| The summer sun is approaching fast, and what can | | | | not have a pool try setting up a sprinkler and hose, |
| mark the season better then a little backyard | | | | maybe some water guns to keep the kids busy and |
| barbecue? At this time of year, the perfect summer | | | | cool. |
| party is on everybody’s mind, but, as with any | | | | Nighttime offers its own set of challenges. The two |
| other plan, problems can arise. There are, however, a | | | | greatest factors to overcome are insects and |
| few sure-fire ways to have a great time around the | | | | darkness. Citrus candles or torches that use citronella |
| BBQ this summer. The key to having a great BBQ | | | | oil can solve both of these problems. Japanese |
| harkens back to the Boy Scout motto: be prepared. | | | | lanterns are also a popular solution to lighting |
| Anything can happen on a summer day or night. | | | | problems. If kids are involved, it’s always a good |
| That’s just one reason a barbecue can be an | | | | idea to have plenty of activities available. Whether it |
| exciting pastime. Having a successful event depends | | | | is some indoor games or even some music for |
| on planning for every contingency. What happens if it | | | | dancing, there should be plenty of activities to keep |
| rains? What kind of dietary needs do your quests | | | | the kids happy and occupied. |
| have? Are there any vegetarians, children or | | | | Once the guest list is completed, and the start time |
| handicapped individuals attending the event? Charcoal | | | | is set, the next thing to figure out is the menu. While |
| or Gas grill? What about bugs? The questions abound. | | | | the usual fares of hot dogs, burgers, chicken are |
| Fortunately, so do the answers. There are items | | | | more then welcome, any attempt to offer something |
| available that address any contingency to ensure that | | | | unique to eat will help make your event stand out |
| your summer BBQ is a success. | | | | from the rest. Try making some simple, fun desserts |
| The first thing to decide is who you will be inviting. Is | | | | such as pudding to keep the kids in good spirits. Fruit |
| the event for you and some friends? Is it a family | | | | and vegetable platters can keep everybody happy |
| event? Will it be a birthday party for a child? Finding | | | | while they wait for their main entree. Have some fun |
| answers to these questions will help you prepare. If | | | | with the food selection. Experiment with homemade |
| you are inviting entire families, or have young children | | | | dips. |
| attending, you will need to plan accordingly. Make the | | | | More important than anything else, find something |
| cookout an afternoon event as the little tykes are | | | | that you can make that is a sort of specialty. It could |
| unlikely to last much later then seven or eight | | | | be a marinade, a way to stuff a burger, a side-dish |
| o’clock in the evening. Be sure to have age | | | | or a dessert, having that one special item that stands |
| appropriate toys and games as well. If the BBQ will | | | | out as your own famous recipe will keep people |
| be only attended by adults and parents then | | | | happy and full summer after summer. |
| scheduling is not as set in stone. | | | | Once the menu is set, pin down what type of grill |
| When you are in the process of compiling a list of | | | | you will use. Overall, gas grills are much more |
| guests, make sure to ask if anyone has dietary | | | | convenient. They cook faster, and are generally |
| restrictions. You don’t want to create a party | | | | larger. However, many barbeque enthusiasts use |
| tray including peanuts only to find out that a friend of | | | | charcoal. The slow cooking often gives a better and |
| a friend that you invited is badly allergic. If any of | | | | juicier flavor to the foods being grilled. If your party |
| your guests are diabetic you should be prepared with | | | | is relatively small, and can handle the time necessary |
| sugar free snacks and desserts. When these factors | | | | to get the charcoal heated, it can make for some |
| are taken into account you can set a time of day, | | | | very good food. Though, if one is hosting a large |
| and start working on the menu. | | | | scale event that requires a high output of meats a |
| There are many items that are time specific. If you | | | | gas grill is recommendable. |
| are going to be having the party in the day be sure | | | | The guests, the activities, the menu and the grill are |
| to have plenty of cold water. Lying out in the | | | | all planned out. What could go wrong? When dealing |
| summer sun, playing sports and drinking alcohol can | | | | with spring and summer weather, anything is possible. |
| lead to dehydration quickly. Alcohol, sugar and | | | | It is a good idea to get an awning over the grill so |
| caffeine all have a dehydrating affect, and because | | | | that you can still prepare the food properly just in |
| of this water is essential to have available. | | | | case it rains. A barbecue is not inherently ruined if it |
| Another item to keep in mind is a means to provide | | | | rains; you just have to be more creative, and, with a |
| shade. If your yard does not have enough natural | | | | little preparation, your summer BBQ will be one to |
| shade, then some sort of umbrella or awning will | | | | remember. |
| provide relief from the sweltering sun. Also, if you do | | | | |