Tailgate Party Preparation Tips

• Prepare foods ahead of time and have them wrapped, packed, and ready to roll.
• Warm up hot drinks just before leaving and bring along in an insulated jug.
• Have a plan to keep hot foods hot and cold foods cold.
• Stick to finger foods if possible, and make sure they are in manageable pieces.
• Bring along plenty of napkins, a roll of paper towels and moist towelettes for messier fare.
• If utensils are necessary, bring disposable ones, including toothpicks.
• Do not forget sturdy, disposable cups for any drinks.
• Bring along a tablecloth to spread your wares upon & a bag (or 2) for your trash.
• Warm up hot drinks just before leaving and bring along in an insulated jug.
• Bring Along…Besides the basics―grill, cooler, grub―pack up a box of the most commonly forgotten items:
• Bottle opener and corkscrew.
• Water to douse the hot coals or an ashcan to discard them in.
• Trash bags (not cleaning up after yourself is considered bad form).
• A slicing knife.
• Frozen bottles of water in the cooler instead of ice, so you'll have cold drinks when your favorite team has won!

Troy Black is an award-winning, competitive barbeque Pit Master and Educator.  He is also a contributor to the beautiful new cookbook, "Big Book of BBQ."

Troy joined us today via satellite with his best tips for throwing a terrific tailgate party.

For more information about "Big Book of BBQ," head to our books page.