Question of the Season! 

Why do you think men love to BBQ? Well after years of observing this phenomenon I’ve figured out what many of you may already know…Because by flippin’ a burger or turning a steak they can grab their favorite libation and escape from watching the kids, setting the table and cleaning up!  So girls grab those tongs, your favorite drink and take control of that grill…It’s time for us to fall in love and BBQ! 

SERVING MADE SIMPLE

I find that BBQ’s are a great way to reciprocate for all those folks who’ve had you over time and time again and whom you owe an invitation to—it’s relaxed, you don’t have to worry about using your best china or cooking a gourmet meal nor let them inside—except to use the bathroom!  So you can concentrate more on having a good time and less on trying to impress your friends and family with your non-Martha like skills or interest!

Plus, to keep your stress over all down don’t plan way ahead! Wait ‘til a few days before to see what the weather will be so you don’t have to worry about moving the party indoors if rain’s in the forecast AND by waiting you’ll keep your guest list down since lots of your friends and family will have other plans! 

MAKE IT A FINGER FRIENDLY FOOD FEST-

Serve finger friendly foods only: Eliminate the need for anything but disposable plates, cups and napkins and serve only foods that can be eaten with your hands: TIP:  Make it hassle-free by shopping at a price club or warehouse for pre-made cheese platters and other apps; multi-paks of meats and chicken (which may be cheaper but you should always check); economy size condiments; desserts; and all the disposables you need (plates, serving ware, cups, napkins, etc)

APPS:  Cheese cubes, salami, dips, cut up veggies, salsas, chips, crackers

MAIN:  burgers, dogs, corn on cob, kebabs (meat to fruit), CAN SERVE CHICKEN WINGS too but messier: 

DESSERT: frozen chocolate covered bananas, cookies, slices of watermelon

POT ‘EM!
This looks good and makes your life really easy:  Instead of a cooler, use those extra plastic flower pots you’ve got in the garage to set up a self help system for all drinks:  If you don’t have any you can buy them a your local garden shop or supermarket and use them to plant later:  Place them in a variety of spots on your deck, yard, or wherever else you choose outdoors.  Fill with ice; add a little water with your garden hose and stock with single serving stuff (no need for cups or glasses this way!).  When the party’s over let all the ice melt, tilt—and now you’ve also taken care of another task-watering your grass!

You can also fill smaller plastic pots or kids buckets with sun screen and bug paks; your disposable silverware; etc

NEW SPIN FOR AN OLD STANDBY (From Book)
Use your washing machine as a cooler!  Fill with ice and your favorite drinks.  When the party’s over let the water melt and put on the rinse cycle to drain! NOTE:  Recommended for top load washers, only!

SCOOP ‘N SERVE!
Here’s a simple serving idea that looks good and is a great activity-enlist your kids to ‘scoop’ out a variety of different sized melons such as watermelon, cantelopes or honeydews and use them as serving bowls for salads (cole slaw, potato, tossed, and fruit); condiments and desserts (ice cream, jello, etc).  Then when you’re through just toss—another manicure saving serving tip!

BLOW IT OUT!

To get wrinkles out of plastic or vinyl outdoor tablecloths use you your handy dandy blow dryer…Don’t hold too close and be careful not to overheat to avoid melting them!!!

READ ALL ABOUT IT!

Recycle those Sunday comics and use them as a tablecloth!  Colorful, fun and when the party’s over just gather them and chuck!  Have the kids collect big rocks and let them clean ‘em up (they can even paint them if you’d like an activity to keep them busy!).  Use them to keep those corners down when the winds blow.  Buckets or small pots filled with ice will also do the trick as will the main foods being served!

BOUNCE THOSE BUGS AWAY!

 Put a fabric dryer sheet in your pocket to keep bees away or put a sheet or two near where ants roam to keep them away from your plants and pants!

ALUMINUM TO THE MAXIMUM!

Crumble a piece of aluminum foil, dip it in coca cola, and rub it back and forth on a warm grill.  The phosphoric acid helps rid rust from the grill. This tip also led me to wonder if coca cola is so good at ridding grills and toilet bowls of rust what’s it doing to our insides?! 

SERVE UP A TON OF FUN! A couple of ideas….

LAWN LIMBO—This is fun for all!  Use a garden hose with a hand nozzle. Spray a straight stream starting at about 4 feet high and keep lowering…last one who’s dry wins!

FANCY FOOT-WORK- Get a large white vinyl tablecloth and set it up on an outdoor flat service such as a driveway. Fill aluminum tins with a colorful variety of non-toxic, washable paints (finger paints) and let everyone ‘step in’ with their barefeet to create a memorable masterpiece.  Take a group photo when done and make copies for all! 

THE ACCIDENTAL HOUSEWIFE’S MANICURE FRIENDLY PRODUCT PICKS
For…
SUMMER ENTERTAINING!

TEETER TRAY

Whether you’re naturally klutzy like me or just try to carry more then you can handle to minimize the number of trips you have to make-this tray will keep your drinks in tact and allow you to get as tipsy (naturally or otherwise!) as you choose!  It’s fun, comes with 6 colorful plastic cups and has a kitschy design.  If you’re really brave you can use the top as a tray to serve food, too.   Great to use on boats as well. An accidental must have at only $29.95 www.teetertray.com

HAVE A BALL!
Here’s a no muss no fuss ‘accidental housewifely’ way to have some fun and eat it too—load up this contraption with ice and rock salt…have your kiddies mix up some , vanilla and sugar and toss that baby around for about 20 minutes (time and results vary depending upon how much and fast you toss!)  Now, u scream we scream all will scream for some ice cream. The Ice Cream Ball is $29.95 www.wishingfish.com