Dos and Don'ts for 4th of July Cookouts

The 4^th of July isn't complete without a cookout. What better tradition than inviting over friends and family to celebrate our independence over burgers and hot dogs? While hosting a barbeque is fairly easy, there are a few dos and don'ts to consider.

The following is a list of things you should absolutely do when hosting your 4^th of July cookout.

-Prepare your menu before hand. Know how much food to buy and what your guests like. This includes knowing how guests like their beef cooked, what beverages to buy, and what desserts to have on hand. By preparing you menu before hand, no one has to rush to the store once the cookout has started.

-Have the backyard cookout ready. This may seem obvious, but prepare your backyard before the day of the cookout. Otherwise, you'll be too exhausted to enjoy the fruits of your labor. Clean the patio furniture and the grill. Spray for insects. In short, your yard should be ready for your guests before they arrive.

-Plan for inclement weather. Just because it's the 4^th of July, does not mean the weather will be cooperative. Have a backup plan in case of rain or storms. If you have a garage, covered porch, or covered patio, you may want to have some chairs and tables already set up. If you have a covered outdoor area, you may want to consider grilling near that area so you can quickly move if it starts to rain.

-Plan activities for your guests. Its fun to eat and talk with your friends and family, but it's also fun to actually do something, especially if kids are around. Have an area for volleyball or badminton. Provide music and a place to dance. If you need to move the party indoors, card games, movies, and board games are all great ways to make sure everyone has a great time.

-Consider the fireworks displays in your area. Fireworks are as traditional as cookouts. Plan your cookout around any fireworks your guests may want to see. This allows everyone to enjoy both your cookout and the fireworks.

Now that you know what you should do, there are few things you shouldn't do when hosting a 4^th of July cookout.

-Never try to do everything yourself. This will only result in a tired, grouchy host. Ask guests to bring food and supplies. Guests will not mind helping out. In fact, it makes them feel more involved.

-Don't cook all food the same. Different people prefer their hamburgers and steaks cooked different ways. Ask before hand so you know what your guests like.

-Never put cooked food in the same pan as uncooked food. The last thing you want at your cookout are guests getting sick from contact with uncooked food.

-Never undercook food, especially chicken and pork. Don't assume it's done simply from how it looks on the inside. Invest in a food thermometer to guarantee your food is done all the way through.

-Be careful with fireworks. Know the laws in your area about shooting off fireworks. Also, if using fireworks, be sure to keep all children at a safe distance. Never allow them to help you shoot the fireworks off.

4^th of July cookouts are a great way to celebrate our independence. By following the above dos and don'ts your cookout is sure to be a success.