Five tips to help you organize your summer BBQ

Today the Lifestyles Channel is holding a potluck / picnic of sorts. Each of the channel blogs will be somehow discussing potlucks and picnics today – a favorite recipe, maybe some ideas for decorating, and so on. At Declutter It, we’ll look at organizing that darn grilling area.

Now, I don’t BBQ, or even own a grill, mainly because I don’t eat meat. That said, I’m a fan of grilled veggies, and also have known my fair share of grillers. However, if I say something crazy, now you know why.

Quick clean up: Place a tub of soapy water next to the BBQ. As you need to, toss used spatulas, plates, and so fourth into the water. MAKE SURE you use a container with a lid if small children will be at the BBQ; open water and kids, well, they don’t mix. Also make sure you don’t stick your hand into the soapy water and stab yourself with a skewer; which frankly sounds like something I might do.

Get your spice on: Yeah, I never spice up meat, but even I think this spice stick is ultra cute and handy. Fill it with BBQ spices and hang it on the grill – too easy.

Get the kids to do almost everything: They’re young and healthy, they can take it. Let them shuck corn, snap beans, set the table, make lemonade, peel fruits, and clean up at the end. One it’ll keep them busy. Two, it frees you up time to spend on cooking and relaxing. Three, it builds character.

Got grill trouble?: Icky grills with rusty parts can be quickly fixed up with one good old can of coke. Scrub it on and see results. I’ve never actually coked up a grill. However, on one of my road trips my car broke down somewhere near Moab. The AAA car guy just poured coke on my rusty, gross battery, and my car was as good as new. Yay coke. Just don’t drink it. Now that you know it dissolves rust; do you really want to drink it?

Turn your hosted BBQ into a potluck: This obviously cuts down on any organizing and planning you need to do. Ask for food and you shall get it.

What other ideas do you have for getting your summer grill events organized?