Getting ready to grill for a group? We have you covered, with tips for preparing, a free barbecue e-cookbook and downloadable printables to keep you organized. Oh, and we may also throw in a pretty snazzy giveaway as well.

We’re getting ready to host a backyard barbecue this weekend, and we have been busy prepping, planning and playing with recipes. Hosting a barbecue can be overwhelming. In fact, any kind of get-together at your house can be a cause of stress with the cleaning, cooking and planning.

In an attempt to take control over the part that I view as most important – the food – I asked Ole for some tips on how to keep the grill area under control when inviting a large group of people over. After all, he’s the one who mans the grill area over here. So, these are Ole’s seven tips for a successful barbecue event.

1. Don’t overdo it. Unless you have a commercial sized fridge and giant grill, keep it simple.

2. Premix your seasoning. Don’t bring the salt and pepper shakers and secret spices all out to the grill. Mix up a small bowlful ahead of time; it makes seasoning quicker and more consistent.

3. Go with what you know. New recipes take more time and concentration. Group grilling is meant to be social, so stay in your comfort zone.

4. Know your fuel. If you use gas, make sure the tank is full. If you’re a charcoal griller, be sure to pick up an extra bag the day before.

5. Tag team it. When grilling for yourself or your family you might be able to get away with doing it all yourself, but when larger groups are involved, try to have someone else take care of other needs so you can focus on the grill.

6. Foil pans rule. Get a few foil pans lined up that can hold the meat when it’s done. There usually are a few last minute details that need to be attended to prior to serving. Don’t let the main course dry out on the grill; move it to a covered foil pan to let it rest.

7. Provide an easy alternative. With large groups there is bound to be a few picky eaters (possibly vegetarian). Have some hot dogs and veggie burgers waiting in the wings to keep everyone happy.

In a case of perfect timing, I’ve also been working with Mandi from Life… Your Way to gather a collection of over 30 barbecue-friendly recipes from 15 bloggers to make planning easier. Download or print your copy of Backyard Barbecue Recipes today. Plus, Mandi and all her Type-A ways created six free printables to keep you organized while you’re planning your get-together!

:: Backyard Barbecue Planner
:: Dirty Dozen / Clean Fifteen Cheat Sheet
:: Freezer Storage Cheat Sheet
:: Internal Cooking Temperature Cheat Sheet
:: 3×5 Recipe Cards or 4×6 Recipe Cards
:: Shopping List or Half-Page Shopping List

Bush’s sent over a gorgeous grilling kit for our barbecue, and we get to give one away to our readers! (This is a photo of Wenderly’s grillin’ kit, photographed by her. Thanks, Wendy!)

THE PRIZE
One Bush’s Grillin’ Beans Grilling Kit that includes:

• Emile Henry Dutch Oven
• Rosle Barbecue Tools
• Bush’s Apron, Can Opener and Grillin’ Beans
• $50 Visa Gift Card

HOW TO ENTER TO WIN

1. Leave a comment. What is your favorite barbecue dish?

2. Follow @BushsBeans and @FoodforMyFamily on Twitter and tweet the following, and come back and let me know you did:

Win an Emile Henry Dutch Oven and @BushsBeans BBQ set from @FoodforMyFamily http://su.pr/56DVrO

THE RULES:

This giveaway will run until Monday, May 30th at 11:59 p.m. EDT and is open to all U.S. residents. A winner will be chosen at random using Random.org from all eligible entries. Each reader has 5 chances to win by completing the above tasks and leaving a separate comment for each entry method completed. Chosen winner must respond within 48 hours of notification to claim their prize. Good luck!

This post is sponsored by Bush’s.

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