Light up the grill this weekend

It’s that time of the year where planning a family gathering and hosting a backyard cookout is on your list of things to do. Yes, winter has come, and we are all set and ready for bonfires and some fire-kissed grills, out in the open air, amid the smoky aromas of meats. Barbecues are fun to have no matter the occasion. Whether it’s a birthday party, a holiday weekend, or just a family get-together – any excuse is a good excuse to go grilling.

If you want your backyard barbecue to stand out, here are a few tips you can follow.

1. Be Mindful of Weather

Barbecues are associated with winter as everyone wants to enjoy the pleasant weather. However, the weather can be unpredictable. Usually, the hottest time of day is in the afternoon with temperatures cooling in the evening. You may want to avoid a lunchtime BBQ and have a late dinner instead. Take a look at the weather forecast and make sure you plan around any showers or extreme heat.

2. Planning the Main Course

When it comes to barbecue, the star of the show is the meat! Many BBQ party hosts will stick to plain chicken and hot dogs as they are quick to grill. There are foods that have to be slow-cooked for an entire day! If you are prepping for a party, you have other tasks on your mind like decorating, cleaning, setting up games, and whatever last-minute errands you need to run. So plan the main course in advance.

3. Sides and Sauces

In addition to the main meat, complimentary sides are a must at any barbecue party. There are so many different sides to make from pastas to salads to veggies that it can be difficult to decide what to serve. Also, preparing sides just adds more stress on you as the host. Some hosts like to have everyone bring a side, but that’s how you end up with 12 bags of the same kind of chips. Mac and cheese, green beans, cole slaw, and of course baked beans are some of the ideal side dishes.

4. Drinks and Dessert

Some sweet-toothed guests won’t be satisfied with their meal until dessert is served. For an easy grab-and-go dessert, order some fresh baked cookies. Don’t forget to keep your guests hydrated with water and southern sweet tea.

5. Serving Essentials

Set up and tear down are the worst parts of hosting events. Some hosts scramble to get everything together at the last minute. Plan everything in advance.