Lafleur

The weather is nice, the sky is blue, and you’re burning with desire to organize a barbecue? Make sure good times and great food are on the menu! Don’t forget to print and use this indispensable checklist; it’ll help you prepare a successful meal.

Organisation

• Choose a date when everyone is available and ready to party. Call your guests ahead of time to make sure they set aside the given day.
• If you’re expecting a big gang, and especially if there will be kids, it’s a good idea to rearrange your yard. For example, place the grill in a safe spot, away from where the kids will be running around.
• Set a small table next to the grill, where you can place large plates, utensils, barbecue sauces, meat (not for too long), and other essentials. Who wants to run in the house for forgotten ingredients once the barbecue is all fired up?
• Set up a second table, where your guests can help themselves to various accompaniments: salads, bread, condiments, barbecue sauces, etc.
• Make sure there are enough chairs for everyone, preferably around the edges of the patio, allowing room to circulate. Don’t be afraid to ask guests to bring their own folding chairs.
• Add a few simple decorative touches, such as flowers in a vase or in buckets, a few hanging lanterns (out of kids’ reach), and Tiki torches in flowerbeds will fill the air with magic at a low cost.
• If you’re planning to barbecue after dark, don’t forget citronella candles to repel mosquitoes.

Menu

• Make sure everything on your menu, with the exception of the meat, can be prepared in advance. That way you’ll get to spend more time with your guests.
• If kids are coming, have some hot dogs and hamburgers on hand, just in case. And don’t forget non-alcoholic beverages, of course.
• Marinate your meat the night before, wrap potatoes in aluminium foil and pre-cut the veggies. In short, get as much of a head start as possible.
• Tide your guests over with munchies—chips, fresh fruit, mini-brochettes, or other appetizers—so that you can relax while barbecuing.
• On the morning of your barbecue, pick up some ice at the nearest service station. A cooler, or buckets full of ice, will keep drinks cold and save you from having to make too many trips back into the house.
• Have bottles of water on hand so that guests can quench their thirst without alcohol.
• Is it a sweltering day? Place some ice cubes on the platters that hold salads, mayonnaise dishes, creamy desserts, and any other items that risk going bad and that mustn’t be left outside for long.

Also

• Don’t forget the music, whether this means bringing your iPod into the yard or setting your stereo speakers next to windows. Play upbeat summery tunes, but at a volume that won’t disturb the neighbours (unless you plan to invite them too).
• Since there’s always a risk of rain, prepare the inside of your house, just in case you need to move the party indoors.
• If you think the party will last a while, plan some games that everyone will enjoy—especially the kids: volleyball, badminton, sandbags, etc.

Follow the potluck trend. Make the barbecue your contribution and ask each guest to bring a salad or dessert. It’s practical, communal, and affordable.

Need ideas for refreshing side salads? Try our Couscous, our Greek pasta salad or this Exotic rice salad. Bon appétit!