ENJOY A SUMMER PARTY WITH THESE TIPS

For many people, especially selfproclaimed or “want to be” grill masters, summer is the best time of the year. Instead of spending the evening indoors isolated over a stove, you get to embrace the outdoors with family and friends, and enjoy the options of making dinner outdoors.

The sounds of laughter as kids play in the yard and the smell of the fresh barbeque on the grill is what makes the memories of a great summer!

A little prep work and planning can go a long way to ease the stress and focus on the fun. Here are a few tips and tricks to help!

Of course, the best way to start is usually the most dreaded task: cleaning. It’s important to take the time to clean your grill and cooking tools after they have sat unused all winter. A mixture of dish soap and water can help break down any leftover residue and ease the scrubbing. Some experts suggest the final step of rubbing vegetable oil on the cooking grates to help prevent rust and avoid food sticking.

Along with the cleaning the cooking area is the yard prepping. A fresh lawn cut is nice to avoid overgrown grass to walk in and can help limit bug hideouts. Cutting a day or two before your gathering not only ensures an appropriate grass length but also avoids fresh clippings from gathering on your guest’s feet.

Bugs seem to enjoy parties too. Be sure to test out the area a few days before the party to know what to expect from these uninvited guests. Sitting outdoors at the same time as your party is planned will give you an accurate picture to be able to plan accordingly. Bug repellent, citronella candles or other tools may be appropriate to have on hand to keep pesky bugs away. If you’re grilling, make sure you have enough propane, wood chips or pellets, or charcoal to supply your grill of choice. And of course, if a bonfire is in the plan, be prepared with ample dry wood in various sizes, including kindling and larger pieces for extended burning and warmth.

Lighting and sound are great additions to the ambiance. For lighting, you may consider solar powered lights or light strings. Timers on your lighting is another great touch to automatically come on at dusk and turn off at a predetermined time for consistency and energy conservation. Sound can be sourced from a variety of different music boxes and, if necessary, spread throughout the area using Bluetooth speakers. If you plan to leave them outdoors, ensure they are designed for the elements.

And while a back yard gathering is a perfect summer experience, Mother Nature doesn’t always agree. So the final tip is to always have a back-up plan – whether it means you’re now hosting a garage or barn party, converting to the comforts of the indoors, or possibly popping up a few tents. ■