sons were playing - maybe that is the area we needed help -how not to worry about your boys!!   -
2.  What is most help? - Having a great group of people excited about hanging out despite the weather! - and everyone pitching in - either eating or at a minimum bringing the beverages!!!!
3.  Stresses most - knowing that you have to cram it all back in the car when you aren't necessarily sober - nor is anyone else in your group!! (and I'm not being a wise cracker.   Despite having little food leftover and really very little beverages left - hard to get it neatly packed. 

Bottom line - our overall philosophy- just have fun - surround yourself with some great folks and turn the individual tailgates are really just one big party - even if the week's competition is set-up next to you!  The only thing to really get stressed out about is how the game is going to go!!!  Even if it is just a game!