Jen’s note: Fab Fave Friday is a recurring feature in which I highlight some of my favorite things — in all sorts of categories. Today’s category is tailgating.

As someone who had never “tailgated” until college, I was under the impression that tailgating meant hanging around in the back of a truck in a parking lot before a sporting event, drinking beer and possibly eating chicken wings. And sometimes it is! But once I arrived at the University of Georgia, I quickly learned that “tailgating” does not have to involve a tailgate, a parking lot, or even beer.

In the SEC, tailgating frequently means a catered spread under a team-themed tent in a grassy area that may not even be very close to the stadium. And people start REALLY early. Like, the day before the sporting event they are apparently celebrating.

So really, tailgating is just an excuse for a party, and I’m on board with that. I have to admit I prefer the Navy football way, which is tailgating in the parking lot AFTER the game (no waking up at 6 a.m. required!), but to each his (or her) own, I guess.

Anyway, being around all this tailgating for the past decade (eek!) has taught me a thing or two about what you absolutely NEED to bring with you, in addition to your tickets to the game and your winning smile.

Here’s a few of my must-haves:

1. A speaker or radio. Whether you’re getting ready to attend a sporting event, sitting in the parking lot drinking beer while a game is going on, or just pre-gaming for a concert, a wireless speaker or radio is key for listening to the pre-game show, other conference games or your personal playlist. But, for the love of all that’s holy, don’t play “Rocky Top” or “Who Let the Dogs Out” on repeat for hours on end, or we can’t be friends anymore.

2. Team-themed goodies. Obviously I’m into decorated cookies, but I’ve also been known to make team color swirl cookies, red velvet Georgia cupcakes or blue velvet Navy cupcakes. Anything that combines sugar and team colors works.

3. Chips and dip. No matter if it’s guacamole, spinach dip, artichoke dip, onion dip, seven-layer dip or salsa, you’ve got to have SOME kind of chips and dip at a tailgate, or it doesn’t count. I have a soft spot for Toby’s Dixie chili dip, which is just cream cheese, Dixie chili and grated cheddar cheese, layered and microwaved or baked until bubbly. It’s amazing with Fritos scoops. But really, what isn’t?

4.  Beer and other adult beverages. Obviously this isn’t necessary if you’re hosting a children and pregnant lady tailgate or a party for any alcohol-free crowd, but in general, it isn’t a tailgate without beer. And as someone who really doesn’t like beer (sorry!), I always make sure to have some other kind of beverage available, too — preferrably a cocktail, but cider will do.

5. A grill. I am not sure where we got our mini grill — either at Lowe’s or the Navy exchange — but it’s a great tool to have when you’re tailgating in the cold and just want some warm food. At Navy home games, our friends often built a fire in a fire pit and used it for warmth and for keeping chili hot (in the world’s largest pot), but small grills are much easier to travel with. Ours is gas, but you can get a small charcoal grill for about $30.

6. Bottle opener. Even if you stock up on canned drinks, someone is bound to bring some bottles. And opening a beer bottle with your teeth is not cute.

7. Chairs. Yeah, some people can sit in the actual trunk or tailgate. But you won’t regret throwing a few cheap folding chairs in the backseat.

Bonus: Games. Anything goes here — cornhole, bocce, Uno, Nerf football, whatever you can think of. You may not need it, but it’s more likely you’ll be patting yourself on the back for remembering to bring a ready-made fun activity when you’ve run out of things to do two hours before kickoff, or you’re stuck in traffic after the game.

Go Dawgs!