How to Host the Perfect Tailgate

Meet Chanel Tarlo, our go-to stylist and producer. With a keen eye for style, Chanel helps us find the perfect props and adds the thoughtful details that bring our on-set concepts to life. We tapped her for some tips so you can throw a tailgating party all your own.

Describe your perfect tailgating set-up.

Ice cold drinks and plenty of shade -- most of tailgating season in Austin is really just a test to see who can stand the heat!

Any tricks for making drinks and snacks look extra special?

It can be challenging to make grab-and-go, casual fare look pretty. But the trick that never fails is adding freshness, specifically herbs. Just about every dish and cocktail is enhanced - both in taste and presentation - when garnished with fresh herbs. Throw some chives on that Frito Pie, honey!

What are your go-to sources for party and table decor?

I'm a sucker for mixing vintage and modern. My favorite tabletop decor pieces all have a story — whether inherited or haggled over, nothing beats the charm and quality of antiques. In Austin that can only mean one place… the Austin Antique Mall.

When it comes to festive party decor, I love Papermart.com and Oh Happy Day!

What's your best advice for the host/hostess?

Put your guests to work! The assumption that everything needs to be perfectly placed when guests walk through the door is just plain wrong, and puts a lot of pressure on the hostess. Instead, let a guest open the wine, toss the salad, or put on their favorite playlist.