Tailgating Tips and Ideas:

* Keep the menu simple. Try to plan your menu and do most of the prep work a day or two before the game. Pack all of your non-perishables the night before to avoid forgetting something in the pre-game rush.

* Besides the basics―grill, cooler, and food - make sure you pack up the things that are most often forgotten: trash bags, paper towels or napkins, plates, utensils, moist towelettes if you serve something messy, and a tablecloth to make sure your tailgate is civilized.

* Pack two coolers if traveling, one for drinks and one for food.

* Along with the other drinks your packing for the party, pack frozen bottles of water. Not only will they act as ice for the cooler, but you'll also have cold drinks when the game is over.

* Be sure to get to the game early. Any good tailgater knows that the party starts way before kickoff. Get there early and claim your turf. Try to find a good spot by grass or even with a little shade. Especially in the early part of the season when the temperatures can still be a little hot.

* Deck out a portable table in your team’s colors with pom poms, banners, and ballons. It's a sure way to get everyone in the spirit.

Try to keep the party fun and manageable, that way in the end everyone’s a winner.

If you are looking for some other great tips for planning your tailgating party check out these fun tips from Smithfield.com.

Tailgating Recipes:

Short on time? No worries. Here are some simple-to-make recipes that you can prepare the day before the big game, so getting ready is a breeze.

Appetizers:

* Mini Pizza Pockets - There is so much you can do with these little pockets by adding different ingredients. They are the perfect bite size treat at a tailgating party. You can place these in parchment pockets too to make it easy to grab.

* Chicken Pesto Muffin Bites - These are little bite size treats can be changed up too to add any filling of choice. They could even be made into little pizza cups. They are super easy to make up the day before the big party.

* Avocado and Crab Dip - What's a tailgate party without a dip? This can be made with or without the crab. Either way a great dip idea and even better with tortilla chips. Just mix up the day before and store in an airtight container. When your ready to take to the party pack in the cooler with ice.

Salad and Sandwiches

* Balsamic Chicken Spinach and Tomato Pasta Salad - This is my go to pasta salad for cookouts, parties, and picnics. It's a easy pasta sald to make and it always is a crowd pleaser.

* Garden Chicken Salad Sandwiches - Wrap these up with a little parchment paper and tie with a ribbon with your school colors. Then place on a tray and they are ready to serve.

* Chicken Bacon Avocado Sliders - (see the recipe below) Really easy to prepare and watch them disappear from the tray when served at your tailgating party.

Desserts

What's a party without a dessert? Here are some easy recipes that are sure to win everyone over.

Double Chocolate Pecan Bars - These bars with the combo of white chocolate and chocolate chips will make everyone cheer!

Chocolate Peanut Butter Cupcakes - Who says you can't bring cupcakes along? With these cupcakes you don't have to worry about the frosting getting everywhere while you travel to the party. The peanut butter cream cheese is in the middle so when you bite into these you get a little extra treat.

Oatmeal Dark Chocolate Cookies - You can never go wrong with a plate full of cookies at a party. Pick a couple of your favorite cookies and I'm sure they will be a hit.