Tailgate Like A Pro

From the NFL to NASCAR, many sports fans say the best way to kick off any event is with a tailgate party.

Jay "The Tailgate Guy" DiEugenio, author of "I Got Your Tailgate Party Right Here!," has learned the art of tailgating from those who do it best, the fans. He offers these tips for setting up a supreme tailgate party:

Take cover: As any avid tailgater knows, the pregame party goes on rain or shine.

To keep the grill lit and your socks dry, pack tents and tarps to serve as shelter. Also, space heaters may be your best friend during cold tailgate parties and might help you gain some extra tailgaters.

Show your spirit: Don't forget to show support for your team. Use large, inflatable novelties and high-flying flags to demonstrate team spirit and help guests find your tailgating spot.

Get ready to grill: Before you begin grilling, make sure to set up the tailgating area with tables, chairs and the all-important serving line. For maximum convenience, use folding tables such as those from Lifetime Products that are lightweight, durable and easy to transport. Bring folding picnic or banquet tables for guests to eat on and use adjustable-height tables that allow you to customize the table height to fit your grilling needs.

Keep it hot: Invest in a portable, modular cooking system that lets you grill, boil, fry, bake, steam or sauté all with the same basic setup. To keep food hot, use disposable aluminum roasting pans with fuel canisters underneath. For cold items, fill a tub or bucket with ice and place bowls of salad, condiments, beverages and other items in this instant fridge.

Pack it up: Water is scarce in a parking lot and can make clean-up time difficult. Minimize the need to wash dishes by using disposable pans, plates, and serving platters whenever possible. Use zippered plastic storage bags to marinate, organize, store and dispose of food and other items. After the game, pack your reusable supplies in rubber tubs, so you can avoid the need to pack and repack for each game.

By: Wendy Mitchell

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For more information on setting up your tailgate party, visit www.lifetime.com.