College football holds a special place in most Michigan homes. From the rivalry of Michigan vs. Michigan State to family recipes handed down through the years, this seasonal activity comes with a beloved secondary tradition — tailgating. Despite the cooler temps, many still brave the outdoors for the special Saturday hangout, while others retire to the comfort of their couch. Here are tips on creating the perfect tailgate, indoors or out.

Outdoors

Check the weather. Try to stay fluid with plans — Michigan weather is notorious for being unpredictable. A pop-up tent is a great way to mitigate the risks of inclement weather, offering protection against drizzles, adding wind cover, and creating a landmark for those joining your celebration in a sea of people.

Bring a heating source. To ensure delicious snacks, make sure you have a way to keep food warm. Insulated dishes are great but quickly lose heat in the outdoor air. Consider bringing a crockpot, a propane camping stove, or a fold-up grill. Aluminum pans and tinfoil are excellent for protecting and heating food on the go. For extra power, a natural gas generator can really do the trick!

Layer up. Warm-blooded Michiganders often believe they are immune to the cold — but the effects of alcohol actually make it harder for your body to regulate external temperature, leaving you susceptible to frostbite or worse. Have options to cover your extremities: blankets, hats, and scarves all help seal in heat at the locations the body loses it most quickly. And always stay hydrated, even when you aren't sweating!

Go non-breakable. Use non-breakable materials when tailgating outdoors — no one wants glass or porcelain shards around during game day. Cans over bottles, recyclable over grandma's dishes. This makes cleanup much easier too.

Indoors

Shoes off. If you aren't already a shoes-off household, now is the time to become one. This makes post-tailgate cleanup much easier and keeps your home sanitary. Studies show shoes can track up to 66 million units of bacteria — far more than a toilet seat. Keep cold and flu season out by leaving shoes at the door!

Create a flow. You won't want people trampling through your home or searching through cabinets for what they need. Create a central space for drinks and food that is easy for guests to move around. Consider removing chairs from your dining room table so guests can easily access snacks and drinks from all sides. Place a covered trash can nearby for easy disposal throughout the event.

Bring enough grub. An easy way to make sure there is enough food is the one-pound rule — roughly one pound of food per guest. This gives you plenty of leeway without leaving you with a fridge full of leftovers.

With these tips, you will be the toast of the tailgate! Most importantly, drink responsibly and celebrate safely. Keep checking back to the Kratos Gas & Power blog for more lifestyle tips!