7 Tips for A Great Summer BBQ Party

1. Ready Your Grill

Make sure the tank is set to the off position and all dials are in the off before you begin. Put on some rubber gloves before removing the grate and soak it in a 50/50 solution of CLR® Calcium, Lime, Rust Remover and warm water. After 2-3 minutes scrub the grill rack with a stiff bristled brush and rinse with clean water from your hose. Clean the buildup under the hood and along the inner walls of the grill inside and out with CLR® Clean & Ready Grill. Rinse and dry with paper towels and place grill rack back on the grill. Check the propane tank to be sure it’s full and look for any potential hazards such as broken parts…then grill on!

For "The best gilling tools you can buy", check out this article from Business Insider.

2. Supplies and Decoration

Keep your theme in mind when shopping for supplies. Make sure you have the essential paper plates, napkins, forks, knives, spoons, and cups. Decoration doesn’t have to be a chore. A barbecue doesn’t need to look lavish, a flag and themed dish ware is all it takes to have a Fourth of July themed cookout.
 

3. Fun Food, Plus A Surprise Dish

No barbecue is complete without good food! Hamburgers, hotdogs, and potatoes are popular dishes, but really WOW your guests, provide a surprise dish that goes with the theme. It doesn’t need to be complicated. For example, a dessert with blueberries, strawberries and marshmallows arranged to look like the American flag can make the occasion a little more special. Just make sure you have enough food for everyone.
 

4. Have a Variety of Drink

If you have a majority of adults at your cookout, in addition to a cooler of ice cold beer, why not offer some summertime option, like “hard” lemonade in a picture? For the non-drinkers and younger guests, make sure you have plenty of soda, tea, or juice available.
 

5. Plan Activities 

You’ve got food and company, now what? Set up games and other activities to keep people entertained. Football, Volleyball, Frisbee, and badminton are popular choices. Always have a backup plan just in case the weather doesn’t cooperate. Indoor activities such as boardgames, cards or charades are nice options.
 

6. Good Music

Time for your own creative liberty! Choose songs that you think you and your guests would like. You can make a game out of it if you want. Have prizes for the guests who can guess all the songs correctly or play a classic game of freeze-dance with younger children.

7. Vanquishing the Bugs

You may find some uninvited guests trying to crash your party in the form of bugs. Don’t forget the bug spray, But make sure you apply it far away from the food!!