VINTAGE TAILGATING: NEWPORT POLO CLUB

 

The proper equipment is quite necessary for any event to be a success.  For example, when one wishes to plan a picnic or outing, one should give considerable thought to "equipment".  As I've stated before, the proper accoutrements lend to a more authentic, nostalgic, and civilized sort of day.

For years, when spring rolls around, I tell myself this summer we will plan to attend at least one Polo Match of the Newport International Polo Series held at the venerable Glen Farm in Portsmouth, RI.

 

The problem is, when the weekend forecast calls for plenty of sun and a S/SW wind under 5 knots, we usually end up enjoying an outing on our boat instead. 
The other problem is, really, just my own personal problem: 

I am a Tailgate Snob.

My vision for our afternoon at the Polo Grounds looks something like this:

(photos by Peggy Hunt courtesy of The Carriage Association of America )  

Yes, this is how it should be.

I just couldn't dream of traipsing in there with neon bright coolers, solo cups and paper plates.  So, having the patience of Job, I began, over the years, to collect the tasteful equipment required to host a proper
Newport Polo Club Vintage Tailgate Party.

My acquisitions thus far:

 

One vintage "Scotch Jug".
One lovely picnic basket with real plates & silverware inside. (A wedding gift)
One hunter green insulated zipper~top tote. (Much nicer than a cooler)

 

One vintage card table.

 

One stack of antique linens (very similar to this lovely collection).

One vast array of vintage stemware & glasses.

And my most prized travel/tailgate acquisition:

 
 

A fabulous vintage travel bar, found for me by a friend on a Treasure Hunting Mission.  How great is she?
There is no label or makers mark, just this crest on the front:

 

Any information regarding provenance is more than welcome.  
(I dreamt it was Asprey. . . and then woke up with a certain song by Aerosmith humming in my ears.)

 
(photo courtesy of Ballard Designs)

Still on the search for bamboo folding chairs similar to this lovely design.

Next on the Newport Polo Club Vintage Tailgate Party Agenda: 

The Guest List
The Menu
The Bar
The Wardrobe

The first match is Saturday, 19 June 2010
USA vs SCOTLAND

Plenty of time . . .