| Having a group of friends over for a backyard | | | | you to cook more units at once, so everyone gets |
| barbecue is one of the great traditions of summer in | | | | to eat, and then can come back for more when you |
| America. Sometimes there is a special occasion - | | | | have cooked the second batch. You could also start |
| graduation, a birthday, an anniversary - that gives | | | | out by serving hors d'oeuvres that have been |
| you an opportunity to entertain a large group of | | | | prepared inside, giving the guests something to |
| guests. Grilling for a large group poses additional | | | | satisfy their hunger while you finish the main course |
| challenges versus just having two or three friends | | | | meat. |
| over. You want to make sure everyone is well-fed | | | | Make the cooking easier on yourself by choosing |
| and has a good time but you, the host, want to | | | | meat or fish items that you have grilled many times |
| enjoy the party as well, and not feel like you're a | | | | before; we all have certain foods we know we can |
| short-order cook in a crowded restaurant rushing | | | | grill to perfection. Your party might not be the time |
| around trying to fill orders. | | | | to try out a new grilled oysters recipe, even if it |
| Menu planning and task planning (sharing responsibility | | | | might impress your guests. |
| with the other guests) are two ways you can cope | | | | You could also start certain dishes inside on the |
| with the stress of entertaining a large group. Creative | | | | stove or in the oven, and then finish them on the grill |
| menu planning includes selecting the foods you will | | | | to add that special smoky barbecue flavor. If you do |
| serve and the schedule for preparing them. Think | | | | that, you will need to have an assistant chef helping |
| outside the 'hamburgers and hot dogs' box and | | | | you, which brings up the next consideration when |
| include a variety of salads and side dishes. These can | | | | planning a successful outdoor party for a large group: |
| be prepared in advance, saving you time and stress | | | | task planning. |
| the afternoon of the party. And salads can be made | | | | Imagine the chaotic situation of you and your spouse |
| with a wide variety of flavorful and colorful | | | | trying to cook and serve food for 40 people all at |
| ingredients-almost like meals in themselves. Many side | | | | once, and serve them drinks, all the while trying to |
| dishes can be made the day before, too, and then | | | | socialize and making them feel welcome. In advance |
| you simply have to warm them up before serving. | | | | of the party, call up a few of the invited guests and |
| With some dishes, the flavors meld and they taste | | | | ask them if they are willing to pitch in with some of |
| better the second day. | | | | the serving chores. You might even have a buddy |
| If you have a small outdoor grill and lots of people to | | | | who is an expert griller and would love to help you |
| serve, you run the risk of not having the meat grilled | | | | cook. Some people prefer to be involved with a |
| in time to serve everyone. Or you may rush through | | | | party rather than standing by trying to make |
| the grilling and serve your guests underdone meat. | | | | conversation with people. Helping serve food and |
| Plan ahead and ask one of the guests to bring over | | | | drinks is a great ice breaker to allow guests who |
| their grill, or borrow one from a neighbor. You could | | | | many not know each other get acquainted. |
| also serve smaller portions of the meat dish, allowing | | | | |