{"id":1067,"date":"2013-06-19T09:25:01","date_gmt":"2013-06-19T13:25:01","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/runningahousehold.com\/?p=1067"},"modified":"2013-06-18T17:11:17","modified_gmt":"2013-06-18T21:11:17","slug":"how-to-host-a-simple-cookout","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/runningahousehold.com\/?p=1067","title":{"rendered":"How to host a simple cookout"},"content":{"rendered":"

Thinking about hosting a cookout?\u00a0 Here are some tips, along with a cookout menu that will make your cookout easy.<\/p>\n

Planning Your Cookout<\/strong><\/p>\n

Step 1: <\/strong>Set the date, time and location. You may also want to have a rain date.<\/p>\n

Step 2<\/strong>: Plan the menu: Fill out the Cookout Menu to determine what you would like to serve.<\/p>\n

Will you serve the traditional hot dogs and hamburgers?\u00a0 Or, would you prefer to offer steak or grilled chicken and a garden salad?<\/p>\n

Be sure to check out our Cookout – Sample Menu<\/a><\/p>\n

We\u2019ve also included a blank page so that you can fill out one for your cookout:<\/p>\n

Cookout – Blank Menu<\/a><\/p>\n

Step 3: <\/strong>Invite Guests and track RSVPs<\/p>\n

Use our guest tracker to make sure you\u2019ve included everyone. Be sure to keep a phone number or email address handy, in case you need to contact them for the rain date.<\/p>\n

Guest Tracker<\/a><\/p>\n

Some guests may to offer to bring a dish. You can ask guests to bring something from your menu, or just add their additional dish to your planner. We usually add their dish to our Cookout Menu, and write their name in parenthesis.<\/p>\n

For example: Cookies (Mom) Veggie Tray (Aunt Jane)<\/p>\n

Step 4:<\/strong> Clean home and set up for party<\/p>\n

Do as much cleaning as you can ahead of time. It’s great if you can vacuum, dust, mop the floors, and finish your laundry a few days earlier. Outdoor tasks include: mowing your lawn, vacuuming your pool and setting up extra chairs and tables ahead of time.<\/p>\n

You\u2019ll want to reserve the 1-2 days before the cookout to complete your grocery shopping, and prepare the food.<\/p>\n

Step 5:<\/strong> Shop for supplies<\/p>\n

If it’s a large party, consider using paper plates, napkins, cups and plastic utensils. Stock up on grilling supplies like wood or charcoal. For special cookouts, like Memorial Day and the 4th<\/sup> of July, American flags and other red-white-and blue items will complete the decorations for your event.<\/p>\n

Plan to do your grocery shopping two days before the event, and purchase your ice the day of the party.<\/p>\n

Here’s a checklist to summarize the steps we discussed:<\/p>\n

Cookout Checklist<\/a><\/p>\n

We hope that our menus, guest tracker and checklist help you host a terrific cookout.<\/p>\n

You may find the following articles from our website helpful:<\/p>\n

Grocery Shopping List by Department<\/a><\/p>\n

Summer Meal Ideas<\/a><\/p>\n

Cleaning Up After a Dinner Party<\/a><\/p>\n

\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

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