Having a group of friends over for a backyard barbecue is one of the
great traditions of summer in America. Sometimes there is a special
occasion - graduation, a birthday, an anniversary - that gives you an
opportunity to entertain a large group of guests. Grilling for a large
group poses additional challenges versus just having two or three
friends over. You want to make sure everyone is well-fed and has a
good time but you, the host, want to enjoy the party as well, and not
feel like you're a short-order cook in a crowded restaurant rushing
around trying to fill orders.
Menu planning and task planning (sharing responsibility with the other
guests) are two ways you can cope with the stress of entertaining a
large group. Creative menu planning includes selecting the foods you
will serve and the schedule for preparing them. Think outside the
'hamburgers and hot dogs' box and include a variety of salads and side
dishes. These can be prepared in advance, saving you time and stress
the afternoon of the party. And salads can be made with a wide variety
of flavorful and colorful ingredients-almost like meals in themselves.
Many side dishes can be made the day before, too, and then you simply
have to warm them up before serving. With some dishes, the flavors
meld and they taste better the second day.
If you have a small outdoor grill and lots of people to serve, you run
the risk of not having the meat grilled in time to serve everyone. Or
you may rush through the grilling and serve your guests underdone
meat. Plan ahead and ask one of the guests to bring over their grill,
or borrow one from a neighbor. You could also serve smaller portions
of the meat dish, allowing you to cook more units at once, so everyone
gets to eat, and then can come back for more when you have cooked the
second batch. You could also start out by serving hors d'oeuvres that
have been prepared inside, giving the guests something to satisfy
their hunger while you finish the main course meat.
Make the cooking easier on yourself by choosing meat or fish items
that you have grilled many times before; we all have certain foods we
know we can grill to perfection. Your party might not be the time to
try out a new grilled oysters recipe, even if it might impress your
guests.
You could also start certain dishes inside on the stove or in the
oven, and then finish them on the grill to add that special smoky
barbecue flavor. If you do that, you will need to have an assistant
chef helping you, which brings up the next consideration when planning
a successful outdoor party for a large group: task planning.
Imagine the chaotic situation of you and your spouse trying to cook
and serve food for 40 people all at once, and serve them drinks, all
the while trying to socialize and making them feel welcome. In advance
of the party, call up a few of the invited guests and ask them if they
are willing to pitch in with some of the serving chores. You might
even have a buddy who is an expert griller and would love to help you
cook. Some people prefer to be involved with a party rather than
standing by trying to make conversation with people. Helping serve
food and drinks is a great ice breaker to allow guests who many not
know each other get acquainted.

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