Barbecue Tricks Part - 1

As the winter months send chills down your spine, they provide the perfect setting to organise a barbecue. PT gives you a few tips on how to plan a barbecue minus the stress factors

HAVE you ever had a barbecue at home, but felt exhausted before your guests arrive? With a little planning, your next party could be stressfree and actually fun! Follow these tips to barbecue success.

Everything tastes better outdoors. Many things taste better grilled over charcoal. Most people are satisfied with a simple hamburger or hot dog. Chicken, salami, kababs and corn on the cob are also favourites. Hot dogs can be cooked plain.

Provide the meat, and assign side dishes to those coming to the barbecue. Most people don’t like to come empty handed anyway, and feel more comfortable bringing something. If they don’t have the time or inclination to make something, they can just bring a bag of chips, cookies, or even a watermelon.

Make your own barbecue sauce. Don’t waste the juice from cans of fruit that you open. Save it, add a little ketchup, and you have the start of a great sauce.

Don’t use paper products. If you don’t have enough dishes, ask others to bring their own, or invest in some inexpensive dishes that you can use over and over. Big napkins to place over your lap when you are eating (if you don’t have a table) are most welcome. Buy some cloth and make them. If you don’t have a sewing machine, you can turn the edges over and sew by hand, or use iron on tape.

If you are short on chairs, have your company bring them. Most people have folding aluminum chairs or camp chairs that are easily transported.

If you have a lawn, consider sitting on blankets. Again, let people know in advance so they can bring their own. Children often enjoy this the most.

The week before, organise and tidy any messy areas of your home. Don’t leave this until the day of your gathering or you may find yourself running out of time.

Start thinking about what food you’re going to serve. How many guests are you expecting? If you have two more couples coming, ask one to bring a salad and the other to bring a dessert. That will leave you to provide appetisers, meats, and bread rolls.

Read Part Two