GET  THIS WEEKEND

 - PLAN THE PERFECT BBQ

Have you ever had a barbeque at home, but felt exhausted before your guests arrive? With a little planning, your next party could be stress-free and actually fun! Follow these tips to barbeque success.

THE WEEK BEFORE 
n   Organize and tidy any messy areas of your home.
  Don't leave this until the day of your gathering,
  or you may find yourself running out of time.

n   Start thinking about what food you are going to
  serve. How many guests are you expecting?

n   Coordinate.  If you have two other couples coming.
  Ask one to bring a salad and the other to bring a
  dessert.  This way you know what to prep for.

THE DAY BEFORE
n   Go shopping for groceries. This will save a trip to the shops on the day of your party. You'll also find that shopping ahead will mean you won't forget any items, which can sometimes happen in a rushed trip.

THE MORNING OF
n   Prepare the meat in the morning, by marinating in a simple mix of soy sauce, barbeque sauce, and garlic.

n   Make some chicken kebabs and prawns too, they are easy and great cooked on the barbeque.

n   Butter some rolls, and make a tasty dip or other appetizers.

n   Take a packet of pitted prunes and wrap each individual prune in a small piece of bacon. Spear a toothpick through each one and put them on a flat tray, ready for cooking.

n   Set out all the plates, cutlery, glasses, sauces, and condiments (anything that doesn’t need refrigeration).

A FEW HOURS BEFORE YOUR GUEST ARRIVE 
n   Now, having finished all these preparations early in the day, use the afternoon to relax with the family or do any other activity you choose.  It's great knowing that all the chores have been done and you can start to look forward to the night.

n   A couple of hours before your guests are due to arrive, go for a bath or shower. You want to be well presented and put together before your guest arrive.

ABOUT 10 MINUTES BEFORE YOUR GUEST ARRIVE
n   Light your favorite aromatic candle, choosing a subtle scent that is not too overpowering.

n   Pop on your favorite music.

n   Cook the prunes and bacon in a moderate oven for 10 - 15 minutes until the bacon is crispy.

When your friends arrive, let your hair down and have a great night.... and don't let wet weather spoil your plans. Just bring the party indoors and cook on the grill or fry pan.