For a couple of reasons, parties held in the backyard always become more joyful and memorable than those hosted inside. The fresh air revives your guests, food tastes much better in the great outdoors, kids can run free and play all sort of active games, and a lot of the cleanup is minimized with disposable dishes and flatware. Following a few simple tips and guidelines will make it easier to arrange an unforgettable party. Let’s start! First of all, you have to be prepared. It’s never too early to start planning a party. Before choosing the date, check to make sure it doesn’t interfere with guests’ personal birthdays or anniversaries, or conflict with big community events generally attended by most of your friends and family. Also, check the weather forecast for avoiding such troubles as unexpected torrential rain or hurricane-strength wind. Choose a theme and don’t vary from it; going off on tangents creates problems that multiply. Use a big erasable whiteboard or notebook to map out what has to be done, starting about two weeks ahead of time, and assign tasks to be completed each day. Make a ‘food’ and a ‘non-food’ shopping lists that can be added to as items come to mind during the planning process. If you have to rent chairs or tables, reserve them as far in advance as possible and have them delivered the day before the party. Arrange for the yard to be mowed and the landscaping spiffed up a day or two before the event. Choose a wide range of music to satisfy various tastes. Remember, that the best hosts are comfortable hosts. When you feel at ease, you put your guests at ease and the fun flows freely. Pick an outfit for the event that you feel good wearing, including comfortable shoes. Choose loose-fitting clothes in washable fabrics that you can move freely in to cook, mingle, dance — whatever happens to transpire. Don’t try to control everything around you. Just because you’re the host doesn’t mean you have to micromanage every little thing. Take the pressure off by having friends help out with last-minute jobs like picking up a pre-ordered cake from the bakery, buying ice and flowers, or giving Aunt Julie a ride to and from the party. Expect the unexpected, but don’t fret. If you plan well, problems will be minimized, and if something goes wrong, roll with the punches. After all, you’re among friends who just want you to have as good a time as they do. Don’t lose sight of the fact that this is a backyard party, not a reception for a queen or a fancy fundraiser. Serve food and beverages based on your guests’ preferences, not on showcasing your most complicated dish or advanced culinary skills. Don’t worry, this book is just for this purpose. It contains easy and tasty recipes for your backyard party. We also added some guidelines for grilling apparatuses to use for the following recipes: Gas or Charcoal Grill: Heat a gas grill to high. If using a charcoal grill, heat your coals fully, then wait for them to start to ash over a bit. Coat the food in a little oil to ensure no sticking. Place them on the hot grill and cook to desired doneness, see directions for times. You are looking for a nice char or at least a golden color on your food items. Grill Pan: Place the pan on high heat for 2 minutes. Lather a little oil onto the food and place on the hot grill pan. For times and doneness see directions per recipe. Saute Pan or Cast Iron Griddle: Heat the pan over high heat, coat with a little oil and wait to add the food until the oil looks shimmery. So turn on the grill or pull out the skillet, and let’s start the cooking!

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