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- Written by Dr. Lori Verderame Dr. Lori Verderame
Collectors look for team spirit and old kitchen collectibles when shopping for tailgating items. Autumn is the season for every type of tailgate … football, soccer, whatever the sport.
Team colors are always in style, and vintage pieces from tailgates gone by are sure to make your tailgate party a winner. Condition is important, as is the age of the vintage tailgating items.
Table Settings
Printed tablecloths from the 1940s will make that old folding table look great all season long. Some of the best folding tables are the wooden poker tables from the 1950s or the not-very-vintage plastic tables from office supply stores.
Vintage cloths from the Pop Art time period will cost about $50 to $100 each. Add extra aluminum folding chairs to the backseat so you can host guests from the opposing team at your tailgate. These won’t cost too much, about $10 each in good condition, because they are easy to come by and always very useful.
Chow Down
Collectibles from the kitchen and garage are all the rage. For a realistic vintage tailgate, use metal cups from the 1960s for soft drinks and smoothies. Fill plaid thermoses with soup to sip before the kickoff.
Old soda coolers, like those featuring Coca-Cola or Pepsi logos, will be just the thing to keep your sandwiches and drinks cold while you cheer on your team. Some of these coolers cost upward of $500 to $750 in excellent shape.
Serve cold-cut sandwiches on white bread or deviled eggs from plastic trays in bright colors. Don’t forget the printed, tin lunch pails for storing necessities like napkins, condiments, and toothpicks.
Yay, Team!
Old, well-worn pennants supporting your team are perfect for decorating your tailgate. Don’t forget to bring along old team sporting equipment, hats, jerseys, and anything in your team’s colors.
Wool blankets, wooly mittens, and scarves are must-haves during those crisp autumn days at the game. And when the team colors are not available, go plaid instead. Sit back and enjoy the game in vintage tailgate style.
Happy tailgating!
Ph.D. antique appraiser and award-winning TV expert Dr. Lori Verderame is the star appraiser on Discovery channel’s international hit TV show Auction Kings and appears on FOX Business Network’s Strange Inheritance. Visit www.DrLoriV.com or call (888) 431-1010.