How to Create the Perfect Halloween Tailgate Party

I am self admittedly a football widow, and my husband knows it. Once the first few words of "...are you ready for some football?...." are belted out, it's over. I do enjoy going to the occasional football game, but my husband is a nut. He loves it--not only is he in a fantasy football league, but he's the commissioner. Oh yeah, it's that bad! I laugh, but it's his thing and he loves it so I'm glad that he can enjoy it. The fun part for me is helping him prepare for his big tailgates.

Tailgating is a very serious event--you know that if you are in fact a tailgater or a fellow football widow. This can be just as big as the game itself and you have to ensure that there is good food, beer, all enjoyed in good company. When a holiday enters into the picture, it's all over. The festivities go up a notch, as does the food selection. So here we are, upon football season again and what's just around the corner--Halloween? This year, my husband is bound and determined to make this the best year of tailgating ever--and we plan to make a big impact with Halloween.

It starts with setting the tone, so you for sure are going to have to incorporate some costumes. That's a given, even if it means dressing up like fools as the biggest fans in the world. Hard to do around these parts as the Detroit Lions have a habit of letting their fans down (at least that's what I hear) but one year it was all about the colors and Lions gear on every inch of the body. So long as you are showing your appreciation for the holiday, you're on the right track.

Next it's about decorations--"dress up" your trunk to look like a graveyard. Think of how cool it will be for people to walk by and see a smoke effect with some scary music playing in the background. Better yet, bring pumpkins that you can carve right there on the spot--combining a beer and pumpkin carving could be a lot of fun. (just be sure to be careful with the knife!) Throw a scarecrow or skeleton out at your tailgating spot and you have created the proper ambiance.

As with any tailgate, it's all about the food. I swear my husband and his friends try to outdo each other in this area every week, and while I think it's funny I use my domestic skills to help him out a bit. I would go with a themed meal here--either scary or autumn harvest. If you want to carry out the scary theme, go with the ----typical "eye ball stew" --meatballs in a scary marinara sauce (in a crockpot) , dirt cake complete with worms, and veggies and dip made to look like fingers. You can have fun with this and still enjoy a hearty tailgating feast. If you go with the autumn theme, start off the day with cider and donuts. A good hearty soup (in a crockpot) can warm up the group on a crisp fall day. You want to still remember that this is a tailgate, so rather than getting too fancy go with sloppy joes or even a good chicken sandwich. Caramel apples and pumpkin pie are a must!

You can combine two of the greatest parts of fall together for one dynamite party--tailgating for a football game and Halloween. Keep in mind that it's a more casual affair and that it's for fun. You will start off a Football Sunday the right way with this spooky good tailgate!