My friend MH asked me to help her plan something for a good friend of her's who just got engaged! Her friend KL ( who would have no way of knowing about this blog) is very athletic- she does crew daily, and loves going to tailgates for her college football games and her fiances many lacrosse and boating outings as well.
She did not want an engagment party and just asked for a simple no fuss weekend for all of her girlfriends to come with their significant others to a Maryland Football Game.
To preface this bit of spoling below... I will tell you that KL is the last of all of her bff's to get engaged and had her last engagement called off by her finace just before the wedding years ago. Since then, she has beens a supportive giving friend for years attending, hosting and contributing to all wedding showers and now baby showers for all of these girls and it really is her turn to be special, and spoliled- her way.
So when MH told me she needed a suggestion to accomodate her wish, but make her special and comfortable for her. I came up with what I think is a fantastic idea....
They have selected a weekend to go to a Terps game in College Park, MD. I have suggested putting together a tailgate "registry" of items amongst the invitees on an evite. The invitees/ hosts will RSVP by selecting the item you will bring or send if unable to attend. The idea is that a full spread of tailgate essentials will be used to set up this tail gate and then be the surprise gifts!
Each guest/ host will arrive early with their item and the food or beverage to accomopany it and set out the spead. Then they will lock up the SUV and proceed to fave pub Bentleys to meet to walk to the lot for the tailgater. When happy couple arrives at the bar they will assume they are walking to the game- and along the way someone will say that the tickets are in their car, when they arrive at the car they will be treated to a great tailgate party, followed by the game and then all of the items are theirs to keep... A great unique celebration...THEIR style.
LOVE THIS!
Here is my list of tailgate essentials:
Blanket to lay the spread out on
Hot Soup Thermos
Hot and Cold Thermos Pump
Large Cooler for Ice and Food
Tailgate chairs
Mini Weber Grill and Charcoal
Galvanized Bucket for Drinks
Tupperware Containters
Condiment Organizer
Good wine and bottle openers
Bloody Essentials and good vodka
Pitcher to serve in
set of rubber handled travel knives and cutting board
Packing List: Napkins, Plastic Utensils, Trash Bags, Paper Towels, TP, Cleaning Supplies, Sunscreen, Off, Lighter Fluid, Lighters, Sweaters, Umbrella, Folding Tailgate Tables.
I loved thinking about this and if anyone ever wants help with their parties or has questions- please let me know I will be happy to do a party post for you.