While some people might think of Labor Day as the unofficial end to summer, for many families, the best grilling weather is still ahead. Getting outside for a cookout with friends and family is an easy way to entertain without a lot of cost or effort. To keep things as simple as possible, try following some of these tips at your next barbecue:  

Make it pot luck. When the host provides the main meal (burgers, chicken, ribs, etc.) and the guests each bring a side dish or dessert, everyone can enjoy the meal for very little cost or trouble.

Do what you can ahead of time. Try assembling and marinating meat the night before so it can go easily from a dish in the fridge to the grill. Many salad and side dishes can be made in advance, too; in fact, most slaws and salads actually taste better the second day.

Have the right tools. You don’t need the latest expensive grilling tools to make your cookout a success. A set of tongs, long-handled spatula, a couple of brushes and fireproof grilling mitts should do the trick every time. To make sure everything’s safe to eat, lots of grillers like to include a food thermometer, too.

Keep activities basic.  It’s a good idea to bring out a few simple games and toys for the kids, but don’t worry about anything too involved or time-consuming. Kids will have fun just running around with each other, and you won’t have to worry about major clean-up.

Make clean-up a cinch. No one expects fancy silverware and plates at a cookout. Try using plastic tableware and paper goods that can easily be disposed of or recycled. And if you place trash bags or cans around your yard during the cookout, cleaning up afterward is as easy as taking out the trash.