How to Plan a Cookout

Step-by-Step Guide

1. 1

   Step 1: Select an appropriate day.

   You can hold a cookout on a holiday, to celebrate an event, or on any day of the week you feel like.
   
   Pick a time and day when most people you'll be inviting are free from work and school, such as a weekend.
   
   Check the long-range forecast before deciding a date, and try to choose a day that has no chance of rain or storms.
   
   To make sure you and your guests have lots of time to prepare, start planning your barbecue at least two weeks in advance.
2. 2

   Step 2: Choose your guest list.

   Your cookout can be as big or small as you like, and you can invite anybody you want.
   
   Some people you might want to consider, include friends, family, neighbors, co-workers, and classmates.
   
   Remember that the more people you invite, the more food you'll have to prepare. , The invitations don’t have to be formal or even written, but you should give guests plenty of warning so they can plan to attend.On the invitation, you may want to ask guests to inform you about dietary restrictions.
   
   The invitations should include the event type, date, time, and location.
   
   There are lots of ways you can invite your guests, including:
   Formal written invitations Evites An email with all the details A phone call to each person , Having a guest list is essential not only so you know who’s coming, but also so you know how much food to purchase and prepare.
   
   On written invitations, write a date by which you want guests to respond.
   
   On the phone simply ask guests to tell you by a certain day if they can make it.
   
   The RSVP deadline should be at least a few days before the cookout so that you know how much food to buy.
   
   As guests RSVP, make a note of who is and isn't coming. , Go through your kitchen, barbecue tools, cupboards, and party gear and make a list of things you need for the cookout (other than food).
   
   Things you may need include:
   Plates Utensils Napkins Barbecue fuel Barbecue utensils Decorations Tablecloths Aluminum foil , Food is one of the most important elements of a cookout, and there are lots of different courses to consider.
   
   You can start planning the menu before you have a finalized guest list, but you'll have to determine quantities later.
   
   Popular appetizers and snacks for barbecues include:
   Fresh fruitFresh vegetables with dip Chips Guacamole, The main course at a cookout is typically a red meat dish, but it can also be poultry, fish, or a plant-based protein.
   
   Pick a food that you really like, and that will also be popular with your guests.
   
   Good options include:
   SteakRibs Hamburgers Hot dogs Sausages Kebabs Shrimp Pork butt BrisketTofu Portobello mushrooms , There are lots of popular side dishes you can serve at a cookout.
   
   You can pick your favorites, try to pair the sides with the main you're serving.
   
   For instance, if you're serving something lighter like shrimp or mushrooms, you might want a heavier side like potatoes.
   
   Popular cookout sides are:
   Roasted vegetables, such as asparagus, zucchini, and bell peppers ColeslawPotato salad Corn on the cob Baked potatoes Salad Pasta salad , Dessert isn't necessary at a cookout, but it’s a nice touch.
   
   You can either go simple and opt for things like cookies, fruit, or ice cream.
   
   Other options include cake, brownies, cupcakes, squares, and marshmallow treats., Beverages can be simple like pop, juice, and beer, or you can even have a themed drink or cocktail for the cookout.
   
   It’s good to have a variety of drinks to accommodate kids, people who don’t drink, and people with beverage preferences.
   
   Here are some drink ideas:
   Lemonade Punch Iced tea Sangria Wine Margaritas Mojitos Soda , It’s possible that not all your guests will want to or be able to eat the food you’ve decided in your meal plan.
   
   One way to accommodate dietary restrictions is to offer a number of different dishes, including different meat options and a vegetarian option.Check your RSVPs to determine if any of your guests listed allergies or restrictions. , Cookouts are fairly informal gatherings, and it’s totally acceptable to hold a potluck-style barbecue.
   
   Especially if you're having a lot of people come, don’t be afraid to ask guests to bring a dish so that you don’t have to worry about it.
   
   The custom is typically that the host will provide the main dish, and can ask guests to bring sides, appetizers, snacks, and desserts., Once you’ve decided on all your menu items and your drinks, make a list of all the food, spices, and condiments you need for your snacks, main, sides, dessert, and drinks.
   
   To help plan the quantity of food, each guest will consume, on average:
   Two beverages when they arrive, followed by one more every hour 6 to 8 ounces (170 to 227 g) of meat 1 cup (150 g) of pasta salad or potato salad 1 cup (100 g) of coleslaw 1 to 2 cups (75 to 150 g) of salad Two pieces of fruit 4 ounces (113 g) of cake or cookies , One or two days before the barbecue, grab your shopping list and your reusable bags and head out to grab all the things you need for the cookout.
   
   There may be things you need that you didn’t already put on the list, including ice, sauces, barbecue fuel, and other miscellaneous items. , At least 48 hours before the cookout, remove frozen meat and veggies from the freezer to thaw them.
   
   Place them in the refrigerator to thaw.
   
   Don’t leave items on the counter, as they will be prone to food-borne diseases.
   
   The meat may only need 24 hours to thaw, but thawing it early will give you time to marinate it the night before the barbecue. , Remove the grills from the barbeque and soak them in a bucket of soapy water.
   
   Wipe down the barbecue itself to remove food crumbs and oil.
   
   After the grills have soaked for at least 10 minutes, scrub them with a non-abrasive scrubbing pad.
   
   Return the grills to the barbecue and let them air dry.
   
   When they are dry, use a clean cloth to rub some cooking oil on them., The night before the barbecue, you can do a lot of food prep work.
   
   This includes making side dishes, making desserts, washing and cutting fruit and vegetables, and marinating meat.
   
   Transfer side dishes and chopped fruit and veggies to airtight containers for storage., The morning of the cookout, fill a cooler with ice and put drinks in there that should be served cold.
   
   This includes beer, pop, juice, and other drinks that people typically don’t like warm., You may want to dust, vacuum, clean the bathrooms, and tidy the patio before your guests arrive.
   
   People probably won’t be spending too much time inside, but it will be nice to have a clean house regardless.
   
   To clean the patio, wipe down any outdoor furniture, remove items that don’t have to be there, and sweep or power wash the deck or patio. , You don’t have to decorate for a cookout, but you certainly can.
   
   There are lots of decorations you can use, including flowers, plants, balloons, streamers, lights, torches, candles, and even special table cloths., Because barbecues are informal, guests usually take care of serving themselves food and drinks.
   
   Set up a large table with napkins, plates, utensils, and cups.When the guests start to arrive, you can put out snacks and drinks (ones that aren't in the cooler).
   
   When the food is ready, place the side dishes and mains on the table as well, along with serving utensils so that guests can get their own food. , Before guests arrive, place a large garbage can outside with a fresh garbage bag in it.
   
   This will give guests a place to put trash, make your job easier, and make it so guests don’t have to go inside.
   
   This is especially important if you're using disposable serving ware and utensils. , About an hour before guests are set to arrive, turn on the barbecue and preheat it for your food.
   
   This will make sure the grill is nice and hot and ready to go as soon as your guests arrive.
   
   When the grill is hot, put on long-cooking side dishes like baked potatoes and corn on the cob.
   
   Side dishes like corn and potatoes should go on the grill 30 to 60 minutes before you plan to eat., As soon as your first guests get there and lunch or dinnertime arrives, move your corn and potatoes off the grill and start cooking the main dish.
   
   To keep the sides warm while everything else cooks, wrap them in foil. , Once the food is ready, put the side dishes, appetizers, and main food on the table so that guests can serve themselves and dress their food.
   
   Now that all the hard work is out of the way, it’s time to enjoy your cookout!
3. 3

   Step 3: Send out invitations.

4. 4

   Step 4: Ask guests to RSVP in advance.

5. 5

   Step 5: Make a shopping list.

6. 6

   Step 6: Choose snack items and appetizers.

7. 7

   Step 7: Pick a main course.

8. 8

   Step 8: Select a few side dishes.

9. 9

   Step 9: Plan a dessert.

10. 10

    Step 10: Pick some beverages.

11. 11

    Step 11: Plan for dietary restrictions.

12. 12

    Step 12: Ask guests to bring dishes.

13. 13

    Step 13: Make a grocery list.

14. 14

    Step 14: Go grocery shopping.

15. 15

    Step 15: Thaw frozen foods.

16. 16

    Step 16: Clean up the grill.

17. 17

    Step 17: Prep food and make your side dishes.

18. 18

    Step 18: Set up a cooler.

19. 19

    Step 19: Clean the house and patio.

20. 20

    Step 20: Put up decorations.

21. 21

    Step 21: Set up a food and drink station.

22. 22

    Step 22: Put out a large garbage can.

23. 23

    Step 23: Fire up the grill before guests arrive.

24. 24

    Step 24: Start cooking the main when guests arrive.

25. 25

    Step 25: Set food out on a table so guests can serve themselves.

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