THE ULTIMATE SUMMER COOKOUT CHECKLIST

THE ULTIMATE SUMMER COOKOUT CHECKLIST
Get Ready for BBQ!
So you want to throw a cookout. Not just any cookout, but the best cookout ever. That’s going to take a little
bit of work and a whole lot of planning, so print out this handy checklist to get you through every stage of your
totally awesome grilling bonanza. From picking your guests to lighting the grill, we’ve got your back.
PLANNING THE PARTY
• Make a guest list and send out invites. Though an Evite or email is the simple way to go, make sure to follow up with phone calls if
you don’t hear back. Sometimes your digital invite can go straight to spam or into the inboxes of older guests who may not regularly
check their computers. Or you can do it the old-fashioned way: mail handwritten invitations.
• Check the weather. No matter what part of the country you live in, warm weather can be unpredictable. Best to have a backup plan
if there’s a forecast of thunderstorms. Either propose a rain date or make sure your home can accommodate guests.
• Rent or borrow equipment. Want to add a tent or extra tables and chairs? Now’s the time to make those arrangements. You may
want to pick up an extra charcoal grill so people aren’t waiting too long for food. Consider borrowing one from a friend.
• Gather your recipes. Menu-planning can take time. Start your deliberations now. In addition to the meats, veggies, sides and
sweets, don’t forget to include your cocktail and punch recipes.
• Check on dietary restrictions. Is someone allergic to gluten? Does your aunt not eat pork? How many vegetarians did you invite?
Planning the right menu depends on who eats what.
• Kids or no kids? This is a big consideration if inviting friends with families. A good rule of thumb: daytime=kids; evening=adults only.
• Plan your playlist. Music can make or break a party. Make sure you have a portable boom box to use outside or consider acquiring
an outdoor speaker system. Then start creating your impeccable party playlist.
• Want live entertainment? Better start looking for a band or DJ to strike the right mood.
• Consider the lighting. If this is a night-time event, you’ll need to plan for party lighting. Choices include string lights, lanterns,
candles or a mixture of all of the above.
• Ask for help. Most folks are happy to lend a hand, so ask your friends and family to bring some side dishes or prepare a few desserts.
This frees you up to be the flawless hostess you know yourself to be.
STUFF TO BUY
• Invitations
• Extra folding chairs and/or tables
• Portable boom box or outdoor speakers
• Outdoor lighting, candles and lanterns
• Tent (in case of inclement weather)
• Games and toys for kids
Brought to you by Reynolds Wrap ®
• Storage containers (for leftovers, condiments, paper goods including Reynolds Wrap® aluminum foil and ziplock bags)

THE WEEK BEFORE
• Gas or charcoal? Whichever you use, now is the time to check and make sure that you have more than enough.
• Buy the disposables. Purchase the paper and plastic plates, napkins, Reynolds Wrap® aluminum foil, towels and utensils. (Also consider
investing in a few pieces of upscale plastic party-ware too, like serving bowls and platters.)
• Check on condiments. Nobody wants to run out of basics like ketchup or mustard.
• Get going on decorations. Choose your tablecloths, placemats, centerpieces, swizzle sticks or those little charms that let guests know
that they’ve picked up the right drink.
• Prep the bar. Alcohol is key, so fill up your bar with wine, beer and spirits. Make sure you’ve got a good mix of red, white, rose and sparkling
wines. But don’t forget the juice and soda for any teetotalers or pregnant women.
• Gather the tools of the trade. In addition to spatulas, BBQ forks and tongs, you’ll want a simple meat thermometer and a tool to quickly
clean off the grill between meant and veggie cooking sessions.
• Make a game plan. Want your guests to do more than mingle? Decide on other activities, games or tournaments. Prizes optional.
• Heat it up. Does it get chilly at night? If so, make sure you have a few patio heaters to keep guests comfy when the sun goes down.
• Clean the grill. Time to give the grill a thorough scrub. And keep plenty of wet wipes nearby for easy cleanups on the big day.
STUFF TO BUY
• Charcoal and/or gas for the grill
• Tablecloths, placemats, centerpieces
• Wine, beer and spirits
• Swizzle sticks and glass charms
• Juice and soda
• Plastic bowls and platters
• Spatulas, BBQ forks, tongs, meat thermometer
• Condiments
• Prizes for games
• Patio heaters
THE DAYS BEFORE
• Decide what to wear. The last thing you need is stress about your wardrobe.
• Prepare side dishes and anything else that can be made ahead of time.
• Decorate. Arrange and decorate your tables and furniture, and make sure lights are in place.
• Marinate. Most meats and fish need to be marinated, so start the night before and refrigerate in plastic bags.
• Prep veggies for grilling. Remember to wrap corn and potatoes in Reynolds Wrap® aluminum foil and put them
on the grill early as they take longer to cook
• Thaw any items you may have frozen.
• Set up the bar. Cut lemons and limes, and make sure you have the necessary equipment to mix drinks or create
punchbowls.
• Clean your bathroom. This is one space you won’t be able to hide.

STUFF TO BUY
• Hamburgers, turkey burgers, veggie burgers
• Hot dogs, sausages and meat-free options
• Buns (check on gluten-free options)
• Veggies for grilling (i.e., asparagus, corn, zucchini, peppers)
• Starch for sides (i.e., potatoes, rice, macaroni, pasta, beans)
• Veggies for crudités and salads (including lots of onions and celery for chopping)
• Cheese and crackers for snacking
• Lemons and limes for cocktails
• Fruit
• Dessert (i.e., cookies, cakes, cupcakes, ice cream)
• Matches for lighting the grill
• Ice
• Buckets and coolers to chill beer, wine and juice
• Wipes
• Marinades
• Paper towels
• Steam trays, chafing dishes, Reynolds Wrap® aluminum foil to keep food warm
• Trash bags
• Trash buckets
PARTY DAY
• Set up. Get out there early and set out plates, napkins, cups, utensils and your grilling gear.
• Cool it down. Get lots of ice and pour it in coolers and/or buckets. Start cooling cans and bottles of soft drinks and beer, and any
white, sparkling and rose wine.
• Mix cocktails. Pour them in pitchers or punch bowls so you won’t need to add bartender to your repertoire.
• Cut some veggies for crudité and wrap other veggies in Reynolds Wrap® aluminum foil for grilling.
• Take out meat and perishables when the first guest arrives, and spark up the grill.
• Put your guests to work -- nicely. Delegate simple serving and cleaning up responsibilities. If kids are present, find the oldest and
place them “in charge.” This will keep them all occupied and away from the hot grill.
• Keep food warm after grilling. Steam trays and chafing dishes are ideal, but you can do it for a lot less by covering food in Reynolds
Wrap® aluminum foil, submerging smaller dishes in a hot water bath or even pulling out your slow cooker and setting it on low.
• Don’t forget to mingle. Sometimes a hostess is so busy organizing, she forgets to enjoy herself. Make this a priority!
• Designate a photographer. Put someone in charge of taking photos and video. They’ll capture the moments you missed and the
moments you won’t want to forget.
• Set up garbage stations. Tuck at least two trash buckets with bags in places where guests can see them, but not trip over them.
Encourage folks to throw out their cups, plates, and discarded food. And always keep a roll of paper towels handy.