“Homegating” is the new approach to “tailgating”, and its origin stems from the pandemic several years ago; today, it has truly grown into its own entertainment concept. Instead of hosting a ‘normal’ backyard party, we’re here to take your hosting abilities to the next level by kicking off the football season with the ultimate, extravagant homegating party. Here’s our top five tips to make sure your homegating party is a hit.
1. Serve twists on fan favorite dishes
Menus make the party. Don’t just serve burgers – create an artisan burger bar with recipes like juicy Bison Burgers topped with caramelized onions and tzatziki smothered Greek Lamb Sliders. You want your guests to feel excited, so offer exciting dishes with a twist like the grilled Cider-Brined Pork with Apple-Onion Chutney and Chicken Shawarma Quesadillas – both dishes can be made on the Wildfire Outdoors Living Ranch Pro grill and griddle and will surely make their mouth water.
2. Bartend a mixture of themed cocktails, mocktails, and beer
Football-themed cocktails like “Hail Mary’s” (Bloody Mary’s) are the perfect pair to any dish. You can also replace beer labels with the opposing teams so guests can fan over whichever team they want. Create cocktails that are refreshing and fruity, like Watermelon Basil Coolers and Cucumber Mint Spritzer to keep the drinks menu diverse and accommodating.
3. Make décor match your team’s colors to set the mood
Be a team player and support your team with its team colors. Whichever team you’re rooting for, make sure to make the décor match. If you’re team’s colors are red and white, get tablecloths, cups, and blankets those colors. Centerpieces like pumpkins, sunflowers, and candles set the ambience for fall and football.
4. Create an environment for easy watching and easy mingling
Set up your TV or projector as the focal point of entertaining, whether the TV is mounted on the wall or the projector streaming in the yard. Ensure you have enough group seating, from sofas to bar stools to comfy poofs and cushions on the ground, so that everyone can socialize and watch the game together.
5. Encourage guests to dress to impress
Finally, give guests a heads up to dress to impress and encourage them to bring a dish or drink, like dessert. Dressing to impress will make the experience all the more fun, and picture-perfect too – no filter required.
