Set a grill schedule
Prepare food before guests arrive and cook in predictable batches. Keep raw-food tools away from serving utensils and label vegetarian food clearly.
Give drinks their own station
Put water where children can reach it, keep ice for drinks separate from ice used to chill cans, and add a visible place for recycling.
Make the weather call
Choose the rain plan before sending the invitation. If the forecast changes, send one update with the decision and any new address or timing.
Host checklist
- Shade
- Seating
- Rain plan
- Food safety
- Ice
- Bug control
- Trash and recycling