Written by Cheryl Jones— Writer for GeneralAwnings.com, providing awnings for your home.

There is one thing that goes perfectly with summer weather – a family cookout. There is no way to spend your summer evening than in the backyard with family and friends while food cooks on the BBQ. This truly paints the perfect picture of summer.

Whether you are a barbequing professional or just excited to have some good conversation around the dinner table, family cookouts are for you. For some, summer cookouts happen multiple times a week. And, for others they are a little more sporadic. No matter your frequency, you want your cookout to be enjoyable and successful. Here are a few pointers from an experienced family cookout host.

Get your Gear Ready

If you are hosting a cookout, you want to be ready. Before the event is going to happen make sure you have everything to cook the feast. If you use a propane grill, make sure you have propane. If you are a charcoal griller, make sure you have charcoal. It may sound elementary, but don’t overlook the basics. You don’t want your meat to have to be thrown in the oven instead of the grill.

Have Options

While it is impossible to please everyone, it is still worth the effort. You never know if the crowd is picky. You don’t have to make multiple main courses, but have side dish options so everyone can eat. If you are having a large group of extended family and friends, invite others to bring a dish. This way you will have a larger variety and something everyone will enjoy. This also takes some stress of you as the host.

Get all the Fixin’s

The last thing you want to run out of at a BBQ is food. Know how many people you will be hosting and plan about a pound and a half of meat per person. It may seem a little generous, but to account for all those who will want seconds of your delicious home cookin’, you have to be safe.

Make sure to account for all parts of the meal. Often a few sides are offered with whatever is being barbequed. Make sure to have some other options such as salad, fruit, chips, potatoes, rice, vegetables, and of course dessert.

Make it Comfortable

You want guests to be completely comfortable so they can enjoy the BBQ. Often barbeques are held when the weather is nice and the sun is shining. Prepare shaded areas and supply umbrellas for your guests. If you have a patio awning, this is a great place to set up seating to keep guests out of the sun.  If you expect your barbeque to continue after sunset, prepare some type of additional lighting.

Make it Fun

The greatest entertainment at a barbeque is talking with your family and friends. But, it is also a good idea to have some games ready to keep the fun rolling. A summer cookout is a time to relax, enjoy each other’s company and have some old-fashioned fun. After you get the food planned, make a few plans for entertainment. It doesn’t have to be elaborate. Sack races, tug-o-war, volleyball, horseshoes and crochet are all good options.