Nothing says party like breaking out a grill! Whether you’re using a disposable travel grill or have a custom built in shrine to Sears in your backyard, somehow food cooked on a grill just tastes better.
However, being the host while also grilling can be quite a challenge. So I’ve listed 10 suggestions for making it easier.
1. Share the workload!
This is easy at my house because DH won’t let me near his grill. So that frees me up to focus on mingling and making the side dishes. The fun thing about grilling parties is that it’s easy for lots of people to participate, even if it’s just hanging around “backseat” grilling around the grillmeister.
2. Do prepwork ahead of time
It’s a total drag if you’re chopping onions in the kitchen while everyone else is having fun outside. So do your chopping, gather your condiments, etc. before everyone arrives.
3. Have cold appetizers ready when people arrive
Not only because it’s hot outside, but because that will tide people over in case the timing is off on the grill (especially when using charcoal).
4. Ask about food preferences before the day of the party
You don’t want to discover, as the grassfed steaks hit the grill, that you have vegans in your midst or children who only eat hot dogs. Ask your guests in advance if they have any food allergies or preferences so you can be prepared.
5. Alcohol. Lots and lots of alcohol.
This one is pretty self explanatory.
6. If asking guests to bring side dishes, be specific.
Sometimes hosts take care of all of the food, but other times, such as in large groups of friends, the host takes care of the meat and guests bring side dishes. This is more common in my social group. However, it’s important to be specific. For example, you don’t want to end up with 10 bags of chips or 5 tubs of store bought potato salad. This is where facebook comes in handy – people can share what they’re bringing.
7. Use disposables.
This isn’t particularly “green,” but it will save your sanity and a lot of cleanup later, especially if you don’t have a dishwasher (like if you’re camping). There are lots of earth-friendlier options available, like recycled paper, bamboo, and other biodegradable materials.
8. Provide games for the kids.
If there will be kids in attendance, have some lawn games ready (or ask their parents to bring some if you’re DINKs like us). That should help the “I’m bored” drag on the party, unless they’re teenagers, in which case don’t stress about it because there’s nothing you can do.
9. Don’t be a “Martha.”
It’s interesting, Martha in the Bible was anxious and worried about being the perfect hostess, where Mary was more interested in visiting with her guests. The other famous Martha has lots of great ideas, but it’s important to realize that you are probably not going to live up to those high standards and picture perfect images. Just be yourself and remember that the important thing is spending time with friends and family, even if your ice sculpture doesn’t quite turn out.
10. Ask your friends for their advice.
These are just a few of my tips for grilling while also being the host. I would love if you would share your tips with me! One of my lucky readers who answers below will win a $25 Sears Gift Card!
This is a sponsored conversation written by me on behalf of Sears. The opinions and text are all mine. Official Sweepstakes Rules.
This post shared at Kitchen Tip Tuesday
