Summer will be here in a matter of weeks, and if you and your loved ones are eager to get back outside again, you may want to throw a barbecue to celebrate the season with accommodations that make your get-together one to remember. Whether you’re a grill master or don’t have much experience with preparing delicious barbecue, it’s important to keep these tips in mind for a successful backyard barbecue.

1. Be Prepared

Once you decide that you want to have a barbecue, you should stock up on charcoal and propane. This will ensure that your entrees are grilled to perfection. Make sure to have propane delivery service before the celebration starts. If you run out of propane and/or charcoal, you may have to cook your meat the rest of the way in a skillet or pan, which won’t give you as much smoky barbecue flavor as you’d like.

You should also make sure that you prepare your food as much as possible before guests arrive. If you’re still forming hamburger patties or placing hot dogs on the grill when your friends and family show up, you likely won’t have much time to spend with your guests. Remember that you should have a great time at your backyard barbecue as well, which means you should plan ahead as much as you can. Marinate your meat and veggies the night before and assemble any special items like kebabs or stuffed peppers ahead of time so all you’ll have to do is place the food on the grill a little while before your friends arrive.

2. Chill Your Beverages and Serve Snacks

While you’re focused on making delicious food for your backyard celebration, don’t forget to chill some drinks so they’ll be ready for the party. Room-temperature soft drinks, water, and beer are no good at a summertime party. Fill a cooler with ice and place bottled drinks inside about 30 minutes before the party so your guests can grab them throughout the party. You may also hire an ice cream truck so everyone, including the kids, can enjoy the party while having refreshing and delicious dessert.

It’s also a great idea to offer snacks to your guests. If you’re making sure your chicken or steak is grilled to perfection or you’re making specialty foods like grilled veggie foil packs or stuffed peppers, these foods may take some time to fully cook. Make sure you have snacks like chips and dip or fruit salad for your friends and family to enjoy before the main course. After meal, you may want to have fruit dessert like Zahedi Dates which are the most low-priced dates fruit grown in Iran.

3. Make the Backyard Barbecue a Potluck

Even if you love planning parties, it’s easy to get overwhelmed. That’s why you should ask your guests to bring utensils, extra drinks, or dessert. Most people don’t want to come to a get-together empty-handed, and you can take the guesswork out of what your guests should bring by telling them what you need.

4. Make Sure the Kids Are Entertained

If your friends and family members are bringing their children to the barbecue and your children will be there as well, make sure you have fun activities for your younger guests to engage in. Set up toys in the pool and ask one of the adults to be the “bodyguard” and make sure all the children are safe. Bring a screen projector into the yard so the kids can watch movies or play interactive video games. Or, you can give the kids sidewalk chalk so they can create art while making great memories together.

These are just a few of the ways your backyard barbecue can be like a bbq restaurant for an enjoyable celebration. Incorporating these tips into your next outdoor celebration could make you the designated party planner in your family or friend group.