How to throw a cookout....?

Question

OK, so I'm planning this huge cookout, I need a list of things to get, do, buy, prepare, etc. Like find a location, get a DJ, rent tables and chairs, so on, and so on. I don't want to forget anything. Basically I need the steps to planning a huge cookout. Thanks!

Answer 1

My family and I do this all the time. At least 4 - 5 times per summer. We have this down, and can do it on a great budget without it looking like it.

First of all find a location. Depending on where you live you should check out some state parks. I live in NY and most of the state parks are nice, clean and have plenty of activities - swimming, boating, volleyball, sports diamond, etc. And you can rent a pavillion for less than $50. If you are willing to take the chance you could just show up really early in the morning and hope for the best. We went to one 3 weeks ago and had a huge pavillion in Saratoga state park with 8 picnic tables, a double sided grill, a volley ball court and garbage. It was really nice and the kids had a blast. When I say kids, I am including husband, uncles, father in law, etc. They actually were more amusing than the children.

For a DJ I would do some thinking into this. DJs can be quite expensive, and depending on your venue they might require permits, insurance, etc. Also, it's a huge expense, and you have to think of all those that are saved. Generally what I do is ask everyone I know if they have a boom box, stereo or I Pod with speakers. I tell everyone to bring them. Then you can have music in each area of your event. For example, where my mother in law is sitting with the elders of our family we do old school music. She gets offended by the blasphemy of modern music : ) Where the guys are grilling I do old school rap. They love it and feel young again. I put one near the volley ball court with a decent radio station, and then one near the spades table with a good mix CD.

For the food, I highly suggest that you try to delegate your side dishes out to others. For example, my mother in law makes a great potato salad, my father in law makes great fried rice, my aunt makes a great taco salad. When I ask them to make and bring it, I make sure to say that he/she makes the best _______ so they almost feel flattered to bring a dish. Also, don't be afraid to use some store bought items. There are two dishes that I am asked to bring to every event. One is a spinach dip (the recipe is on the back of the Knorr's vegetable soup mix box), the second is baked beans. I always bring a tray of baked beans. It's an odd thing, but everyone loves them, especially the kids. I just dress them up with a little sauteed onion, ketchup, mustard and brown sugar. I actually like to add bacon to the top, but considering all the non pork eaters I have finally stopped doing this. Cook them in the oven for 1/2 hour before you are about to leave and then just warm them up before the meal is served. Just let people bring what they make well : ) Another good, cheap option is corn on the cob. Buy a ton of it, everyone loves it, especially the kids and it's really cheap.

For meat, I tend to go pretty cheap. It can get very expensive. First things first, while planning I buy whatever I find on sale. I don't think that I need to provide 1 piece for each individual. For example, the last bbq we had a 2 weeks ago, I only had one rack of ribs, and we cooked them up. First come, first serve. There were only about 8 of us at this one, so it wasn't a big deal, but keep things in perspective. Also, buy frozen meat. I always buy bags of frozen chicken legs and thighs for bbqs. Generally you can get about 10 pieces for $5. I just season them with seasoning salt the night before and put them in the fridge the night before. I also buy boxes of burgers and franks. The main thing is to make sure you have enough buns to match the amount of burgers and hot dogs you have. For something special you may want to add some more special food. I hate them, but many people do, but I always buy two bushles of clams. Just put them on the grill. When they are done toss them in an foil pan with butter you have melted on the grill. You can do the same with a few pounds of shrimp. Before hand just mix some salt, pepper and fresh garlic with some butter. Then mix some peeled deviened shrimp. Then just pop on the grill.

Don't forget all the condiments. BBQ sauce, ketchup, mustard, relish, butter, hot sauce, salt, pepper, etc. Whatever your family likes. And lots of snacks. Chips, fruit snacks, crackers and cheese, veggies and dip, etc.

We generally skip any type of dessert other than watermelon. Sometimes my mother will bring a pineapple upside down cake, but I think that fruit is good for a bbq.

As for paper products, buy at least four for each person. If you are having 50 people, make sure you have at least 200 plates, cups, forks, napkins, etc. At least. For example you can get a pack of 200 paper plates, but people generally take more than one at a time. Keep that in mind. Also, depending on there you are you may want table cloths, citronella candles for bugs, clorox clean up wipes, baby wipes, bug spray, sunscreen, etc. I almost forgot the most important thing, plenty of aluminum pans to transfer your grilled food onto.

As for chairs and tables, everyone you know should bring their own lawn chairs on their own, but you might want to remind them. Actually remind everyone so that the word gets around. Also, many people have folding card tables, ask them to bring them. The same with coolers. You will need a ton of them for drinks alone.

A few things that I also don't forget are a few decks of cards, baseball and bat, volley ball, badmitton stuff, water balloons, board games, etc. Lots of things to do. If things are really big I will also throw a few extra pair of old sneakers, t shirts, and socks in the car. You know there is always someone who gets wet, dirty or comes in heels : )

I think I have included all that I plan, but this is just the basics. Often people bring their own stuff, extras never hurt. Just sale shop from the minute you find your venue.

Answer 2

I guess you didn't really like mu advice the first time you asked this question. Planning parties are hard - And I do them all the time. All the things that I've told you to do - I do myself except for having that team of people to help. Don't get discoureged just do it.

You have to make a plan of when & where you want this cookout to happen.

How much money do you have for your budget

Only spend that money you have in your budget

Make a check list

Have a team of people to help you (Don't try to be superwoman & do everything yourself)

Get a DJ from your radio stations where you live if you can afford it - if not find a local DJ

Keep in mind the number of people (they will eat at least twice so make sure you have enough food)

For location have it at a park, beach, or local swim club

Look in the yelloe pages to find some that will rent tables and chairs, etc.

Remeber these:



1. You can have a Luau - here is a website that will help you with other ideas: www.orientaltrading.com

2. Once you have a menu, you need a head count before you buy any food (I was always taught have enough food for the person to eat twice - so if you invite 50 people then have enough food for 100.

3. Make a budget and stick to it

4. Have a dependable team of people to help you (don't take on all the tasks yourself)

5. Make a check list, To do list (whatever) to keep you on track

6. Plan early & don't wait to the last minute (procrastination is the worst ever)

7. Your music is very important but you don't want it to eat up you entire budget if your getting a DJ (Hook your IPOD up to the stereo and put your IPOD on shuffle).

8. I guess the first question I should have asked is how are your funding the cookout?

9. I found in the past people bringing stuff didn't work but they will pay up front and let you do all the work (My friends don't cook very well so I was fine with that) :)

10. The most important thing is when you become overwhelmed just stop and take a deep breath and remember everything is going to be alright!

11. I HOPE YOU HAVE A WONDERFUL COOKOUT & YOU GO OUT WITH A BANG!

Answer 3

Call the VFW or such for table & chair rentals - or a rental place would work too.

Call the City Chamber to find out what types of places your town has available... or for a park call the City Park Board.

Call the local nightclubs for a DJ = or ask your favorite teenage boy - has to be outgoing kinda guy

Make up frozen Raspberry Daquiris and Strawberry Margaritas...

Call your local beer distributor for pricing on a Keg... or even liquor store will do.

Then Cook

Sew

Answer 4

This site will give you a general party planning outline. It will give you an idea of what throwing a party entails. You could apply it to any party you plan.
http://partyoptions.net/help_line/party_countdown.htm

Answer 5

you need plasticware, paper plates, napkins, chairs, tables, table cloths maybe, music, grill, meats, salads, chips, dips, beer, sodas, water, baked beens, deserts, fresh fruit, whatever you like as far as food.