AUTUMN TAILGATE

Now that the heat of late summer has given way to brisk autumn afternoons, we relish the notion of spending the entire day outside. It’s time for tailgating—that rowdy, fun, pregame party awash in fan gear, delicious eats, and a beverage (or two). It is the quintessential American tradition that everyone can cheer for, no matter your team.

Brent and I still live in the town where we grew up. We love going to our alma mater’s football games on chilly Friday nights to cheer on the Eagles. A Southern high school football game invokes feelings of nostalgia for idyllic, small-town America. Grabbing a pregame bite with old friends provides an opportunity for catching up and reminiscing about two-a-day football practices and cheerleading pep rallies.

Fall tailgating complete with autumnal flavors and rustic touches ushers in a season of community fellowship and football fun.

GET THE LOOK

Pack mood makers: vintage (or vintage-inspired) tartan thermoses, team pennants, plaid blankets, and even a hibachi grill to capture the palette of the season. Plaid blankets can serve as warm bleacher capes later during the game.

Eating outdoors requires dishware strong enough to hold in laps but lightweight enough to cart around. Vintage enamelware does the trick while still emphasizing the retro aesthetic. Wooden and metal serving trays are easy to pack, and Mason or Weck jars are durable and sealable, making them great for food storage or used as glassware. Remember mood lighting and take along lanterns for after the sun sets, and pack everything in picnic baskets for easy tote-ability.

THE MENU

The great autumn tradition of tailgating would be little without food and is much more fun with a deviation from the standard fare. Forget burgers and hot dogs; tailgating becomes très chic when you provide a more sophisticated spread. Plan to serve a fuss-free portable meal you can prepare ahead, full of fresh, seasonal produce and rich autumnal flavors.

Baguette sandwiches are not only delicious, but when wrapped in paper, they are portable and utensil free. Think of combinations like ham with blackberry jam, Camembert cheese and arugula, or steak with pesto, red onion, and plum tomatoes. Corn salad, fruit (clementines, grapes, and apples), and nuts make for light, healthy sides. Wow guests by serving cornbread baked right into Mason jars and topped with chili. Paper cones hold a homemade snack mix made of pretzels, mini marshmallows, cheese crackers, popcorn, and peanut butter M&M’s.

Dress up copper mugs of warm spice tea with cinnamon sticks (and optional whiskey). Have red and white wine available along with craft beer in team koozies, and provide glass-bottled Cokes for kids.

Finally, never forget dessert—mini cherry hand pies are not only adorable but delicious, and Goo Goo Clusters (a Nashville favorite) are great to pack in pockets for a midgame treat.

ENJOY THE PARTY!

One great thing about tailgating is that everything is made ahead—unless you’re grilling, which becomes part of the fun. Consider a few important tips when packing a meal to go. First, when planning your menu, choose items that won’t spoil easily, avoiding foods with mayonnaise or dairy. Pack food in resealable containers to prevent spilling, and don’t forget the necessities like plates, napkins, cups, ice, a blanket, and a bottle opener. Make cleanup easy by packing a trash bag and wet wipes.