Wednesday, August 22, 2018

There’s more to hosting a killer cookout than a campy apron and a pile of hamburgers. The real difference-maker is in the details. Read on for some backyard barbecue tips from the queen of all things entertaining, Martha Stewart.

- Make sure your grill is up to snuff. Before you can delve into the details, you must make sure the star of the show is ready. Make sure your grill is properly cleaned and ready for action, or perhaps this is the year to invest in a new one.

- If you’re using a charcoal grill, reuse charcoal that hasn’t been burned. Cooled ashes are great for certain perennial flower beds, such as delphiniums, says Stewart.

- Keep dampened bar cloths around the grill area to keep both your hands and work surfaces clean.

- Jazz up your condiments, taking the assortment beyond ketchup and yellow mustard, adding in French Dijon, red pepper relish, salsa, hot sauce, etc.

- Remember that barbecues are meant to be messy, so skip the good linens and equip guests with dish towels, wipes and rolls of paper towels to clean up with.

- Elevate toppings and sides to a new level with a presentation of mason jars and enamel dishes housing onions, cornichons, pickle slices, yellow and red tomato slices, fresh fruits, lettuce, corn, etc. The more variety, the better!

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