"Getting together with family and friends adds quality to life. It's important to look back and remember, and also look forward and celebrate our freedoms."
— Patricia Mendez
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It's time to get your grill on for the traditional kickoff to the grilling season.
"Memorial Day is the day we honor those who have given their lives to defend our freedom and our country," says author Patricia Mendez. "Getting together with family and friends adds quality to life. It's important to look back and remember, and also look forward and celebrate our freedoms."
Follow our easy steps to make your next barbecue good for you and great for your guests.
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2 WEEKS PRIOR
Step 1: Pick a barbecue date and invite friends. Make it easy on yourself: Use an online tool or social networking site for invitations.
Step 2: Ask for help. It's now socially acceptable to ask guests to bring an appetizer or dessert to share. Consider putting this right on your invitation.
1 WEEK PRIOR
Step 3: Plan a simple menu. Be healthy without sacrificing taste. Simple substitutions reduce the guilt and increase the enjoyment. Who doesn't like that?
Instead of Try
Hamburgers Turkey burgers
White buns Whole-grain buns
Sausages Lean sausages
Steaks Chicken, fish or kabobs
Chips Veggies and a yogurt dip
Cakes and pies Watermelon, sliced strawberries and whipped cream
Potato or macaroni salad Corn on the cob
Sodas or lemonade Diet sodas, diet lemonade and bottled water
Tip: Researchers found that marinating meat in commercially available marinades for an hour before cooking reduced the "bad compounds" significantly. The study reported the marinades all contained at least two or more spices in the mint family that are rich in antioxidants.
Step 4: Clean off your patio and outdoor area. Pick a day, optimally during the weekend beforehand, and get your outdoor area ready for fun. Make it a family affair.
1 DAY PRIOR
Step 5: Shop in one stop. Save time and get of all the items you need in one swoop. Make lists and stick to them.
Step 6: Check your supplies. Does your grill have enough propane? Got enough ice? Planning games or activities? Make sure you have those supplies, too.
G-DAY (Grill Day, Get It?)
Step 7: Start early. Pick up around the house early in the day. Put drinks on ice. Start food prep at least one hour prior to your guests' arrival.
Step 8: Decorate simply. Use tablecloths, serving dishes and decorations you already own in red, white and blue. Don't have any? "Purchase a patriotic tablecloth in disposable tableware," says Mendez. "Decorate with a low vase of poppies (or other red flowers) on the table and purchase small flags at a party supply store. Use a child's red wagon with ice to chill drinks."
Step 9: Set a warm and friendly tone. "Light the candles and play some great music," says Mendez. Welcome guests with a smile.
Step 10: Make it fun and memorable. "Give each guest a poppy to wear (with pin or sticky tape). This tradition dates back to WWI to honor those who have fallen in battle," says Mendez. "Take a few minutes to share a story about a fallen veteran (family member or any soldier)." Also, plan activities for your guests such as lawn bowling, badminton or a family game of softball or kickball.
Tip: Prep for games such as a three-legged race, balloon toss or sack race in advance. Gather materials and set them aside. Have the kids help.
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