Having a Summer BBQ? Print My 30 point checklist

This isn't a guide to throwing an extravagant, Pinterest-worthy BBQ - it's a guide for people who spill ketchup on themselves. Of course, if you want to incorporate chevron and skywriting, go right ahead! But before you do, let's make sure you've got the basics covered with this essential BBQ planning checklist.

Don't worry. There's a one page printable checklist at the end of the post. I'm conscientious like that, for once.

Pre-BBQ Preparation

6. Top up the charcoal or propane

Make sure you have enough charcoal or propane to get you through the day.

7. Haul out extra seating if you have to

Make sure you have enough places for people to sit. Consider renting tables and chairs if necessary. Just kidding. Anything ass height with a blanket over it is fine.

8. Clean the yard

Mow the lawn, trim the hedges, hide the empties.

9. Uh oh 🌦

O.K., so what if it rains?  Decide NOW whether you're going to have a rain date, cancel, or party on anyway.

10. Set up a playlist

Create a playlist of music to play during the BBQ. I have a Pizza Party playlist on Spotify you're welcome to use.

The two BEST way to keep bugs away isn't citronella. It's a fan or incense. Get ready to set both of these outside if it's buggy.

12. The bar

Decide on a designated area for drinks in the shade. A cooler is ugly but very effective. A galvanized bucket filled with ice works great as well. Don't use someone's guitar case. They'll get mad.

13. Buy ice

If you have a fridge that makes ice, start making it. Or, just buy a few bags.

14. Shade

Nobody will remember your party fondly if they barf and pass out from heat stroke.

15. Games & activities

If you know your crowd is shy or ... just dull ... give people things to do. Games to play, balls to throw, ... holes to corn.

18. Set up the bar area

Fill the cooler with ice and set out drinks, glasses, ice and drip napkins.

19. Put out decorations

Decorate the table, hang buntings or banners, whatever it is you want to do.

20. Prepare food

Get everything you need ready to go. Prep condiments, meat, salads, ... get as much ready in the morning as possible.

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My Favourites BBQ Foods

SMOKED RIBS WITH MAPLE BOURBON BBQ SAUCE

Grilled Indian Street Corn as taught to me by my friend Edwina. Yes. Edwina is from India.

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Pavlova with berries ONLY if it isn't humid out.

21. Set up a self-serve station

Set up a self-serve station for drinks and food. I'm not going to be their waiter. Are YOU going to be their waiter? No. Lay it all out so that it's easy for them to be their own waiter.

22. Set up games & activities

Set up the boredom busters for the kids and dullards. Put someone in charge of encouraging the shy guests into playing.

23. Welcome guests

Say hello, thanks for coming and get them a drink as quickly as possible.

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If the party includes a bunch of people who don't know each other here's a trick. Introduce one person to another and include a fact about each of them that you know will interest the other person.  Like this:

Chandler, this is Joey. Joey is an actor with a childlike curiosity. 

Joey, this is my friend Chandler - nobody really knows what he does. Maybe you can find out for me.

Then you excuse yourself from the two of them and hope for the best. 

Something like that. If your BBQ event is more formal and you do have those skywriters, this is how you make a formal introduction according to Emily Post.

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24. Serve food and drinks IMMEDIATELY

Start serving food & drinks to your guests as soon as they arrive. Tipsy, snacking guests are happy and relaxed guests.

25. Monitor the grill

Designate a grill master. Either a family member, friend or guest. If you're doing the cooking, assign someone else to making sure guests are doing O.K. and aren't stealing from the neighbours.

26. Monitor the weather

Why you ask? Because this will happen if you don't. With commentary from Betty.

27. Play music

Start playing your pre-made playlist before people show up.

28. Keep a first aid kit handy

Aloe gel, bandaids, alcohol wipes, and aspirin.

29. Place obvious garbage cans or bags around

It'll help your clean up immensely. Label any recycling bins so people know where to put stuff.

30. Put out a menu board

Create a menu board or sign so everyone know's what's ahead of them.

31. Designate a photographer

Ask someone you think would be good for the job to get a photo of everyone at the party.

I have my own first summer BBQ scheduled for the end of May! It will be a pizza party BBQ of course.

Jamieson & Bradley, if you're reading this post, you don't need to bring a thing other than yourselves, a bottle of wine and a skywriter.

thx.