The Afternoon Before Your Barbecue

Indoors, rub or marinate small cuts of meat, like steaks or chicken breasts. Skewer kebab ingredients; slather the garlic butter on corn and bread; prep vegetables and side dishes. Prepare the salad (have your dressing ready, but don’t toss it in the salad). Set up your bar or prepare drinks but don’t add ice until the last minute. Ice down the beer or soft drinks.

Outdoors, set up tables and get out your plates, glasses, and cutlery. Clean and ready your grill. Lay out your grilling utensils.