First, there was the pretzel necklace.

The idea was simple: a piece of string, laced through a few dozen pretzels, worn like a necklace at a tailgate party.

Pretty cute.

But football, friends, is not about cute.

So in the spirit of the overly competitive culture that brings us to these events, we’ve one-upped this snack strand with something we’re pretty sure will annihilate it on the field of play:

The meat necklace — or lei. Same brilliant idea, highly superior materials.

We’re not just operating off our own biases here — we all know it’s a fact that everything can be improved by adding bacon. (Chicken sandwich? Add bacon. Bloody mary? Add bacon. Bar of chocolate? Add bacon. Etc.) And this jewelry item also includes brats and wienies. When compared with cold, dry pretzels, we’re headed for a blowout.

Think of the convenience of having your entire meal accompany you wherever you go. Think of the envy you’ll command — nothing says you’re the king or queen of your castle quite like a shimmering bib of cured meat strung around your neck like a glorious collar.

And think of all the things you can do at your tailgate now that you have your hands free: tweak your fantasy lineup, double-fist beer, parade around the parking lot with two foam fingers, chanting “LET’S-GO-(insert your team here).”

All while satisfying every sausage craving, the very moment it strikes.

Wow, yep, the world just got a whole lot bigger, and will probably never be the same.

Here’s how to make your own mind-bending meat necklace:

>> Buy some meat: Good meat, but not necessarily snobby-good. Just some meat that will make you happy when you eat it. We suggest thick-cut bacon (it’s easier to string), bratwurst or other sausages, and wienies. Chunks of steak, if you’re feeling ritzy, are also on the table.

>> Assemble your tools. You’ll need some string — thick enough that you could tie your kids up with it if you wanted to, but you definitely haven’t used it for that because who ties up their kids? Also scissors and a skewer of some sort to use as a “needle.”

>> Cook your meat. We’re not going to stand over you and tell you what to do with your meat products because we’re pretty sure you’ve got your methods already. So grill ’em or boil ’em or roast ’em or whatever you want to do and go ahead and cook that bacon in a pan in the oven (400 degrees for about 20 minutes) OR on the stovetop, even though we all know that is incredibly inefficient and will have you smelling like pork for three days.

>> String that goodness. Tie one end of your string to the sharp tip of a skewer. Disposable wooden skewers work nicely, or anything that is of uniform thickness all the way down. Piece by piece, pierce your meat items with the skewer and pull the skewer all the way through so they are hanging side-by-side on the string. Make your hole at the top of one of the long ends of meat so as to maximize the meat space. Perhaps you’ve been secretly artistic your entire life and you’ll seize the opportunity to make this really special. Maybe this meat bead design will open up your life to creativity in new ways. Or maybe you’ll just put the meat on the string and eat it. Whatever, we’re not judging you.

>> Put on a poncho or something. For Pete’s sake, you’re making an insane mess. Those jerseys aren’t cheap. Now parade yourself around the parking lot. You’re the king/queen of your castle now, and you’ll never be hungry again — for at least the next 35 minutes or so.