Big and Tasty Grilling

Drinks and Appetizers

Main Dish

Sides

The End-of-Summer Zucchini Cakes—Your Choice

Backyard Big-Time Fun 

• Drag out all your yard games--bocce, croquet, badminton--and if you have a Ping-Pong table hiding in the garage, get it out, too! Organize the Big Games so everyone plays. Include a balloon toss or bubble-blowing event for the "sports-challenged" guests. Post an ongoing scoreboard. Expect a lot of cheering and friendly badgering. Award some crazy prizes to the high and low scores and one for the "best sport."
  
  
• No yard games in your garage? No problem! Create a three-legged turkey race (two people race as one with one leg of each tied together). A turkey-warbling contest can create more laughter and fun; direct guests to put their best voice forward and let it all hang out. A rubber chicken is one prize you have to award! Or make your own blue ribbon for the first prize "Biggest Turkey" award.

 
Backyard Big-Time Decor

• If shade is limited in your yard, you may want to rent a tent or canopy to cover food and eating tables. Party canopies are becoming readily available at discount and farm and home stores for inexpensive purchase.

• Supply guests with extra-large paper napkins. Or consider purchasing inexpensive colorful washcloths or hand towels; they're extra-absorbent for summer food fare, and they wrap around utensils nicely for easy pickup. They also wash up like a dream and require no ironing.

• If your guests have a sense of humor, use turkey dacor. You may just find plates, napkins and the works in a bargain store corner!

 
Big-Time Food Presentation

• No need to worry about having a special turkey platter. This is an outdoor party! Cover a tray with heavy-duty aluminum foil; crimp the edges for easy toting.
  
  
• Try these enticing grilled turkey breast recipes if your guest list is smaller or cooking a whole bird is just too much: Grilled Honey-Dijon Brined Turkey Breast or Grilled Chipotle Turkey Breast.

 
Big-Time Help

• Need help with purchasing, thawing and carving that bird? Check out these additional tips on BettyCrocker.com:

All About Broiling or Grilling Turkey

How to Carve a Whole Bird 

The Day Before

• Make Zucchini Bars, Zucchini-Devil's Food Snack Cake or Lemon-Zucchini Pound Cake (whichever is served); store covered.
• Make Mojito Slush through Step 3; refrigerate ginger ale.
• Carve melon and prepare any fruits that can be prepared ahead for the Minted Watermelon Basket; store separately in refrigerator.

The Morning Of

• Make Layered Mexican Party Salad; refrigerate covered.
• Cut bell peppers for Green Beans with Colored Peppers; refrigerate.
• Arrange fruits in melon; refrigerate.

About 5 Hours Before Guests Arrive

• Start charcoal. If using instant-light charcoal, wait an extra 30 minutes.
• Prepare turkey for grilling; place on grill 4 hours before guests are anticipated.
• Make Caribbean Layered Dip; store in fridge.
• Mix cream cheese spread for Grilled Garlic, Chive and Cheese Bread; refrigerate.
• Rim margarita glasses with salt if you want; cut lime wedges for garnish and refrigerate.

When Guests Arrive

• Blend and serve margaritas.
• Serve mojitos.
• Serve Caribbean Layered Dip.

Last-Minute Prep

• Make Green Beans with Colored Peppers.
• Grill bread and finish prep for Grilled Garlic, Chive and Cheese Bread.