This fall, we’re making space to spend more time outside, which includes taking some of our favorite seasonal traditions to the backyard. In honor of the joy of football season, we asked Neighborhood Showroom Host and Boca-based lifestyle blogger Michelle Olson-Rogers for her best at-home tailgating tips and tricks. Here’s what she had to say:
Thank goodness for football season!
This year, more than any, I’m so glad I have an excuse to yell at the TV and eat a wide variety of delicious (yet questionably healthy) foods each and every Sunday. It’s a comfort. It feels…dare I say, somewhat normal? While my family and I may not be headed to a football game at a stadium anytime soon, we’ve embraced the art of bringing the tailgate home.
We’ve even come up with a special name for this new event: home-gating! The best part of home-gating in South Florida is doing it outside and enjoying the fall weather. Our Outer 5-Piece sofa just so happens to be the perfect place to chill out, eat, and watch the game outside.
Here are my family’s top 4 tips for quality home-gating this football season…
Tip #1: Dress the Part
Our family is officially a house divided when it comes to football. As a native Floridian, I’m a die-hard Miami Dolphins fan, while my New England husband’s heart will always belong to the Patriots (even though Tom Brady migrated south this season. It’s kind of a touchy subject…). To make your Sunday extra “football festive,” don your favorite comfy team apparel before heading outside to watch the game. Bonus points if you can convince your child to wear your team’s colors.
Tip #2: Slow-Roast the Main Course
Sure, you could fire up the grill and cook basic burgers and dogs for your home-gating party. But why not take it up a notch and slow-roast your main course for several hours until game time? My daughter and I are obsessed with my husband’s BBQ pork shoulder, which we like to divide up and serve as sliders. The best part? There are usually leftovers to snack on throughout the week ahead. Find the recipe he uses here.
Tip #3: Involve Your Kids in Decorating
No home-gating party is complete without beer, chips, dip…and dessert, of course. Why not take some inspiration from your favorite team and decorate an edible show of support? My daughter and I recently made Miami Dolphins cupcakes, complete with teal and orange sprinkles and tiny palm trees. Kids can also be enlisted to help make posters cheering their favorite team on, then tagging the teams on social media to share your team spirit. And you can always count on them to love decorating your backyard or patio with streamers or flags in team colors.
#4 Bring the Game Outside
Tailgating, even at home, is meant to be done outdoors. Having comfortable, quality furniture like Outer really makes a difference in how we home-gate. To really take your backyard or patio to the next level, add a TV and a table for holding food and drinks.
And if you’re worried about spilling barbecue sauce or red wine, don’t be! All Outer cushion covers are machine-washable, stain-resistant and really easy to clean. Most spills and stains simply come out with a little soap and water and a soft rag. (Watch a real Outer stain test below!)
It’s going to be hard to go back to tailgating in a parking lot after this cushy football season in our own backyard. At least one thing will never change: Go Dolphins!
What are your favorite tips and tricks for home-gating? We want to hear from you! Get in touch on Instagram @liveouter today.