Ozark Living

32 • J U LY 2023 • O Z A R K L I V I N G By Chef Erin Rowe It's getting to be that long summery time of year. Not just Fourth of July this month, but this is probably the biggest month for family gatherings and cookouts. Which for some folks, can be a little intimidating if you're not accustomed to hosting folks. But it need not be daunting. Outdoor parties and cookouts are some of the easiest parties to handle, if you take a few tips from me. Well, 10 tips to be exact...and just because it's helpful, and I'm a chef, I've tossed in a few great recipes for your gathering also. And no matter what happens this July, or at any event for that matter, just remember they're there to see you, not how well you can throw a party! Let the festivities commence! 1 Send invites - It needn't be fancy for a cookout, but people need to know something official to place on their busy calendar. ese days, I say the sooner the better. And a group text or email/evite is a great way to communicate. I like evite because it removes stress and I can easily add ALL my friends and family with one click and send it promptly. Plus it's got some cute templates and looks, so it's almost as adorable as a mailed invite...almost. Making it BYOB or asking guests to bring a dish is easy with it also. It's so helpful to get RSVPS or at least see who opened the invite, so you have an idea of guests to plan accordingly. 2 Make a list - You may need to check it twice, but it's just the list of to-do's to accomplish, yourself, for the party. I hate missing things, and so I love love love me a check-list. Staying organized also helps you determine what's le when it's crunch time and your mind has checked out, so you can allow others to take a task. 3 Delegate - And speaking of help, sometimes it's just ok to ask. Pick people who are responsible typically and give them tasks in their strengths, and say thank you! Even guests or friends can come early, BYOB or bring an app to share. Most are eager to help and thankful when a host asks them to bring something. You hosting is enough. You don't have to provide everything in the food and beverage department. 4 Prep early & do your big grocery run way ahead - Start prepping a week in advance if you can. Even little things like slicing veggies or making dips that hold up will save you in the long run when it's crunch time. Trust me. Do a big grocery shop in advance of your date. Buy in bulk and a discount when you can, such as with Aldi's or Sam's Club. Don't forget the tableware stuff – like plates, napkins, utensils and cups. And ice. You always need extra ice- more than you think and it can be in the freezer or cooler day of. If it's a casual affair, buy the throw-away stuff to save you time aer and your dishsink. 5 Put out plenty of tables & chairs - Seating can be creative, and not just your traditional tables & chairs, if you're short on space or supplies. Many people would appreciate the option for blankets and pillows- think picnic! You can even pull out the camp chairs and end tables (if not too nice) from the house if needed. It's just nice for people to have options when they sit down to eat. 6 Lights & flowers make for simple décor - I like to brighten up a party with simple, non-elaborate details. Outdoor string lights add charm and ambience, looking great in a tree or fence railing, just don't forget the extension chords. Automatic solar lights in the garden are cheap and lovely along a path when it gets dark. Tablecloths, even second-hand ones, don't have to match, and add a nice touch to tables instantly. I also love flowers, either fresh-cut from your garden or bought at a shop, always are a classy add-in, that you don't see much these days. I have no idea why- I'll take fresh flowers every day of the week. And because they are rarely seen at parties, any flower, even daisies or simple pansies will be unexpected and lovely. 7 Provide sunscreen & bug spray - When guests come to your home, you want them to be comfortable. ey wont be if they're being eaten alive, and most likely will give up and leave early – or else just not have a good time. So just set out baskets of the stuff and show each guest so they wont have to "bug" you when they need some. ose little extras set a gathering apart and allow for people to relax. I'd throw fleece or wool blankets in there too if the parties going late How to Host a Great Cookout

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