… and that means tailgating!
For some tips to make your next tailgate a touch down, I turned to JJ Keras, an entertaining and lifestyle expert from Memphis.
“One of my favorite things when setting up a tailgate is a do-it-yourself Bloody Mary Bar. Adding garnishes like celery sticks, pickled okra, olives, and limes can really make your tailgate festive.” For an added “wow” factor, JJ recommends using salami or shrimp as your Bloody Mary garnishes.
And I just love this tip. “And for that extra special professional touch, search for an old bookshelf around your house and put it in the back of your car for your makeshift bar.” What a brilliant idea!
“To show your team spirit, consider using printables off etsy. You can use your printables on your buffet table or your bar.” A printable is simply a download you can print off on your home computer. JJ recommends using your team logo and mascot image to decorate.
“Remaining comfortable throughout the day is an important part of the process.” Wise words for a fun … but long … day.
“My first comfort tip is to get a cooler on wheels.” There is nothing worse than having to carry a heavy cooler long distances. If your cooler doesn’t have wheels, consider putting it in a cart.
And to keep you cool … “Purchase a portable fan that you can easily clip to the side poles of your tent.” Fans will also help keep those pesky flies away from your buffet.
“And last but not least, don’t forget to be a responsible tailgater by bringing a trashcan to your tailgate.”
This is Jennifer Chandler with The Weekly Dish. Go Team!
For more entertaining ideas from JJ, visit her website www.jjkeras.com.
JJ’s Bloody Mary
Your Bloody Mary mix is the foundation for your drink … so make sure you get a good one. JJ likes to use either Zing Zang (www.zingzang.com) or the Debutante Farmer Bloody Mary Mix (www.debutantefarmer.com). And for an extra kick, she recommends getting creative with jalapeño-infused vodka!
- 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
- 1 tablespoon kosher salt
- 1 lemon or lime wedge
- 4 ounces Bloody Mary Mix
- 1 1/2 ounces Vodka
- A dash of Tabasco or Worcestershire sauce for an extra zip!
Optional Garnishes:
- Celery Stick
- Pickled Okra
- Dill Pickled Spear
- Lime Wedges
- Lemon Wedges
Pour the smoked paprika and salt onto a small plate and whisk together.
Rub the juicy side of the lemon or lime wedge along the lip of a pint glass.
Roll the outer edge of the glass in smoked paprika salt until fully coated.
Fill the glass with ice and set aside.
Squeeze the lemon or lime wedge into a shaker and drop it in.
Add the remaining ingredients and fill with ice.
Shake gently and strain into the prepared glass.
Garnish with your favorite garnishes.
