1. A Head Start:
"For a grilling party, it's a good idea to choose several make-ahead or store-bought items for sides and starters. Trying to grill meat, vegetables, breads and so on all at the same time will stress you out and keep you from interacting with your guests ‑- even if they love hanging around the grill."
2. Portion Savvy: "When arranging a tasting menu, you can figure that any recipe will serve two to three times as many people as the recipe states. People take a little of everything, so each dish goes farther."
3. Setup Made Easy: "Choose which serving plates and bowls will hold each dish ahead of time, and set them out in a staging area before the party. Attach a Post-it note to each one, labeled with the serving piece's intended food. You'll be able to quickly plate food come serving time ‑- and if you have any guests helping you out, they'll be able to assist you without asking where everything should go."
4. Fun for All Ages: "Plan several different games for guests to play if they desire. Badminton, bocce and croquet are all appealing and easy to play for both children and adults. Other great amusements for younger kids include sidewalk chalk and bubbles."
Appetizers
Nectarines wrapped in prosciutto
Assorted olives
Breadsticks
Cold roasted artichokes
From the Grill
Spice-rubbed lamb kabobs with roasted eggplant and tomato salad
Jerk chicken satay with black-eyed peas and rice
North Carolina-style pulled pork and Texas-style beef brisket with tangy coleslaw
Dessert
Blueberry piePeach crisp
Grasshopper pie
Brownies
White Burgundy wine
Gin and tonic
Rum and coke
Beer and soft drinks