Is Your Yard Ready for Some Football?
Host a tailgate right outside your door.
Fall colors and football games. Could there be a better combination? For good autumn fun, we don’t think so. That’s why we’re suggesting a natural alternative to traditional tailgating: Rather than surrounding yourself with cars, crowds and concrete, why not “tailgate” amidst the fall beauty of your backyard? It’s so easy to host a football tailgate party right outside your door – and save on ticket prices to boot. Here are some ideas for a fall backyard tailgate that can’t be beat.
The basics.
Even when tailgating takes place in a parking lot, you’ll find revelers who keep it simple and those who go all out. For us, we think customary crowd-pleasing tailgate fare is just fabulous. Just think picnic: hamburgers, hot dogs, baked beans, potato salad, a few dips and plenty of assorted beverages within easy reach in a cooler or two. Then fire up the grill, pile up paper plates and cups, and you’re all good. (Of course, if your tastes are more gourmet, go for it!) If your guest list outnumbers your outdoor seating, just ask people to bring their own lawn chairs. It’s tradition, after all.
Some extras.
To get that team spirit going, decorate your party site with team pennants. Try placing a few in garden beds or plant containers to add your team’s colors to your yard’s fall colors. You can also create a fan-friendly centerpiece by planting a pot with fall flowers that also feature team colors.
The big screen.
For game time, you can simply bring your television outdoors. Just be sure you have enough cable length to reach its outside destination. Place your TV high on a sturdy surface in a shaded, covered area for better viewing and reduced glare. If you’re super serious – and plan on a lot of backyard viewing – you can also look into entertainment systems made specifically for outdoor use. You can get an idea of price ranges here. Or, you can search online for businesses in your area that rent this equipment.
The must-have.
No matter what size lawn you have, healthy thick grass provides the perfect tailgate party backdrop, where guests can play yard games, toss the football at halftime or just lounge on a blanket to check out the changing leaves. Give your lawn a good watering a few days before your tailgate to encourage a plush green space. Mow your lawn high the day before to tidy up your landscape while protecting it from extra foot traffic. Now you’re ready to let the fall games begin.
For more pre-party yard prep ideas, go visit other New Home Owners Articles. And go team!
