A Simple Guide to a Successful Stress Free Backyard BBQ!

Pre-barbecue Planning:

• Set a date. Try to plan the barbecue about two weeks in advance. This gives you enough time to plan the event and enough notification time for your invitees.
• Pick out a theme. While you may think this would make planning a barbecue hard, it is actually very helpful. Once a theme is established, you can build off of it to develop the menu, your invitation, decorations, and everything in between.
• Make your guest list and send out invitations. Make sure to include all the needed information (when, where, RSVP info, is it potluck style?, bring your own drinks?, kid friendly, is it rain or shine?, etc.)
• Checkout the forecast and make a Mother Nature plan. If it rains, what will you do? Do you have enough room to move your invitees inside or under a covered area? Is it going to be sunny and hot? Do you have adequate shade?
• Plan your menu and make a shopping list. Break down the list by what you can purchase now and what has to wait until right before the big day. If you are trying any new recipes, try them out on your family and or co-workers over the next week to see if they are keepers or need any adjustments.
• Reserve any rentals that are needed (tents, chairs, tables, etc.).

The Week Before:

• Confirm your head count. Review your RSVPs and reach out to those that have not responded. Confirm who is coming. If you decided on a potluck, find out what your guests are bringing so you can fill in any missing items.
• Take your first shopping trip. Purchase all the nonperishable items; paper products, utensils, decorations, bug spray/wipes, sunscreen, extra propane tank, etc.
• Prep/make any decorations that are needed.

Two-Three Days Out:

• Prep your yard. Clean any needed areas.   Mow and water the lawn one last time. Be sure to turn off any sprinklers and automatic watering systems (this will keep your yard from being too soft and getting torn up from the extra traffic).  Empty any standing water to help cut down on those pesky bugs.
• Set up and decorate as much as you can in advance. Mother Nature permitting, clean off outdoor furniture and run/stake down any needed extension cords. Hang lights and decorations that are weather proof.
• Food Preparation. Prepare any food that can be done ahead of time and put any meat that needs thawing in the refrigerator.

The Day Before:

• Final shopping trip. Take your final shopping trip for those last minute items and pick up any rentals ordered.
• More Food Preparation. Start marinating the meat and make any dishes on your menu that can be done.
• Finish up Decoration Preparation. Continue to finish the decorating and set-up taking it one step closer to being FINISHED!
• Double-check the grill. Did you remember to pick up that extra propane tank?
• Dry run with Electronics. Set up and check any electronics you might be using – sound system, iPod, lighting, etc.
• Clothing.  Set out your party clothes for the big day.

The Big Day:

• Hang the rest of those Decorations. Complete last minute decorations and set-up.
• Finish all electronic set-up…it wouldn’t hurt to check it one last time!
• Day of Food Preparation. Make any last minute food dishes.
• Relax.  Kick your feet up for a few minutes or take a short power nap before you head off to freshen up for the party!
• Grill Time! Fire up the grill and start grilling.
• Party! Most important, have fun and enjoy spending time with your friends and family!

Post Barbecue:

• Clean up and put away any extra food.
• Return rentals.
• Turn back on any automatic watering systems.
• All done….Enjoy the rest of your weekend!