Cookouts are a perfect way to bring family and friends together. They can either be intimate or huge gatherings, and the key to having a successful one is prior planning. When I’m hosting one of these, I give myself adequate planning time, anywhere from a couple of weeks to a month. A few days before the cookout, I make sure I get everything on the very many lists I make out. I also prepare foods that need early preparation. For example, marinating meats, and confirming the guests who will attend, among other small details, to ensure the day will be perfect. The following are a few helpful tips I have been following over the years when hosting cookouts.
Planning Out the Details
The first step I take is to come up with an appropriate date that will be convenient for everyone. I mostly host on weekends when most of my guests are likely to be free from school and work. I also consider the weather forecast and check if there will be a possibility of getting rain on that day. I also choose a date that will give me and my guests adequate time to prepare for the cookout.
After choosing a day, the next step is choosing a guest list. I keep in mind my budget to ensure I will be able to feed everyone I invite without straining myself. I later sent all the invitations to my guests. The invitations include the date, time, location, type of event, and information about any dietary restrictions.
The last thing I do during the planning period is make out a shopping list. I ensure to go through my kitchen and the pantry and check if I have things needed for a cookout, for example, barbecue utensils, tablecloths, aluminum foils, party decorations, and napkins, among others, and note down everything I don’t have on my shopping list.
Menu Selection
Food is definitely the main element in a cookout. I usually have several courses to consider. Some of the food I find popular in cookouts I have been to that I ensure to include are different types of fruits, vegetable salads, chips, dips, and guacamoles.
The second step is picking the main course. Over the years, I have been doing different main dishes ranging from red meat, poultry, and fish. For all these, I ensure to include a plant-based protein for vegetarians. I also pick out a few other foods that will be served together with the meat dishes, including various roasted vegetables, baked potatoes, pasta, potato salads, etc.
Keep in mind that some people you have over may be interested in trying out new things though they may not say it upfront. For them, you could consider recipes from cuisines across different continents. Since the task of preparing the dishes would be on you, ensure that you do not make too much as there may be a waste if they don’t like it. Use your creativity to find some niche, and savory-looking dishes such as the spicy crab sushi roll recipe, baos or dumplings, sheek kebabs, crab cakes, and so on. These may not only be a treat to those interested but also a conversation starter that could end on a sweet note.
Desserts are not commonly served in cookouts, but I ensure to add some because I feel it’s a nice touch for my guests. I mostly include ice cream cookies or some fruit salads. It’s important to include beverages because most of these cookouts are held during summer. When it is hot, some lemonade, sangria, and a few mojitos go a long way.
Arranging for the Essentials Needed for the Cookout
Planning a successful outdoor cookout hinges on arranging a multitude of essentials to ensure an enjoyable gathering for your family. For instance, if you’re planning a grilling session, securing the necessary grilling equipment and utensils is paramount. Additionally, if your grill runs on propane, ensuring an ample supply of the fuel from Dutch Oil and similar companies is crucial.
Beyond the grill, you must also consider practical aspects like trash bags, recycling bins, and cleaning supplies to facilitate effortless cleanup. Likewise, gather plates, utensils, napkins, and cups. Don’t forget serving platters, bowls, and utensils for dishing out the food. It’s also wise to stay vigilant about the weather forecast and have contingency plans in case of rain or adverse conditions. By meticulously attending to these details, you can create a memorable and enjoyable cookout experience for your family.
Preparations before the Actual Cookout
Before D-day, I take a trip to the grocery store and get everything I made out on my lists. 24-48 hours before the cookout, I thaw any frozen foods we will need for the cookout. I also ensure to marinate meats for the barbeque.
It is important to clean everything up, such as the vegetables, fruits, utensils, and grill, and give them adequate time to dry. I also ensure to prepare and make all my side dishes the night before the cookout to ensure everything will be ready.
The Actual Cookout Day
On an actual day, I ensure to set up the cooler in the morning by filling it up with ice and putting all the drinks inside so they will be chilled when guests arrive. I also clean up the patio and the yard and put up decorations early enough to avoid the last-minute rush.
I also identify a spot and set up a station for the food and drinks and a garbage can for trash. Before the guests’ agreed time of arrival, I usually fire up the grill and preheat it. The last step is starting the cookouts when most of the main guests have arrived, setting out the food on the tables, and enjoying every bit of the cookout.