5 Ways to Master Barbecue Season

Looking to throw the best backyard barbecue ever? The search is over—we have all the tips you'll need to host a barbecue so legendary, the whole neighborhood will talk about it for years to come. Here are five steps to plan your next big cookout!

Think of the menu you're serving. What veggies and side dishes do you need to get? How long do you need to marinate the meat ahead of time? If you're smoking meat, when do you need to get that process started? A little bit of planning goes a long way to ensuring that cooking time is minimal when your guests arrive.

Additionally, consider seating arrangements and the weather. If you need to rent tables, set up umbrellas, or have an extra cooler for brews, plan to have them on hand. If it rains often where you live, consider investing in a gazebo for your grill, too—that way, nothing can rain on your BBQ parade.

Barbecues are great opportunities for breaking out a theme. Throw a “Surf & Turf” party to have an excuse for under-the-sea decorations and grilled lobster tails. Alternatively, turn up the competition with a “High-Steaks Grill-Off” to see who can make the best steak. By the end of the day, you'll all be winners.

No matter what theme you settle on, everyone will enjoy the extra bit of flair in the atmosphere. Even better, some on-theme décor will really bring it all together.

When you turn on your fun-in-the-sun playlist, everyone will know the party's started! Welcome everyone with a warm smile and direct them to the warmer food. Keep the plates and utensils next to the food and set it up so guests can move down the line to grab what they want, buffet style.

Focus on quality over quantity—don't try to do every delicacy under the sun. Build your spread around one or two stars, like Smoked and Baked Texas Brisket, Chicken Breasts With Jerk Marinade, Moist Cornbread With Fresh Corn, or seared pineapples. Then buffer it with fantastic sides that are easy to make at scale.

A relaxed host makes for relaxed guests. With all your savvy pre-planning, kick back and enjoy the festive atmosphere you've created. And when everyone has a cocktail in hand, all that's left to do is raise a glass and say, “Cheers!”