How to Host a Summer Barbecue

Barbecues are the best type of entertaining.  They're super easy - since you're outside, you don't have to clean the whole house (just the path to the bathroom); very minimal decorations are required; and people aren't expecting anything formal.

The biggest element to having a successful barbecue is the food.  Obviously!  That's why people came in the first place.

I'll share my family's classic bbq recipes over the next few posts so you have specifics, but I thought I'd give you some general tips first.

1. Plan for the weather - if it's going to be hot, make sure you have plenty of shade or even misters going, also prepare to move inside if it starts raining, or make a fire if it gets cold.
2. Prepare most of the food in advance - almost all barbecue food can be made ahead of time.  Just leave the meat (or grilled vegetables) for when you're ready to eat so it's still hot.  Plus, everyone loves the smell of the grill going in the summer.
3. Don't forget about the drinks - in addition to the coolers of beer and soda, try making a pitcher of margaritas, punch, or even just some infused water.
4. No food poisoning! - after guests are done eating, put food away!  This will also help keep the bugs away.  If people are going to be continuously grazing for hours, fill large bowls with ice, then set the bowl with the food inside of that to keep it cold.
5. Keep it casual - remember everything doesn't have to be perfect.  Dessert can be as simple as s'mores over the fire or ice cream cones.  Plates can be paper.  Ambiance can be the sound of birds chirping.

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