Ah, the great American pastime of barbecue. Nothing quite compares to the joy of grilling, sipping on cold drinks, and enjoying the company of friends and family. But let's be honest, sometimes things can go terribly wrong on the patio. To ensure you don't ruin the barbecue or the fun, here are a few things to avoid:
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Don't grill in your finest clothes:
You might think your designer shirt is perfect for a barbecue, but truly, it's not. Barbecue sauce and other foods have a way of finding their way onto clothes, so make sure you wear something you don't mind getting dirty.
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Don't ignore food safety:
With all the excitement of a barbecue, it's easy to forget about food safety. Make sure you cook the food to the proper temperature and keep it at a safe temperature before and after cooking. Keep cold foods on ice, as needed.
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Don't forget the seasoning:
If you want your barbecue to be memorable, you need to add some flavor to your ingredients. Don't be afraid to experiment with different spices and marinades to find the perfect combination.
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Don't overcook the cuisine:
It's a common mistake to think that leaving the food on the grill for extra time will make it extra delicious. Unfortunately, all you'll end up with is food that’s dry and tough, something that's better suited for shoe leather than your dinner plate.
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Don't leave your guests hungry:
The worst thing you can do is invite your friends over for a barbecue and then run out of food. Make sure you have plenty of food for everyone, including sides like guac, and if you're not sure how much to buy, err on the side of caution and get a little extra.
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Don’t invite unwanted guests:
Those being – the bugs. Nobody wants to be bitten by mosquitoes or bombarded by wasps, so do your prep in advance. Wondercide has your back, with plant-powered, lab proven pest protection.
Before the grilling, use Mosquito Yard Spray for your lawn and patio, then place Insect Repellent in all four scents in baskets or trays to let your family and guests choose their favorite. If wasps or hornets stop by, use this long-range aerosol spray to get rid of them before they can ruin the fun or hurt someone.
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Don't be the barbecue dictator:
We've all been to that barbecue where the host takes over the grill and won't let anyone else touch it. Don't be that person. Share the grill with whoever wants to jump in and let everyone have a turn cooking their favorites. Not kids, of course. Keep them busy with playtime out in the yard.
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Don't forget the drinks:
A barbecue is not complete without some ice-cold drinks to wash down all that delicious food. Don't forget to stock up with a diverse range of options, so that there’s something for everyone. Start with still and sparkling water and build guest favorites from there. Some guests may not want alcohol and for those that do, staying hydrated is a smart idea. Have mocktails ready as a healthy option for guests too. They’re trending for a reason.
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Don't let the grill get too hot:
There's nothing quite like the sound of the sizzle from the grill. However, if you let the grill get too hot, you'll end up with burnt items and unhappy guests. How do you know when the grill is too hot if you don’t have a built-in thermometer? Use the hand test. Our friends at Real Simple explain how to use the hand test. Hold your hand 3” from the grill and see how many seconds it takes before you have to pull your hand away. Your grill may be too hot if you can only keep your hand over it for 1 second.
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Don't forget to have fun:
At the end of the day, a barbecue is all about having fun and enjoying the company of friends and family. Don't get too caught up in trying to make the perfect meal and forget to relax and have a good time. Make it a fun time for pets too by following these tips for safe summertime gatherings with the furry ones.
Cheers to a successful barbecue. Your guests will be impressed and well fed when you avoid these 10 mistakes. And if all else fails, just order a pizza and call it a day! Keep the good times rolling, Wonder Pack.
