Planning the Perfect Summer Cookout – Start with a New BBQ Grill

Summer is in full swing and it’s the perfect time to plan a cookout. To be certain it will be a success, it’s a good idea to plan ahead and make sure you have all the summer cookout necessities. The most important of these is, of course, a great BBQ grill. Regardless of what your preference is, gas or charcoal, your BBQ grill just needs to be in good condition to operate safely and cook-up your favorite culinary delights. If not, you might want to consider replacing it before you send out invitations or go shopping for supplies. Jersey Coast Appliance can help you choose the perfect grill to ensure your summer cookout success. Once you have the right grill in place and ready to go, it’s time to make sure you have everything else you need.

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Great Food

Second, only to the BBQ grill, the food is ultimately one of the most important factors when planning a summer cookout. While the choice of foods may vary, it’s crucial to make sure you have enough food. Nothing can kill a cookout faster than having your guests looking for seconds and finding the grill empty. A great way to ensure that you have enough food is to ask your guests to bring a side dish – macaroni salad, potato salad, a fresh fruit bowl, deviled eggs or even a bag of chips. If everyone brings a side, you can focus on ensuring that the main course will seem unlimited.

Don’t overlook the condiments. Ketchup, mustard, mayonnaise, steak sauce or whatever else is necessary to complement your culinary choices. If you’re going with the classic hot dogs and burgers, you’ll want to include a tray of lettuce, chopped onions, and sliced tomatoes as well as pickles and relish.  

Cool Cocktails

It’s almost impossible to provide everyone’s favorite beverage when having a summer cookout. A good option is to make a refreshing summer punch or sangria that will appeal to most of your guests. Make it up in advance, including backup so the punch bowl is never empty. Be sure to make a non-alcoholic version for the kids and the designated drivers and have plenty of bottled water on hand. In addition, let your guests know they are welcome to bring their own beverages. 

Ample Seating

A summer cookout is supposed to be relaxing but relaxation can be difficult if your guests are trying to enjoy their food while standing up. Your outdoor furniture may be sufficient for the family but it won’t accommodate all your guests. Buy, rent or borrow some folding tables and chairs and break out all of your beach chairs. If you have a couple of sawhorses and a decent size piece of wood on the garage, you can put together a makeshift table and throw a nice table cloth over it. You can even ask your guests to bring along a chair or two.

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Entertainment

While it may be the highlight, a summer cookout is about more than just the food. It’s about having fun so don’t forget the entertainment. Have music playing and a few games available – maybe set up a volleyball net, a horseshoe pit or plan a cornhole tournament.  Games will also keep the kids occupied while the adults socialize.

When it’s time for a BBQ Grill Upgrade….

Jersey Coast Appliance is the place to go. We carry a huge selection of BBQ grills including Weber, Napoleon and more. We are also an authorized parts depot for Weber. Jersey Coast Appliance is your BBQ grill headquarters here at the Jersey Shore. Whether you prefer gas or charcoal, our expert staff can help you choose the perfect grill. Contact us or stop into one of our two locations for all your BBQ repair and replacement needs.

 

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