The Best-Ever Backyard Party Planning Checklist

Follow this easy party planning checklist to make certain your next cookout goes off without a hitch!

Backyard cookouts are a staple for summertime, filled with cool drinks, large laughs and piece of cake-does-information technology food that just tastes better in the backyard. Leading up to your party, space out tasks and prep food ahead of time (hello, slow cooker) so you can take information technology easy on the day of!

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Check Out Our Best BBQ Recipes

Barbecued Picnic Chicken

I like to serve this savory chicken at family picnics. Cooked on a covered grill, the poultry stays and so tender and juicy. Everyone loves the zesty, slightly sugariness bootleg barbecue sauce—and it's so easy to make. —Priscilla Weaver, Hagerstown, Maryland

Big John's Chili-Rubbed Ribs

When my family thinks of summer grilling, it's ribs all the way. Our Asian-inspired recipe is a welcome change from the usual barbecue-sauce versions. —Ginger Sullivan, Cutler Bay, Florida

BBQ Craven and Apple Bread Pudding

To me, staff of life pudding is the paradigm of comfort food and is but likewise expert to reserve only for dessert. This sweet and savory twist on the classic is a delicious new way to enjoy an old favorite. —Shauna Havey, Roy, Utah

Curried Pork & Orange Kabobs

I love the sweetness flavor of red, yellow and orange peppers. I always go for these in the summertime when they are inexpensive and plentiful. I think they sense of taste a whole lot better than green peppers. —Liv Vors, Peterborough, Ontario

Pork Chops with Glaze

Rosemary adds a special touch to these beautifully glazed pork chops that are just right for any meal. —Louise Gilbert, Quesnel, British Columbia

Sugariness & Spicy Barbecue Sauce

I've never cared that much for store bought barbecue sauce. I just like to make things myself from scratch including this spicy, deep ruddy-brown sauce. You lot'll notice it clings well when you slather it on grilled meat. —Helena Georgette Mann, Sacramento, California

BBQ Chicken Sandwiches

With four small children at home, I need quick still filling meals. This family-favorite BBQ craven sandwich filling is a cinch to make. For a spicier gustation, eliminate the ketchup and increase the amount of salsa to i cup. —Leticia Lewis, Kennewick, Washington

Apple-Butter Barbecued Roasted Chicken

I love cooking so much I sometimes call back of recipes in my sleep and wake upwardly to write them down! This dream-inspired dish is my family'southward favorite way to eat chicken. —Holly Kilbel, Akron, Ohio

Kansas Urban center-Style Ribs

Our family recipe for ribs has evolved to virtually perfection. These country-fashion beauties are a fable in our shut circle. —Linda Schend, Kenosha, Wisconsin

Barbecued Burgers

I tin't take all the credit for these winning burgers. My husband'south uncle passed down the special charcoal-broil sauce recipe. Nosotros dear it on everything...it was only natural to try information technology on, and in, burgers. Add cheese and bacon to take them over the summit. —Rhoda Troyer, Glenford, Ohio

Cherry Barbecue Sauce

You can use fresh or frozen cherries to brand this flavorful barbecue sauce. Information technology tastes astounding on ribs and craven! —Ilene Harrington, Nipomo, California

Grilled Marinated Ribeyes

These juicy steaks are a favorite meal of ours when nosotros become camping ground. Permit them sit in tangy, barbecue-inspired marinade overnight and you've got a rich and hearty dinner set up to grill upwards the adjacent day. —Louise Graybiel, Toronto, Ontario

Can-Tin can Chicken

Here'due south a tasty take on the popular beer-can craven. Once the bird is on the grill, the piece of work's basically done. And cleanup is a sure-fire—a must for a guy like me. —Steve Bathroom, Lincoln, Nebraska

Flank Steak with Cilantro & Bluish Cheese Butter

I dearest the combination of the sweetness citrus marinade and the strong tang of the bluish cheese butter. And my kids but love flank steak. —Gwen Wedel, Augusta, Michigan

BBQ Country Ribs

I created this country ribs recipe many years ago when I adapted a sauce I saw in a mag. The original called for much more oil. I unremarkably triple the sauce and go on some in my freezer to use on chicken, beef or pork. —Barbara Gerriets, Topeka, Kansas

Grilled Maple Pork Chops

Pork chops on the grill are hard to shell. The marinade is elementary, and so proficient. —Nicholas King, Duluth, Minnesota

Dearest Chipotle Ribs

Nothing is better than having a sauce with the perfect slather consistency. Here's one that will ensure a lip-smacking feast. Become ahead and make the sauce upwards to a week alee for an easier grilling experience. —Caitlin Hawes, Westwood, Massachusetts

Tangy Barbecue Wings

I took these slow-cooked wings to work, and they vanished before I even got a bite! The tangy sauce is lip-smacking good. —Sherry Pitzer, Troy, Missouri

Carolina-Style Vinegar BBQ Chicken

I live in Georgia, merely I capeesh the tangy, sweetness and slightly spicy taste of Carolina vinegar chicken. I brand my version in the irksome cooker. After the tempting aroma fills the house, your family unit is sure to be at the dinner table on time! —Ramona Parris, Canton, Georgia

North Carolina-Style BBQ Sauce

Blending two vinegars helps re-create the BBQ sauce we beloved from my female parent'southward N Carolina roots. — Gloria McKinley, Lakeland, Florida

"Secret's in the Sauce" BBQ Ribs

A sweet, rich sauce makes this BBQ ribs recipe so tender that the meat literally falls off the bones. And the aroma is wonderful. Yum! —Tanya Reid, Winston-Salem, Due north Carolina

Barbecued Beef Brisket

A guest at the RV park and marina my married man and I used to run gave me this flavorful brisket recipe. It's become the star of countless meal gatherings, from potlucks to holiday dinners. Husband Ed and our 5 grown children expect forward to information technology equally much as our Christmas turkey. —Bettye Miller, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma

Ultimate Grilled Pork Chops

A fiddling brining and a special dry rub go a long manner to making the perfect pork chop. Once you've mastered how to cook thick pork chops, you'll exist enjoying them all summertime long. —Matthew Hass, Franklin, Wisconsin

Rhubarb-Apricot Barbecued Craven

Springtime brings dorsum memories of the rhubarb that grew beside my childhood domicile. When I establish blood-red ruddy stalks in the shop, I created this recipe for them. My family unit gives this a big thumbs up. —Laurie Hudson, Westville, Florida

Quick Barbecued Beans

Baked beans are a simple, classic recipe, and cooking them on the grill adds great smoky flavor. —Millie Vickery, Lena, Illinois

Dr Pepper BBQ Sauce

My family is stationed in Italia with my husband, Lieutenant William Robert Blackman. William grew up in Memphis, Tennessee, and I'grand from Texas, and so the dish that spells "dwelling" for us is a good ol' barbecue. I have my ain recipe for barbecue sauce that nosotros like to pour all over sliced brisket. Eating it reminds us of weekend barbecues with our families. —Tina Blackman, Naples, Italy

Beer Can Chicken

You'll be proud to serve this stand up-upwards chicken at any family unit gathering. Treated with a savory rub and and then roasted over a beer can for added moisture, it's so tasty you'll want to call dibs on the leftovers! —Shirley Warren, Thiensville, Wisconsin

Teriyaki Shish Kabobs

When I was a teenager, my father worked for an airline, and my family unit lived on the isle of Guam in the South Pacific. A friend of my mother gave her this tangy-sweet recipe, and nosotros enjoyed it frequently. Now I make information technology for my family unit, and they're big fans also. —Suzanne Pelegrin, Ocala, Florida

Southwest Steak

Lime juice tenderizes the steak while garlic, chili pulverisation and red pepper flakes kick things up. My hubby and I came up with this together as something lighter to make on the grill. —Caroline Shively, Alexandria, Virginia

Grilled Huli Huli Chicken

I got this grilled craven recipe from a friend while living in Hawaii. Information technology sizzles with the flavors of brown sugar, ginger and soy sauce. Huli ways "turn" in Hawaiian. This sugariness and savory glaze is fantastic on pork chops, also. —Sharon Boling, San Diego, California

BBQ Country-Style Ribs

Quick to prep for the dull cooker, this dinner is terrific with a salad and a fresh side. My family practically thank you whenever I make it! —Cheryl Mann, Winside, Nebraska

Sweet Tea Barbecued Chicken

Marinades sometimes employ coffee or espresso, and that inspired me to try tea and apple juice to perk upwards this sauce. —Kelly Williams, Forked River, New Jersey

Go the Ball Rolling (3 Weeks Before)

• Send invitations
• Take inventory of your tables, chairs, plates, cups, napkins and utensils

Plan Things Out (2 Weeks Before)

• Build your BBQ menu — Here'due south how much food y'all should serve.
• Sketch out a grocery list
• Create, cut and fold food label cards. Become the printout for BBQ food labels here.
• Buy any additional plates, cups, napkins or utensils

 Tie Upwardly Loose Ends (1 Calendar week Before)

• Infringe whatsoever additional tables or chairs that you'll need – But ask friends or family members if yous can infringe their extras
• Make clean the house – To keep things actress-fresh, clean with vinegar
• Follow upward with guests who accept not RSVP'd

Go to the Grocery Store & Clean the Yard (3 Days Earlier)

• Double-cheque your grocery list
• Shop for your ingredients
• Launder the serving dishes y'all'll be using
• Mow the lawn
• Clean your grill from top-to-bottom

Prep, Prep, Prep! (1 Day Before)

• Spot-make clean the business firm – Here's how to tidy upfast
• Buy a bag of extra water ice
• Brand as many mains, sides or desserts ahead of schedule as y'all can – This is central!
• Cutting up any fruit and / or vegetables
• Put beverages in the refrigerator to chill

Set the Table (Morning Of)

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• Put serving dishes/platters on the buffet table
• Set out plates, cups, napkins and utensils
• Ready extra tables with tablecloths

Final Prep (two Hours Before)

• Prep any raw nutrient you lot plan to grill
• Begin reheating any pre-made hot foods
• Stock coolers with water ice and beverages

Get Set to Eat (30 Minutes Before)

• Prepare out food with corresponding labels on cafe table
• Preheat the grill
• Relax!

Tasty Potluck Recipes to Feed a Oversupply

Taste of Dwelling

Summer Dessert Pizza

My family enjoys this dessert pizza recipe anytime of the twelvemonth, but information technology's particularly refreshing during the hot months. You can use any fruits are in season. —Ida Ruth Wenger, Harrisonburg, Virginia

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Pina Colada Icebox Cake

This icebox block has all of the flavors of a pina colada. It takes merely one bite to escape to a tropical island! —Rachel Lewis, Danville, Virginia

Cran-Orange Couscous Salad

I often create salads for summer using a variety of healthy, filling grains. This version with tender couscous is amped upward by the vivid flavors of oranges, cranberries, basil and a affect of fennel. —Kristen Heigl, Staten Isle, New York

Honey Mustard Red Spud Salad

This summer cookout star is crunchy-delicious with a brilliant zesty dressing. —Brittany Allyn, Mesa, Arizona

Frozen Peanut Butter and Chocolate Terrine

This terrine can be made ahead of time and stored in the freezer. When served, it cuts easily, revealing the lovely layers of assistant, peanut butter and chocolate. —Jennifer Jackson, Keller, Texas

Spiced Pulled Pork Sandwiches

This pulled pork is tender and has a fabled spice rub on it. It is my sweetie's favorite meal, and I love that it is so like shooting fish in a barrel. What a fantastic way to warm up a chilly afternoon. Add more or less salt to taste if yous'd like. —Katie Citrowske, Bozeman, Montana

Zucchini Panzanella Salad

I learned how to make panzanella from my friend's grandmother. Once I discovered how to make the perfect vinaigrette, it became a dish I crave during the summer. It's also a great way to utilise day-old breadstuff and your garden's bounty of zucchini. —Felicity Wolf, Kansas City, Missouri

Creamy Layered Blueberry Ice Pops

These delicious ice pops tin also be fabricated with raspberries or blackberries. The rosemary sprig and lemon zest bring another layer of flavor. The pops are quick, easy, kid-friendly and freezable. —Gloria Bradley, Naperville, Illinois

Southward'mores Crispy Bars

My aunt ever brought s'mores-style bars to our family's summertime cottage. Apparently or frosted, they're perfect for eating on the run. —Betsy Male monarch, Duluth, Minnesota

Bacon Cheeseburger Slider Bake

I created this dish to fill two pans because these cheeseburger sliders disappear fast. Just cut the slider burgers recipe in one-half if you want to make only one batch. —Nick Iverson, Denver, Colorado

Pork and Beefiness Barbecue

Information technology'south the combination of beef stew meat and tender pork that keeps friends and family asking for these tangy sandwiches. Add a fiddling lettuce and tomato for a well-baked contrast. —Corbin Detgen, Buchanan, Michigan

Macaroni Coleslaw

My friend Peggy brought this coleslaw to 1 of our picnics, and everyone liked it so much, we all had to have the recipe. —Sandra Matteson, Westhope, Due north Dakota

Potluck Fried Chicken

This Sunday dinner staple is first fried and then baked to a crispy golden brown. Well seasoned with oregano and sage, this archetype is sure to satisfy diners at church potlucks or belatedly-summer picnics. I love fixing it for family and friends. —Donna Kuhaupt, Slinger, Wisconsin

Pina Colada Fruit Salad

Give friends a gustatory modality of the torrid zone on warm summer days with this refreshing fruit blend. For a little extra punch, you might add a splash of coconut rum. —Carol Farnsworth, Greenwood, Indiana

Carolina-Style Pork Barbecue

I am originally from North Carolina (where swine is divine) and this recipe for the slow cooker is a family favorite. My husband swears my authentic Carolina 'cue is the all-time BBQ he has ever eaten! —Kathryn Ransom Williams, Sparks, Nevada

Honey Chipotle Ribs

Nothing is better than having a sauce with the perfect slather consistency. Here's one that will ensure a lip-smacking feast. Go alee and make the sauce up to a calendar week ahead for an easier grilling experience. —Caitlin Hawes, Westwood, Massachusetts

Strawberry Oatmeal Bars

A fruity filling and fluffy coconut topping truly make these strawberry oatmeal bars one of a kind. They really clothes up my trays of Christmas goodies. —Flo Burtnett, Gage, Oklahoma

Corn with Cilantro-Lime Butter

I like to utilise fresh cilantro from my garden in this lime butter I created especially for grilled corn. —Andrea Reynolds, Westlake, Ohio

Aunt Frances' Lemonade

My sis and I spent a week each summer with our Aunt Frances, who always had this thirst-quenching lemonade in a stoneware crock in her refrigerator. It makes a refreshing drink after a hot day of running around. —Debbie Reinhart, New Cumberland, Pennsylvania

Heirloom Tomato & Zucchini Salad

Tomato wedges give this salad a juicy bite. It's a keen use of fresh herbs and veggies from your own garden or the farmers market place. —Matthew Hass, Franklin, Wisconsin

Jersey-Mode Hot Dogs

I grew up in northern New Jersey, where hot dogs with grilled potatoes were built-in. It's a combo you'll love. —Suzanne Banfield, Basking Ridge, New Jersey

Smoky Baked Beans

They'll be standing in line for this saucy bean recipe, full of campfire flavor. A variation on colorful calico beans, it'll make a delightful side dish with many of your favorite entrees. —Lynne German, Cumming, Georgia

Star-Studded Huckleberry Pie

Family and friends say this patriotic pie is amend than a local favorite from 1 of our best neighborhood restaurants. Sometimes, I switch things up and use gooseberries for half of the blueberries. —Nancy Barker, Silverton, Oregon

Cuban Pulled Pork Sandwiches

I lived in Florida for a while and loved the pork I ate there, so I started making it for myself. The flavorful meat makes astonishing Cuban sandwiches, simply you can also use it in traditional pulled pork sandwiches or tacos. —Lacie Griffin, Austin, Texas

Avocado Salsa

I was planning a party and idea it might exist fun to try a dissimilar kind of avocado salsa. This recipe was an accented success. Scoop information technology upward with chips, spoon it over craven or steak, or swallow it on its ain! —Susan Vandermeer, Ogden, Utah

Summer Steak Kabobs

These steak kabobs not simply satisfy my love of outdoor cooking, they feature a mouthwatering marinade, too. It's terrific with craven and pork, merely I prefer information technology with beef because it tenderizes remarkably well. —Christi Ross, Guthrie, Texas

Grandma'south Potato Salad

Our Fourth of July feast wouldn't be complete without this chilled old-fashioned potato salad. It's my grandma's treasured recipe. —Sue Gronholz, Beaver Dam, Wisconsin

Watermelon Cups

This lovely appetizer is well-nigh too pretty to eat! Sweet watermelon cubes hold a refreshing topping that showcases cucumber, reddish onion and fresh herbs. —Taste of Abode Test Kitchen

Patriotic Cookie & Foam Cupcakes

Bring on the red, white and blue with these creative cupcakes, perfect for the Fourth of July, Memorial 24-hour interval or whatsoever favorite occasion. With some delicious and colorful frosting and a careful organisation, your sweet brandish volition be a patriotic nod to our smashing American flag. —Rebecca Wetherbee, Marion, Ohio

Chicken Salad Party Sandwiches

My famous chicken salad arrives at the party chilled in a plastic container. When it'southward time to set out the food, I stir in the pecans and assemble the sandwiches. They're a hit at buffet-fashion potlucks. —Trisha Kruse, Hawkeye, Idaho

Fridge Garden Pickles

Canning isn't necessary for these crisp-tender, tangy pickles. Continue them in the fridge and consume them up inside a month. —Linda Chapman, Meriden, Iowa

BLT Dip

Fans of bacon, lettuce and tomato sandwiches will fall for this creamy BLT dip. It's easy to transport to different functions and ever draws recipe requests. —Emalee Payne, Eau Claire, Wisconsin

Lemon Supreme Pie

A friend and I ofttimes visit a local restaurant for pie and coffee. When they stopped carrying our favorite lemon supreme pie, I got busy in the kitchen and created this version, which we think tastes even better! The combination of the cream cheese and tart lemon is wonderful. —Jana Beckman, Wamego, Kansas

Homemade Antipasto Salad

This colorful antipasto salad is a tasty oversupply-pleaser. Guests love the bootleg dressing, which is a nice alter from bottled Italian. — Linda Harrington, Windham, New Hampshire

Iced Raspberry Tea

Frozen raspberries lend fruity flavor and lovely color to this pretty iced tea that's good throughout the year. The recipe calls for merely a few common ingredients and offers make-ahead convenience. —Lois McGrady, Hillsville, Virginia

Grilled Beer Brats with Kraut

I made this for my son'south 21st birthday bonfire, which included a dozen buddies. The kraut topping flavors are fabulous. —Keeley Weber, Sterling Heights, Michigan

Cola Hot Wings

These delectable wings are so easy to make, and they offering yr-round versatility, from summer cookouts to autumn tailgates. My husband likes them then much he'll stand out in the snow to grill them! —Lisa Linville, Randolph, Nebraska

Buffalo Chicken Deviled Eggs

My daughter Sara loves spicy Buffalo chicken and deviled eggs, so I combined the 2. Make and arctic a day ahead so the flavors mingle. —Robin Spires, Tampa, Florida

Crunchy Absurd Coleslaw

This recipe is my version of the peanut slaw I love at Lucille's Smokehouse Bar-B-Que, a pop eatery chain in California. I think information technology's a pretty shut match! —Elaine Hoffmann, Santa Ana, California

Layered Picnic Loaves

This large sandwich, inspired by one I tried at a New York deli, is a favorite with our football game-watching oversupply. Fabricated ahead, it's easily carted to any gathering. Kids and adults alike say it'southward super. —Marion Lowery, Medford, Oregon

Greek Deli Kabobs

For an piece of cake Mediterranean-manner appetizer, marinate broccoli and mozzarella, then skewer with sweet reddish peppers and salami. Everybody loves food on a stick! —Vikki Spengler, Ocala, Florida

Chilled Shrimp Pasta Salad

This chilled salad, forth with a overnice cool beverage, is all y'all need on a hot summertime day. It too makes a nice side dish for sharing someday. —Mary Toll, Youngstown, Ohio

Tomato & Artichoke Bruschetta

A good for you and refreshing titbit, I savour bruschetta anytime of year. For serving guests, I like to slice the garlic instead of chopping information technology for both beauty and flavor infusion. This is also a elementary make-ahead dish: You lot can mix it up, cover and air-condition for a few hours before serving.—Gina Bergamino, Chanhassen, Minnesota

Fudgy Patriotic Brownies

A rich chocolate frosting makes these brownies really tasty. I ever come home with an empty pan when I take these to potlucks. —Julie Moyer, Union Grove, Wisconsin

Favorite Barbecued Craven

Is there a place meliorate than Texas to notice a fantastic barbecue sauce? That's where this i is from—information technology'southward my father-in-law'southward ain recipe. Nosotros accept served it at many family reunions and think it'southward the best! —Bobbie Morgan, Woodstock, Georgia

Sweetness Tea Concentrate

Sugariness iced tea is a Southern classic and this is a fabulous recipe for those tea lovers or for a party. The concentrate will make 20 servings. —Natalie Bremson, Plantation, Florida

Hot Dog Sliders

An American favorite, hot dogs, plow into a fun treat that is great for a laid-back party. They get 3 special treatments in this recipe: Chicago-style, Bavarian and South of the Border. —Taste of Habitation Test Kitchen

Huckleberry Zucchini Squares

I saw a bar recipe on a box of muffin mix using apple and lemon zest. I tried it from scratch with shredded zucchini and fresh blueberries instead. It'due south a tasty combo. —Shelly Bevington, Hermiston, Oregon

Grilled Sausages with Summertime Vegetables

After 30 years of camping, nosotros've come with an armory of surefire recipes. Our grilled sausage with veggies would be a superstar at a potluck. —Nancy Daugherty, Cortland, Ohio

Grilled Bean Burgers

These juicy veggie patties have major flavor with cumin, garlic and a little chili powder. They agree their own against whatever veggie burger y'all'd buy at the supermarket. —Marguerite Shaeffer, Sewell, New Jersey

Chocolate Strawberry Punch Bowl Trifle

I threw this dessert together when I needed something quick to take to my in-laws'. Considering it'due south cute, everyone thinks information technology requires a lot of effort. It's piece of cake. And the recipe makes a lot, making this perfect for potlucks and big gatherings. —Kristi Judkins, Morrison, Tennessee

Grilled Huli Huli Craven

I got this grilled craven recipe from a friend while living in Hawaii. It sizzles with the flavors of brownish carbohydrate, ginger and soy sauce. Huli ways "plow" in Hawaiian. This sweet and savory coat is fantastic on pork chops, too. —Sharon Boling, San Diego, California

White Chocolate Fruit Tart

Information technology takes a little fourth dimension to make, just this tart is admittedly marvelous, especially in summertime when fresh fruit is in abundance. —Claire Darby, New Castle, Delaware

Raspberry Lemonade Concentrate

Here's a concentrate that allows yous to enjoy a refreshing summer beverage any time of year. Sweet raspberries balance the tartness from lemons. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen, Milwaukee, Wisconsin

Texas Taco Dip Platter

When I'm entertaining, this colorful dish is my peak carte choice. My friends can't resist the hearty appetizer topped with cheese, lettuce, tomatoes and olives. —Kathy Young, Weatherford, Texas

Frozen Drupe & Yogurt Swirls

I enjoy these frozen yogurt pops considering they double as a healthy snack and a cool, creamy sweetness treat. —Colleen Ludovice, Wauwatosa, Wisconsin

Tropical Island Shrimp Kabobs

Shrimp, mango and pineapple on skewers make a sunny presentation at parties. To boost flavors, we use a coconut milk, lime juice and cilantro marinade. —Mary Marlowe Leverette, Columbia, South Carolina

Strawberry-Lime Bars

Our family loves fresh strawberries, so I look for different ways to apply them. This tempting, yummy dessert has sweetness strawberries, tart lime and salty pretzels. —Alexandra Barnett, Woods, Virginia

Summer Orzo

I'm always looking for fun ways to utilise the fresh veggies that come in my Community Supported Agriculture box, and this salad is 1 of my favorite creations. I like to improvise with whatsoever I have on mitt, experience gratis to do the same hither! —Shayna Marmar, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Fresh Fruit Salsa with Cinnamon Fries

Lime and basil really brighten the flavors in this colorful salsa. It's best when scooped upward on a homemade cinnamon chip. —Navalee Hylton, Lauderhill, Florida

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Source: https://www.tasteofhome.com/article/backyard-party-planning-checklist/

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