1. A Smaller Guest list 
Stick to a handful of friends, a few other couples with children similar to your kids’ ages. Don’t go too big headcount wise, or you may get overwhelmed. Plus, with a smaller group, you won’t be as worried about having enough or food or seats.

2. A Good Seasoning 
Whether you’re cooking chicken, steaks, or hamburgers, grilling out is all about the right seasoning.
Keep it simple when grilling with steaks. Salt and pepper, and if you want to add more of a kick, you can always add some garlic or chilli powder.
With chicken, you can simply combine some garlic, cumin and paprika to create a great, grilled masterpiece.
For hamburgers, start with the basics like garlic, salt and pepper, and paprika, but add in some dark brown sugar, onion powder and cayenne pepper to give it more of a kick.

3. Delicious Side Dishes 
The Best Fruit Salad
Pasta Salad
Baked Beans

4. The Right Drinks 
Make some lemonade for the kids and some iced tea for the adults or maybe even some spiked Arnold Palmer’s to enjoy a night out on the patio.

5. Activities for the Kids
Come up with some easy outdoor games for kids to play so the adults can sit back and relax.

6. Easy Decorations 
Add some lights on your deck or fill a wheelbarrow or wagon with ice to place drinks in for easy, outdoor decoration hacks for your cookout!