Get ready, because Fall is here and it’s time for one of the greatest American pastimes. That’s right, it’s tailgating season! Tailgating extends to any kind of sporting event, but it’s most commonly associated with professional, college, and high school football games. But as Fall slowly approaches Winter, and football season continues into colder temperatures, how do you make the most of your tailgating to help you and your guests stay warm, well-fed, and comfortable? Beyond the basic essentials, a focus on food (don’t worry, Schweid & Sons has you covered with premium Ground Beef products) and good company will make your favorite team proud and be the talk of the tailgate lot.

Create Warming Zones

Yes, your guests should come prepared to be outdoors in the cold, but that doesn’t mean you can’t provide them with some extra creature comforts to make them as cozy as possible, especially later in the season. Pro tip: Be sure to check the venue’s policies when it comes to open flames as well as fuel types allowed for heating sources in the designated tailgate area.

• A fire pit: If it’s allowed, a portable propane fire pit can be a game-changer. It’s an immediate radiating heat source that everyone can gather around. For safety, have a fire extinguisher handy and don’t stand too close, especially when wearing clothing made from highly flammable fabrics.
• A propane heater: Popular at many restaurants with outdoor dining spaces, as well as on home decks and patios, a stand-up propane heater can be a great addition under your tent or surrounding your tailgate set up. Strategically positioning a few can create a warm and cozy bubble for guests to escape the cold.
• A heated blanket: With a dedicated power source (from your vehicle, generator, or rechargeable battery pack), you can plug in a heated blanket for guests to sit and stay warm. Better yet, don’t worry about plugging anything in and get a battery-powered heated blanket or seat cushion. 

Layer Up

Encourage your guests to dress in layers for maximum comfort, and have options in case the weather changes (which it probably will!). But having extra amenities on hand will ensure everyone stays cozy as they show their team spirit.

• Insulated gloves: Gloves designed for being outside in the cold will make your day much more bearable, especially as you work the grill, set up seating, and more. You can easily make a regular pair of gloves, for yourself or a guest, warmer by adding hand warmer packets. Pro tip: Stock up on all sizes of instant warmer packets and keep them in your tailgate vehicle so you always have them on hand, literally.
• Thermal socks: Thermal socks and waterproof boots will help to keep your feet dry and warm. You can even invest in a pair of battery-operated socks that have heating elements built in for all-day warmth.
• Portable power: Having a place to plug in will make everyone’s life easier. Make sure it’s fully charged to charge people’s phones, plug in wired heating sources (like blankets), or even power a coffee maker or crock pot if needed.

Prep for Cold Weather Grilling

Now that you know how to stay comfortable, you should prepare to make grilling easier in any kind of weather. Hey, you can still tailgate in the snow if you’re prepared! But you don’t want your hard work cooking hot food to go to waste by serving it cold. 

• Plan the menu appropriately: While cold weather doesn’t necessarily limit what you can cook, curating the options to those that cook quickly and are easy to serve will save time, effort, and hunger pains! Things like a Ground Beef chili or stew that you can keep warm in a crock pot are great options for cold-weather tailgates. Cooking a main dish ahead of time that will reheat easily is also a good option!
• Protect the grill: If you do plan to grill on site, make sure you have a grill cover of some kind to hold in heat, and place the grill in a more sheltered spot out of the elements if possible. You can even set up a wind block using a folding table or the side of your vehicle.
• Bring more fuel: The cold weather will make the grill lose heat faster, so you’ll need more charcoal or propane than you might think. Be sure to plan ahead, so you can keep the party going and the food flowing. 

Keep Food Warm

Keeping guests cozy with hot drinks and food is key to a great tailgate experience. There are some things you can have on hand to help keep things warm as you serve them.

• Insulated dishes: Using insulated food carriers or double-walled serving dishes helps keep food warm. Transporting homemade dishes right to the tailgate in these so they’re warm and ready to serve your guests are ready.
• A crock pot: You can plug in a small, portable crock pot into a portable power source. Use it to keep hot dogs, chili, or even apple cider nice and warm.
• Foil and towels: If you wrap hot food in foil and then a thick towel, it will keep it warm for a surprisingly long time. Put wrapped foods in an empty cooler to add an extra insulated layer, keeping the cold out and the heat in. After grilling Burgers, place them on buns and wrap in foil and a towel to keep them warm for your tailgaters. You can also wrap the cooked Burgers in foil and place in a warming dish to keep them warm for the entire tailgate.

With the right planning, a cold-weather tailgate can be the most fun tailgate of the year. So, bundle up, fire up the grill, and get ready for a memorable experience! And don’t forget to grab Schweid & Sons Ground Beef for your chili or pre-formed Burger patties to grill on gameday!

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