Tailgating season is almost upon us, so it’s time to start thinking about how you’ll take your tailgate party to the next level this season. Everyone knows it’s the food, drink and company that set the tone for the party. What really kicks a tailgate party up a notch, though, is the finer details. Sometimes, it’s something as simple as the event lighting.
If you want some inspiration, look no further. Check out these creative lighting ideas to make your next tailgate party one to remember.
1. Custom Neon Lights
If you’re a Pittsburgh Steelers fan, you never want to be confused for a Baltimore Ravens fan. Everyone can agree on that one.
Make sure all your guests—and your passersby—know where the allegiances of your party lie with a custom led neon sign. Custom neon lights are incredibly popular as of late, so finding a vendor shouldn’t be a problem. Once you find one, it’s a matter of deciding where to hang it.
If you want to avoid overthinking it, mount the neon light on the back of the trailer you use to carry your tailgate party gear. Or hang it in the front seat so everyone can see it through the windshield. No matter what you do, make sure you’re clear with your sign request. After all, you wouldn’t want to end up with a Cowboys sign if you’re an Eagles fan.
2. String Lights
Now that everyone understands where your loyalty lies, it’s time to make sure your guests can see their way around your party when it starts to get dark. When it comes to keeping the party lighted and lively, there’s no replacement for classic string lights.
There’s no shortage of options for string lights. You can take your team loyalty a step further and set up football helmet string lights. Better yet, you can throw an eco-friendly tailgate party and hang up solar powered string lights. No matter which you choose, make sure you string them around your entire tailgate to set the mood.
3. Rope Lights for the Tables
We know we said it already, but it’s always worth repeating – food makes the party. You may have spent hours smoking brisket or whipping up a mean potato salad, but if your guests can’t see it, they won’t eat it.
You can make sure everyone gets to try all your famous dishes with some rope lights. String them around your tables to ensure everyone gets what they came for when they make a trip to the table. Plus, at the end of the night, these lights will make it easier to see if anybody left anything on the table during the party.
4. Light Centerpieces
If you’re committed to throwing the best tailgate party on the lot, you want to make sure your guests are comfortable when they eat. Eating off a plate while standing isn’t easy.
So, if you go above and beyond and have tables setup for your guests, why not adorn them with light centerpieces? It’s the perfect way to get everyone in the mood for the big game. You can put the fixture in the middle of the table and protect it with a decorative bulb cage. Many manufacturers even offer a range of cord designs, so you can choose the color that best matches your team’s jersey.
5. Grill Lights
The grill is where it all happens at a tailgate party. And whether you’re a seasoned pitmaster or a rookie, you want all of your guests to see the fruits of your labor—even when it starts to get dark.
Magnetic grill lights stick to the side of your grill so you can keep track of what needs to be flipped and tell when your meats and veggies are done. Your guests can also keep tabs on how close the food is to being served so you aren’t constantly peppered with questions.
Start Your Tailgate Plans Now
It may be the middle of summer, but it’s never too early to start thinking about how you’re going to make this tailgate season the best one yet. Take the stress out of tailgating by getting all the hard work out of the way now.