Photos by Catherine Chapman Mosley

Sammy and JD Allen, Wilton and Kitty Burgess and Roger and Linda Taylor: Spread includes country ham biscuits, chicken salad sandwiches, fried chicken, pimiento cheese, deviled eggs, fruit, brownies and oatmeal cookies.

Paul and Lisa Edmunds with Beth and Tony Francis from Lynchburg: Sangria, fried chicken, UVa cake, wraps, chip and dip, fruits, veggies, Virginia peanuts, and orange and blue M&Ms.

Chick and Sandy Baylor of Virginia Beach: Fried chicken, potato salad, deviled eggs, coleslaw, brownies and cookies.

It was a brutal day at Scott Stadium in Charlottesville for UVa's season opener against the University of Southern California on Aug. 30. I'm not sure which was worse the Trojans' 52 to 7 torching of the Cavaliers or the oppressive heat. Because I was there for the tailgating, I will say the latter. Wandering from tailgate to tailgate, I endeavored to stay hydrated with water and Diet Coke.

As I apprenticed with Southern Living's "Gameday Gal" Cassandra Vanhooser at Saturday's game, I gathered these top five tips for a successful tailgate.

5. Arrive early

What more can you say? For the early birds at this UVa game, they got the worm, which was shade.

Without a parking pass, we were relegated to pay $30 for a fraternity house space.

"Excuse me," said an older gentleman, drinking a beer in the driveway. "I don't mean to offend you, but may I ask why you are wearing black? Does one of you ladies expect someone to get 'bear-red' today?" (Translation: do you expect UVa to get buried?)

"It's slimming," I replied as I began to question my choice of game day attire, which brings me to the next point.

4. Dress appropriately

I thought my black capris and top would be cool (temperature-wise and fashionably). I must admit I haven't been to a college football game in years, and I failed to remember that black absorbs heat. Thankfully, the Cavaliers handed out "orange power" towels to soak up the sweat that was dripping from every well-dressed Wahoo. I ended up purchasing a $5 T-shirt. Finally, remember this is a football game. Dressing up is fun, but keep practicality in mind. That also includes comfortable shoes.

3. Go all out on the food if you can

So, your team is outmatched. At least you will be able to enjoy the party.

Gameday Gal loves to see fun decorations and taste delicious food. Most of the tailgates we visited Saturday included Southern favorites such as fried chicken, ham biscuits, chicken salad, pimiento cheese, potato salad and deviled eggs. Fluids were prevalent.

"This is what you come for," said Charlie Loftin of Charlottesville, who catered for the UVa football team from 1974 to 2005. "I haven't missed a game in 37 years. It's wonderful to see friends you haven't seen in a while and drink a beer with them."

I came bearing gifts for all the tailgating hosts and hostesses we visited. Natalie Langley of Lynchburg's www.paperbuzz.com had given me several sleeves of "Hoo's thirsty" cups. I also found a couple of preppy flasks at the JCrew clearance store.

Sandy Baylor of Virginia Beach brought blue and orange flowers for all her tailgating neighbors.

2. Be in a good frame of mind for the game

Moderation is the key. However, after the Trojans took a 24 to 7 lead at halftime, the woman next to me commented, "This is the kind of game where you wished they sold beer at the concession stand."

1. Keep food safety top of mind

This is No. 1 for Gameday Gal.

Obviously you don't want to make your guests sick. With the early season heat and even later on, food safety can't be understated. In places where you don't have proper refrigeration, coolers should have plenty of ice and placed out of direct sunlight.