Throwing a Foolproof Barbeque

Follow These Great Tips for a Flawless Summer Barbeque Party!

Basic Barbeque Checklist

Apart from the décor and accessories, you’ll need some basic supplies to host your party. Choose a theme and colors for:

Then move onto rounding up the basic food supplies. You’ll need the basic food items and condiments:

Decorating for Your Barbeque

The Grill

If you’re using a traditional fire grill, make sure that all the wood and coals you need are clean and ready for burning. You may need to buy some firestarters and test it out before the party arrives, especially if you’re planning on cooking for lots of guests all day. Propane grills can help take the stress out of proper heat on the grill; with an adjustable heat gauge, you’ll have much better control on the temperature. Just make sure you have cleaning supplies and grilling tools available so your meal prep runs seamlessly.

Nonstick cooking spray is a great idea for the grill, and will help you clean off the racks much more easily. Just make sure you keep the spray can at a safe distance from the grill at all times.

Batch Cooking

If you’re providing all the tasty food, make sure you’re multiplying your recipes accordingly. Look for potluck recipes that are designed for large groups, and choose ‘family style’ portions when buying items like coleslaw and potato salad.

If you’re interested in marinating the meat, you’ll need to prepare everything at least 24 hours before the BBQ day. Marinades make it much easier to cook meat thoroughly, and it’s also a great way to create a tasty flavor.

Remember that most barbecues and grills are designed for about 6-8 servings; if you’ll be cooking up batches of meat, be sure to give the grill a rest between batches so you have time to clean. You’ll want to put each type of meat on separate trays to avoid contamination, and refrigerate it until it’s ready for the grill.

If you’re going potluck-style, be sure to have plenty of ice and food containers available so that food stays fresh—and edible!

Entertainment

Nothing beats the heat during summer than heading out for a fun cookout with friends! Organizing a barbeque is a great way to get together and enjoy some tasty food outdoors. Be sure to send out invitations at least ten days before the party; don’t let busy summer schedules be an excuse to miss your event of the season!

Sabah Karimi writes on fashion, lifestyle, and beauty for DivaVillage. When she’s not busy organizing a party, you’ll probably find her shopping for one.