Get Ready to Tailgate!

Summer is easy. It's sunshine, corn on the cob, barbecues, t-shirts and shorts. In just a few weeks though,  it's back to school, sweaters, crisp autumn air and tailgating. Here at Thomas Dean, we think tailgates are an ideal way to kick off a game. We wondered what makes a tailgate party memorable. So we posed this question to some of our favorite tailgating friends  and here is a compilation of advice to help you create your own perfect tailgating party. Even if you're not a Gator Tailgater, check out the expert ideas for tailgating at Gatortailgating.com (see other tailgating guides here as well.) The first thing to know? It's all about the food. See Food Network's guide to the Top 50 Tailgating Recipes.   Here are some other tips:

• A pick up truck is essential. Second best is an SUV or if a sedan is the only option, a tent and tables work!
• Plan to get there at least 3 hours before the game to claim a good spot.
• Check out Rachel Ray's guide to tailgating here. It's an essential guide for the beginner as well as the experienced tailgater. (Don't worry if you're new, Rachel has you covered.)
• Tie a large helium balloon to your car's antenna so your friends can find you and your awesome tailgate.
• Pack frozen water individual water bottles in your cooler. They will keep your food items cold and you can use them later for cold water!
• Try to keep all food utensil free. You and your guests will be standing most of the time and its too hard to sip and eat with a fork. Go for soups in a cup or burgers on a bun.
• Make jello shots in team colors (use individual condiment style cups with covers)
• If you don't want to bring a grill, turn your cooler into a warmer by lining it in foil and placing warm bricks also lined in foil along the bottom.
• Bring loads of wet naps or paper towels.
• Dress in layers. It might be a cool, crisp morning to start but by game time you'll be wishing you hadn't worn that bulky college sweatshirt.

  To get in the Tailgating spirit, try TD Collegiate for dress shirts, sweaters, vests and polos that show your colors.