How to Host the Perfect Summertime Barbecue

One of the number one joys of summer is having tons of backyard get togethers paired with tons of delicious barbecued or grilled food. Here is a guide to having the perfect backyard party.

1. Food Safety

The party gift no one wants is food poisoning. The first and foremost thing you should be concerned with is food safety. Make sure all meat and poultry is stored and thawed in a refrigerator. Same goes when you are marinating meat. Marinate in the fridge, not on the counter! If you want to use some marinade to baste meat or serve as a sauce with the meat make sure you reserve some fresh marinade before raw meat has been added. If you must use marinade that raw meat has been soaking in, make sure you bring it to a boil before using for any other purpose. Keep all utensils and platters clean. You can't carry cooked meat on the same plate you carried the raw meat. This can cause cross contamination. Cook food thoroughly. Meats have to reach a certain internal temperature to destroy harmful bacteria. Use a internal thermometer to check temperatures if you aren't sure. A lot of internal temperature thermometers have proper temperatures listed right on the holding case! Make sure any and all leftovers make their way into clean containers and into the fridge.

To read more about BBQ Food Safety, Click Here!

OK, now that we are done planning the safety of barbecuing, we can move onto the fun part! Party Planning!

2. Who to invite and how many people are coming?

Make a list of everyone you would like to invite to your barbecue. Keep in mind the space you have available both inside and outside. Just because it starts to rain, doesn't mean your guests will leave! It is always good to have a backup plan. Invite your guests. This can be as casual as a phone call or as fancy as printed invites with an RSVP. Either way, get the invite out and find out how many people are coming!

To read more about DIY Invites, Click Here!

3. What to make?

Barbecues are a perfect and acceptable time to host a potluck. Ask guest to bring a dish. Salads, dinner rolls, chips, beverages and desserts are all great things people can easily bring that can help take some stress off of you. Ask guests to let you know what they are bringing so you don't have too many of the same thing. Again, it is safe to prepare at least a few side dishes, in case a few people fall through. Once you know who is coming (and who is bring what) make your grocery list. You will need a selection of meats, sides and condiments. Hamburgers, hot dogs, steak, chicken, fish and veggie burgers are always a favorite. Potato salad, macaroni salad, fruit salad, corn on the cob, cole slaw and chips make great sides. Ketchup, mustard, mayo, relish, barbecue sauce, butter, salt, pepper and sauerkraut are must when it comes to topping off the perfect meal!

To read more about Great BBQ Recipes, Click Here!

4. What to do?

Keep the music going to keep your guest entertained. Plug a stereo or boom box into an outdoor outlet or push one up to an open window and play your favorite radio station or Cd's. While the food is cooking, it is always fun to have some games available to your guests. Boccie-ball, horseshoes, croquet and volleyball are all great activities for adults. Hula hoops, wiffle balls and bats, water guns, and jumps ropes are all great activities for kids. A deck of cards or a few board games can also be a lot of fun before and after dinner, just make sure it is not too windy out!

To read more about Summertime Activities, Click Here!

5. Most of all...

Have FUN! Remember to take a minute and be a guest at your own cookout. Go with flow and don't worry if everything doesn't go EXACTLY as planned. There are things no one can predict. Be flexible and everyone will have a great time!