tailgate

When one hears the words "tailgate" and "drinks," the first thing that comes to mind is beer. And lots of it. At my tailgate, I'll supply guests with a selection of cold brews and an updated version of the shandy, a classic beer cocktail. Tailgates always get a little rowdy, so I won't serve hard alcohol.

It's a good idea to have sodas, water, and a couple bottles of chilled white wine on hand. Before heading to the stadium, don't forget to stock up on ice. There's nothing worse than warm beer on a hot afternoon. To look at the refreshing recipe for the beer cocktail — at my party it will be poured into Cal cups! — read more

Instead of serving dessert separate at my tailgate, I plan to serve it with the rest of the menu. Guests can enjoy a bite of sweetness with their savory nibbles. The dip theme will continue with this delectable white chocolate mascarpone dip. Served with fresh fruit, it's decadent, but not heavy. To get this lovely recipe — that also makes a great after-school snack for little ones, read more

Can you dip it? If you are coming to my football tailgate you better be able to, because the entire menu consists of dips! I'll have a smorgasbord of delectable dips and equally delicious dippers. With four different types of dip, there is something for everyone. Vegetarians will enjoy sweet potato chips with caramelized onion dip. Classical eaters will love the crudités with ranch dip. Carnivores will savor chili-lime fried chicken wings with honey lime dip. Cheese fiends will go ga-ga for fontina-gorgonzola fonduta.

To serve these football-friendly recipes at your tailgate, read more

Although I'm not the most interested follower of football season, I love to tailgate. For my first tailgate of the season, I've decided to do something a little different. Instead of serving a classic menu, I'm going to do a dip-themed party. Before I can look for recipes, I have to make and send the invitations. To learn how I made the easy, emailable invites shown here, read more

While I'm all for making delicious cocktails with 100 percent fresh ingredients, sometimes certain occasions call for a little help from the grocery store. For example, at my Big Game cocktailgate, I bought my favorite mixer, Stirrings, to make these delicious Tangerinis. Stirrings has tons of different flavors that aren't too sweet or overpowering. I prefer the tangerine because it's tart and a teeny bit fizzy. To see how I made these cocktails, read more

Although he was the first person to get booted off of this year's "Top Chef," Clay's cajun white cheddar dip sounds like a winner. I don't know about you, but I've printed the recipe and will be enjoying this while I watch some weekend football! — Bravo's Football Foodies

Last week I told you that I am a huge Golden Bear football fan and ex-Cal cheerleader. I love tailgating before the games — the eating, drinking, mingling with other crazy fans — and as a true hostess, I even like my tailgates to be full of fabulous decorations. I asked you to help me by searching the web for all of the portable goods necessary for a party before the game: plates, tablecloth, glasses, napkins, etc. The only requirement was that they had to be in the classic Cal colors: blue and gold. You bookmarked some pretty cool stuff in the Yum Market and tagged them with the keywords Tailgate Table Setting.

Shelleymonster found a colorful pinwheel tailgate tent that will shield skin conscious guests from game day sun. My favorite find, however, was the shiny, navy blue portable grill that user bart simpson saved. No tailgate is complete without a grill and this one is beyond perfect because it matches the color scheme! Scroll below for more inspiring ideas to use at your team's tailgate.

For more info, geeksugar has put together an explanation on how to use TeamSugar's bookmarking features.

On Saturday I'm going to my first Cal game of the season — I'm an ex Cal cheerleader, so I hold a special place in my heart for the Golden Bears — and will be tailgating. A tailgate is one of my favorite things about football games: there's eating, drinking, and mingling with other crazy fans, how could you not love it??

Can you help me find all of the portable goods necessary for a party before the game? I'm looking for plates, tablecloth, glasses, napkins, etc. The only requirement is that you stick to the classic Cal colors: blue and gold. Bookmark your finds in the Yum Market on TeamSugar tagged with the keywords Tailgate Table Setting. Happy hunting and remember, go Bears!!!

GeekSugar has put together an explanation on how to use TeamSugar's bookmarking features.

For a list of my favorite online stores to help you get started in your tailgating search, read more