Just wondering how everyone organizes what people bring to tailgates. We have about 10 people in our tailgate. it is always the same few people who bring the bulk of the food for the tailgate. It always seems like it comes down to the last day before we get everyone to respond and organize what people are bringing. I look around to other tailgates and see tons of food and different varieties. We usually have a couple different things and lots of times people dont bring enough to feed everyone. Im not one to really care about spending money, but when i bring the grill, propane, utensils, tent etc. and then go buy $50 worth of meat and its the only thing at the tailgate worth eatting, and not to mention by the time i am done cooking its gone, its going on 5 years and is starting to frustrate me. Would love to hear how people organize their tailgate and how they get everyone to pitch i.
Our core group is 4 couples. Each couple takes a game to plan an appropriate menu, then designates items to bring according to the menu theme. Everyone brings beverages according to personal tastes.
Let's use the UMass game as an example: Theme: New England fall harvest. What's more New England than creamy clam chowder? (time saving tip-I'll get take out from Sam the Clams in Southington) Cooking a Yankee pot roast in a crock pot is a no brainer as it's both a time saver & allows time to do other prep work if necessary. I'm a dessertaholic, so getting the little princess (or the Mrs.) to bake orange-cranberry-nut bread won't take any arm twisting, as I'm doing the packing of the vehicle & prep while everyone's at work. One of the couples will bring a fruit tray (Costco, B.J.'s, Stop & Shop, Big Y, Price Chopper, you get the idea). Another couple will bring a themed surprise dish (apple pie maybe as it can be baked a day or 2 in advance), & the last couple will bring an appetizer. Simple delegation of responsibility with a caveat: If you anticipate guests(e.g. son & his girl friend, in-laws) let everyone know so that there's plenty to go around. We have 8 in the core group & are planning food for 16.
Edit: It doesn't help if your group has slackers (mine doesn't). The way to get "train" a slacker is to task him with the planning & charge of the next tailgate. If he's sensible, avoiding public embarrassment will get him in-line. If not, then you're $crewed.
