Host A Beach Cookout

I grew up spending my summers by the sea, and every year the highlight of summer (aside from swimming and sidewalk lemonade stands) was my family's annual beach cookout. Usually timed with a fuller-sized moon and low tide, these get-togethers would bring together friends and family for a delicious meal cooked on site. And even if the sand made its way into our salad or grilled corn, it didn't matter — everything always seemed to taste better in the salty, moist sea air.

With proper planning and equipment, hosting a beach cookout of your own is quite easy. Here are some tips and advice to get you started:

When and Where Matters

When you're entertaining by the water, it's important to choose a site that will be dry and navigable once the sun goes down — and where you can start a fire (or use a grill already in place).

• Don't choose a public beach where fires are forbidden.

• Consider the tide. My family used to host cookouts alongside a large rock that was smooth and flat (and still warm from the sun) — but only at low tide.

• Consider the wind, as well — as you don't want your candles and fire to be extinguished before dinner is done.

• Check out the location before your event to find a protected spot to situate the fire, another place to prepare the food (Do you need a table? Will sand blow?), and an area for dining (Will you sit on chairs, rocks, or in the sand?). It will ensure that there are no last-minute surprises.

Keep the Menu Easy

There is no need to pull out all the stops when cooking on the beach. Just use the freshest ingredients you can source then let the magical setting do the rest of the work for you. In my experience, prepping the food in advance (assembling salad ingredients, marinating steaks) leaves us more time for enjoying cocktails and dinner. Traditional picnic foods like bean and rice salads are great for beach cookouts as you can make them the day before and serve them at room temperature. Nothing beats corn grilled in its husk over the fire (adding cheese and curry is optional), especially in summer. And stick with proteins that you can pack in a plastic bag (and not crush) and grill over a flame. Burger patties, no matter how careful you are, always tend to get smushed. But hot dogs and sausages, chicken breasts and steaks are great. S'mores are a must for dessert — try making them with brownies and cookies instead of grahams, too.

What to Pack

Aside from getting the fire started outdoors, the hardest part of planning a beach cookout knowing what you need to pack. Here is where going through the flow of the night — and writing down what you need — is essential.

Cooking: Depending on your location, you'll either need to dig a hole in the sand or surround the sand with rocks to create your pit. Pack along a shovel either way (this one is small yet durable); believe me, digging a hole with your hands isn't fun. Is there wood at your site for fuel, or do you need to bring it? Include any fire-starting tools you like, be it newspaper, fatwood, lighter fluid, etc. Matches and a grate for grilling are must-haves, though (you can steal the grate from your home grill — just be sure not to leave it at the beach).

Serving: Once your menu is planned, determine when each dish will be prepared (salads can be made at home so they're ready to serve; corn for grilling should be wrapped before you head out) and then served (don't forget the serving spoons). As well, consider what accoutrements you'll need, like dressing, ketchup, and butter. Minimize the number of containers you bring to lighten your load. Meat can be carried in plastic bags and then carried in a basket or tote with other dishes and dishware.

Hydrating: Don't forget drinks! Schlepping a cooler is no fun, so one on wheels is great (plus it serves as a table when it's shut). Load it up with beer, wine, even pre-mixed cocktails like margaritas and sangria in sealed jugs, and lots of ice. Cooking out with kids? Pack along their favorite fruit juices and sparkling water for easy and healthy homemade "sodas." Then don't forget the bottle openers!

Dining: Keep in mind what you'll be eating (and drinking) when packing plates and utensils. Moreover, will you be sitting in the sand (you'll need blankets or beach chairs) or will there be tables there? To ensure your guests are comfortable, don't forget the bug spray and plenty of flashlights to make packing up (and getting home) easy. Headlamps are great because you don't have to worry about losing them and they leave your hands free. Then complete the scene with torches and candles — or battery-operated lights.

Cleaning: It's the most oft-forgotten step. You've cooked the food — but how are you getting everything that's dirty (and any waste you generated) home? The grill grate can be cleaned in the water once cool (then rinse at home so the salt doesn't corrode it), and dirty plates and utensils can be collected in plastic garbage bags before being placed back in the same totes they arrived in (bring plenty). Most food waste (aside from protein) can be thrown into the fire and any extra liquids poured into the grass or water. And don't forget a roll of paper towels — even hand wipes — to keep fingers clean.

Looking for a challenge? Host your cookout in a location that is more difficult to access. We've done cookouts by kayak and cookouts on island beaches accessible only by boat. Or up the ante by preparing the entire meal on site — roast potatoes in the ash, grill corn on the fire, you can even grill vegetables and your salad.

This article was originally published on August 4, 2011.