10 Secrets to the Perfect Grilling Party

Are you a pro griller? Maybe you’ve developed a technique and flavor that impresses a lot of your friends.  This summer, perhaps you will want to have that perfect party that everyone raves about. Barbecue parties are a wonderful chance to get together with friends and do some cooking together, sharing food and good times.

How do you get organized and make a plan?  Maybe you love the sound of your Lynx grill firing up and haven’t thought of the details on how to put it all together. I once was at a cook out and the host had forgotten all about napkins! Barbecue without napkins? So there are ways to be prepared and keep your parties perfect.

1. Location, location… The space where you host your party is very important. You want a clean environment. If there’s grass space, make sure it’s trimmed well and looks good. Seating is super important. Depending on the number of your guests, you should have just as many places to sit, and they should all be comfortable. Expecting guests to stand for hours is simply unkind.
2. Upgrade your grill if you wish. If you’re looking to upgrade your grill with a Twin Eagles grill or similar brands, remember that barbecue grills are like anything else. You should get what you absolutely love and can work with well. If you buy a cheaper model, you may only find all the flaws in your barbecue and never fully enjoy it. So get the one you’ll most enjoy. Save money for a few months if you need to get the one you want.
3. Cook with your grill. Become very familiar with your barbecue grill. Hopefully, you didn’t wait to get the grill you really love, maybe you have the one you like already. Once you have it, use it, and not just at the party. Turn it on and cook a few dinners on your grill. Get to know how to roast a potato or bake a dessert right on the grill. Impressing your friends with how well you cook on your grill comes with experience. Follow some recipes and experiment.
4. Count on your friends. Or rather, count how many friends are coming and imagine they each brought one to two other people with them. Have a handful of extra steaks and chicken breasts on hand. They don’t have to go to waste. Because that brings us to number five…
5. Buy take out containers. Give your friends and family a little extra barbecue love with something they can easily take food home in without having to return a dish to you. Simple takeout boxes can be purchased ahead of time.
6. Themes are alright. Don’t be afraid of sounding a little corny with your theme, because a theme can set the mood for a fun night and it easily gets people in the mood before they come if they know there is a theme.
7. Use time wisely. Do your prep work before the party begins. If beef needs to marinate for an hour, do it before the guests arrive. Guests arrive to a barbecue having not eaten for a little while, and they will quickly get hungry. Fire up that barbecue grill and get cracking.
8. Get the main meal finished quickly. People can linger around and chat and digest their food after they’ve eaten, but you don’t want hungry guests. A short time between prep and finish from when your guests arrive is the key to a successful party.
9. Ensure protection. Don’t be afraid of insisting you’re the only chef for this meal. Protect your guests from raw meat and burnt fingers. Entreat your guests to relax and enjoy themselves and that you are at their service for the evening.
10. Have a clear ending time. Plan a last activity of the night. Guests may linger for several hours after the food has gone, and some may be unsure of a graceful exit. Do the work for them by announcing ahead of time when the party will be over and use a “last moment” activity to indicate this. It may be handing out party favors, the take out boxes, etc.  It gives guests a graceful way to say goodbye without feeling guilty of leaving so soon or staying late.

Photo by chidsey.