How to Acid Wash Jeans

Acid washing is a process of partially bleaching jeans with chlorine bleach. Many people like the style of acid washed jeans, but buying them from a store can be expensive. You can make homemade acid washed jeans with a bleach mixture, an old pair of jeans, and a well ventilated area.

EditSteps

EditBeginning the Acid Washing Process

1. Select an old pair of jeans. Acid washing jeans will remove a lot of the color. You should not acid wash a pair of jeans you are attached to. Select an old pair of jeans for the acid washing process.^[1]
   
   • If you do not have an old pair of jeans, stop by a local thrift store. You can find a cheap pair of jeans there, which you can acid wash at home.
2. Tie each jean leg in a bunch with rubber bands. This will help give your jeans the patchy, tie-dye like appearance of acid washed jeans. Work with one jean leg at a time, tying parts of the legs with rubber bands.^[2][3]
   
   • There is no exact method for tying the jean legs. It depends on the kind of pattern you want. If you want a very tie-dyed appearance, twist your jeans in multiple places up and down each leg and secure these twists with rubber bands. If you want a less chaotic look, only twist and secure a few parts of the jeans. You can try concentrating on a particular area, like the lower legs or knees.
   • Once you've added as many twists as you want, roll up each pant leg. Use a large rubber band to secure each pant leg in a tight roll. Your jeans should now be tied together in a small, lumpy bunch.
3. Fill a bucket with 2.4 liters (800 ounces) of cold water. Choose a bucket big enough to comfortably submerge your jeans. Make sure to use cold water. If you have to, run the water in your sink until it becomes cold.^[4][5]
   
   • Make sure to measure the water. Your bucket may have measurements written on the side. If it does not, use a separate measuring cup or container to measure out 2.4 liters of cold water.
4. Add 1.4 liters (48 ounces) of bleach to the water. You want to use a chlorine bleach, which you can purchase at most hardware stores and supermarkets. Make sure to use gloves when handling the bleach. Pour your bleach into the water, making sure to measure out 1.4 liters.^[6]
   
   • If you want a higher contrast look, add slightly more bleach than 1.4 liters. This will make the bleach solution more potent, stripping more color from the jeans.

EditCompleting the Acid Washing Process

1. Submerge your jeans in the bleach. Wear gloves when you do this. Dunk the jeans into the bleach solution until they're more or less fully submerged.^[7]
   
   • If part of your jeans are not submerged in bleach, this is okay. You will be flipping the jeans later. Just make sure the jeans are mostly submerged in the bleach solution.
2. Turn your jeans over every 20 minutes. Set a timer to make sure you're turning them over regularly. Always use gloves when handling the jeans. Turning your jeans over regularly will make the acid wash effect even throughout.^[8]
   
   • You will begin to see the jeans change as you turn them over. Some color should be leaving the jeans, giving them a whiter look.
3. Soak your jeans for 30 minutes to an hour. How long you soak depends on the effect you want. For a more defined acid washed effect, soak the jeans longer. This will strip them of more color. For a mild look, only soak the jeans for about half an hour.^[9]
   
   • Check on the jeans regularly if you're unsure of how long to soak them. Once you see the effect you want forming, you can remove the jeans.
4. Rinse your jeans with cold water. Make sure to soak out all the bleach. You can run the jeans under cool water in your sink. As always, wear gloves when handling jeans. Bleach should not touch your bare skin.^[10]
   
   • You can also hose down the jeans in your backyard.
   • Make sure to rinse every part of the jeans to remove all the bleach.
   • When you're finished rinsing, wring out the jeans.
5. Wash and dry your jeans. Use a cold cycle in the wash. You will want to run two cycles. Run one cycle without detergent, and then another with detergent.^[11]
   
   • After two wash cycles, hang your jeans to dry. Do not put them in the dryer.
   • You should now have a pair of acid washed jeans.

EditTaking Safety Precautions

1. Wear gloves when handling bleach. It can be dangerous for bleach to come into contact with bare skin. Wear a solid pair of plastic or rubber gloves when handling bleach.^[12]
   
   • Examine the gloves prior to handling bleach. Make sure they are free of any tears. Throw out and replace torn gloves for your own safety.
2. Work in a well-ventilated area. The build up of bleach vapors can cause dizziness, eye irritation, and respiratory problems. When working with bleach, always work in a well ventilated area.^[13]
   
   • If possible, acid wash your jeans outside. This will provide the most ventilation.
3. Wear eye protection. Safety goggles are important when working with bleach. Bleach can cause serious damage if it gets in your eyes.^[14]
   
   • In the event you get bleach in your eye, flush with water for 15 to 20 minutes. Remove any contacts you were wearing.
   • Call poison control shortly after getting bleach in your eye.
4. Wash your hands after handling bleach. This is especially important if you're going to be eating after handling bleach. Wash your hands with soap and warm water after the acid washing process. Bleach should not stay on your hands for long, and should never be ingested.^[15]
   

EditVideo

EditTips

• For an ombre effect, you can dunk the top or bottom of your jeans solution into the bleach bucket and slowly dunk more and more of the jeans in over the course of 1 hour. Remove and wash without detergent.
• It's a good idea to wear old clothing when acid washing your jeans.

EditThings You'll Need

• Jeans
• Rubber bands
• Chlorine bleach
• Water
• Bucket
• Rubber gloves
• Outdoor work space
• Washing machine
• Scissors
• Spray bottle
• Nylon brush
• Old work clothes

EditRelated wikiHows

• Acid Wash Black Jeans
• Make Distressed Jeans
• Cuff Jeans (Disheveled)

EditSources and Citations

Cite error: <ref> tags exist, but no <references/> tag was found

How to Confront a Cheater

It is always painful to find out your partner is cheating. Infidelity is a major breach of trust and can be hard to confront. Before addressing the issue, make sure you have solid proof. Decide when and how you want to have the conversation. Try to remain calm. Express your feelings and decide, as a couple, where you want to go from here. If you decide to end the relationship, reach out to friends and family members for support. If you decide to stay, work on rebuilding trust between you and your partner.

EditSteps

EditDeciding How to Confront Your Partner

1. Make sure you have evidence. You do not want to confront your partner without some kind of proof. Even if you are positive your partner is cheating, your partner may be inclined to lie or become defensive if you don't have definitive proof. Going into the situation, present some kind of evidence.^[1]
   
   • See if you can find anything that proves your suspicions. You may, for example, have received confirmation from a friend. You may also have stumbled upon incriminating evidence when cleaning the house.
   • Evidence can also help you feel more relaxed. Confrontation is inherently uncomfortable. You will feel more at ease confronting your partner if you're sure of yourself.
2. Plan the confrontation. You do not want to run into the room angry and begin yelling at your partner. While imagining a wild confrontation may feel cathartic, it's unlikely to go over well in real life. In order to get what you want out of a confrontation, you need to have a plan.^[2]
   
   • Choose a time and place where you can both talk. You want a time that is not disrupted by outside commitments. For example, agree to talk on a weekend afternoon when you are both free.
   • Plan on presenting your evidence rather than asking. If someone's been cheating, they're likely to lie rather than own up to the fact. Plan to start off by saying, "Your sister told me what's going on. I know that you've been having an affair."
3. Think about what you want. You should have some goals in mind going into the conversation. You cannot predict how the other person will react, or what he or she will want, but you can have an idea of what you hope to gain from the confrontation.^[3]
   
   • Where do you want to go from here? Do you want to come to a decision about the relationship, or have you already decided you want to end things?
   • You may also have certain questions. You may, for example, want an explanation for the infidelity. You may want to know why your partner acted the way they did, and whether they want to work things out. You can, for example, ask something like, "Why did you go to this other person when I was right there?"
4. Write down your thoughts. It's very important to go into the conversation having a sense of what you want to say. You should write down your thoughts ahead of time. In difficult conversations, it can be hard to speak on the spot. If you formulate your thoughts ahead of time, this can help.^[4]
   
   • Think about what your feeling. What are the best ways to articulate this? How can you best make your feelings clear? Try to figure this out as you write and rewrite your thoughts on the page.
   • Also, consider what you want again. Do you have an end goal for the conversation? If so, include that here.

EditHaving a Conversation

1. Find a good time to talk. You want to catch your partner at a good time. A confrontation about cheating is serious. It should not take place at a time when either of you are busy.^[5]
   
   • Ask your partner ahead of time when a good time to talk is. You could even propose a time you think might work. For example, "If it's okay with you, I would like to talk tomorrow night after dinner."
   • From there, work on eliminating distractions. Make sure, before the talk, you power down electronic devices like the TV and your phones. You want to give this kind of conversation your full attention.
2. Release your expectations. You do not want to go into the conversation expecting it to go one way or another. This may affect your behavior, and make it more difficult to remain calm. Talking about cheating will be an emotionally draining experience. If you indulge fantasies in which your partner gets mad or defensive, you'll go into the conversation on edge.^[6]
   
   • Instead, embrace what you don't know. Think to yourself, as you enter the conversation, "I don't know." Remind yourself, as the conversation begins to unfold, "I don't know what is going to happen. I don't know how my partner will react."
3. Try to remain calm. It's important to stay calm if you want to address the situation in a productive fashion. You likely have questions you want answered and issues you want addressed. In order for this to happen, you cannot completely lose control.^[7]
   
   • Take a few deep breaths before going into the conversation. You may want to even vent your emotions ahead of time, to someone else or in a journal, to get them out of your system.
   • It's okay to have emotions. You may cry or become angry. However, strive to keep these emotions from inhibiting your ability to communicate effectively. You can also act on your emotions after dealing with the situation.
4. Use "I"-statements. "I"-statements are statements phrased in a way to lessen personal judgment. Instead of expressing an objective truth about the situation, you're emphasizing your personal feeling. The have three parts. They begin with "I feel..." after which you immediately state your feeling. From there, you would explain the behavior that led to that feeling. Lastly, you would say why you feel the way you do.^[8]
   
   • For example, you may be angry and sad. This could provoke you to say something like, "You completely disrespected me by carrying on this affair instead of admitting you were having feelings for someone else. We could have worked this out if you had talked to me."
   • You can rephrase that sentiment using an "I"-statement. For example, "I feel disrespected that you had an affair with your co-worker because if you had told me about your feelings for her we could have worked it out as a couple."
5. Address any reasons for infidelity. Infidelity usually has some underlying cause. While no one needs to take all of the blame, there may have been an underlying issue with your relationship. You should discuss this to figure out how to best move forward. This is particularly important if you want to salvage the relationship.^[9]
   
   • Your partner may be hesitant to open up about why they cheated. Factors that lead to an affair are sensitive, and your partner may want to spare your feelings. However, underlying factors need to be addressed in a healthy fashion.
   • As you address the reasons for the affair, go in with the right mindset. Do not think of it as any one person taking the blame. The two of you are working, collaboratively, on what may have gone wrong and whether it can be fixed.

EditMoving Forward

1. Decide if you want to stay. Infidelity is not always insurmountable. Many couples find a way to move on from an affair. However, infidelity is also a major breach of trust. After the confrontation, you may find the relationship is not worth salvaging.^[10]
   
   • Remember, you need to know a lot about a situation before you can make an intelligent decision about what to do. During the confrontation, you should have uncovered a lot of facts about your relationship and your partner.
   • Do not make a decision right away. Spend a few days thinking things over and weighing the pros and cons. Making a decision about whether to stay after infidelity is never easy. Take all the time you need.
2. Commit to healing as a couple, if that's what you want. If you decide you want to stay together, both of you need to commit to the healing process. Try to abandon feelings of blame and anger. Move forward together as a couple.^[11]
   
   • Moving on together is reassuring for the partner who was betrayed. It is also encouraging for the partner who was unfaithful. You want to work on creating a new foundation for the relationship.
   • Accept that it will take time for you to re-build trust and intimacy. Lay down some ground rules in regards to things like communication. For example, maybe it would be best not to address the affair directly right now. You could say something like, "I think we should work on having as normal a relationship possible. I don't want to mention the affair going forward unless it's absolutely necessary."
3. Get tested for STDs. Regardless of whether you stay or go, you should get an STD test. If you and your partner were sexually intimate, you're at risk for contracting STDs if they were unfaithful. Make a visit to your doctor to run a full panel STD test.^[12]
   
4. Reach out to others for help. It's important to seek emotional support after a partner has cheated. If you need to vent your feelings, reach out to friends and family members.^[13]
   
   • Remember not to be vindictive. You don't want to spread negativity about your ex. Focus on yourself and your feelings rather than complaining about your partner. Talk about our own feelings. Say something like, "I feel so hurt by what he did" instead of, "He really hurt me because he's a jerk."
   • Whether you decide to remain in the relationship or not, the support of others here is important. You deserve care, love, and support after having been betrayed.
5. Consider therapy. If you decide to move forward as a couple, counseling may help. A qualified counselor can help you work through your issues and get back to a healthy place in your relationship. Ask your doctor for a list of couples counselors in your area or get a list of providers from your insurance.^[14]
   
   • Try to find a counselor who has experience helping couples repair a relationship after infidelity.

EditRelated wikiHows

• Recover from an Affair
• Get Even With a Cheater

EditSources and Citations

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How to Decrease Eczema Flare Ups

Eczema, or atopic dermatitis, is a skin condition that can affect everyone, and children are especially prone. Eczema can be an inherited condition, but it also relates to your allergies and defects in your skin barrier. Your body is capable of fighting off eczema, but it is easy to prolong it or make it worse. There are many ways to prevent the worsening of your eczema and the development of complications. If you take steps to reduce your symptoms, make yourself more comfortable, and keep your skin healthy, your eczema will disappear in no time. Typically, eczema treatment involves hydrating the skin and reducing inflammation through corticosteroid-based cream.

EditSteps

EditIdentifying the Causes of Eczema

1. Determine which symptoms of eczema you have. This could be dry skin, itching, redness, rashes, scaly skin, oozing, crusting, swelling, and/or dark colored patches of skin.^[1] Make an appointment to see your doctor to make sure you don’t have any complications or related conditions. They can also prescribe a treatment plan for your individual symptoms. In the meantime, however, there are steps you can take to decrease your flare ups.
   
2. Try to determine what causes your flare ups. Have you just bought a new shower gel? Does your new job require to wash your hands more than you usually would? If nothing has changed recently in your life that you think could have caused a flare up, it may be that some of the ingredients in products you use every day have changed.
   
   • Take a thorough look through all of your household items, and see if at least one of them could be causing or exacerbating your eczema. Does anything make it better or worse if you eliminate something, like your lotion or your face wash?
3. Inspect your clothing. If your flare up is located on a patch of skin covered by clothing, there is a good chance that might be the cause. If you find that clothing is causing eczema because of the way it is washed, you only need to change your laundry detergent. If it is due to the fabrics and materials themselves, you may need to get rid of that article of clothing.
   
   • Next time you wash your clothes, make sure they are rinsed of detergent completely. If you still have skin problems, the problem could be with a certain article of clothing.^[2]
   • The rivets or buttons may be giving you eczema. Check clothing for rivets or snaps that may contain nickel.
   • Your skin may have a sensitivity or allergy to a blend of fabric. If changing detergents did not help, you may need to quit wearing that article of clothing.
4. Consider other environmental factors. Have you been exposed to abnormal levels of poor air quality, bacteria and viruses, heat or humidity, chemicals, or dust and pollen? Have you been sweating or had higher levels of stress than normal? Are you in the midst of a season change? If any of these are true, it is possible that returning to a normal lifestyle will allow your eczema to subside.^[3]
   
5. Assess known and unknown food allergies. Eczema is a symptom of some food allergies, such as dairy, nuts, and shellfish. If you have persistent eczema with no identifiable environmental risk factors, see a doctor. They will be able to test you for food allergies and determine if that is the cause of your eczema.^[4]
   
6. See a professional. You should not hesitate in making an appointment with an allergist or dermatologist if your eczema is negatively affecting your life. A professional will be able to help you determine what's causing your eczema and how you can treat it.
   

EditReducing and Preventing Eczema

1. Establish a healthy diet. While doctors and scientists do not believe a poor diet can cause eczema, healthy foods go a long way in promoting total body health.^[5] Opt for foods rich in vitamins and nutrients over those loaded with preservatives and empty calories. Eating good foods will improve much more than your skin health.
   
   • Try adding fish oil capsules to your diet. Check sensitivity to pork and food dyes. Seafood has also been known to incur an allergic reaction.
2. Use detergents designed for sensitive skin. Bargain brands often contain harsh chemicals that can strip away the skin's protective oils. Use only the recommended amount to ensure that your washer will be able to rinse it all out. Try to buy new clothing without tags, and make sure you wash it before the first wear.^[6]
   
3. Use soaps and shampoos designed for sensitive skin. If you are treating a flare up, alternative bathing methods may be necessary. When the flare up subsides, look for soaps and shampoos designed to promote healthy, moisturized skin. Stay away from soaps and shampoos containing dyes and perfumes.^[7]
   
4. Use moisturizers designed for sensitive skin. When treating an eczema flare up, look for moisturizers that are designed to control itching and inflammation, repair the skin, and fight infection. When the flare up subsides, switch back to an everyday sensitive skin moisturizer. See this guide for more on choosing the right moisturizer.^[8]
   
5. Don't scratch the itch. This includes licking your lips as well, if that is the affected area. There are several ways to reduce itchiness from eczema. Make sure your skin is moisturized by keeping the house humid and applying moisturizer throughout the day. Keep your fingernails short and smooth so that absent-minded itching is less harmful to your skin – but keep an eye on your hands!^[9]
   
6. Avoid direct sunlight exposure to skin. In normal circumstances, a degree of sunlight is beneficial for your skin as a source of vitamin D. In fact, many eczema patients report that sunlight helps their symptoms in general. However, prolonged exposure to sunlight can also make your rash worse. If you're going to be outside for a long time, cover affected areas with clothing, if possible, to minimize damage from sunlight.
   
   • Be especially careful about the sun if you're using corticosteroid-based cream. If you use this cream, your skin will be especially susceptible to sunburn, so you should keep your affected skin out of direct sunlight.
7. Keep skin moisturized throughout the day. Remember to reapply moisturizer as often as recommended on the packaging. Make sure to moisturize at bedtime to get your skin prepared for the next day. You should also reapply moisturizer after getting out of the shower, as that process can remove your skin’s oils that keep you moisturized. For more on moisturizing, see [Moisturize Your Skin|this guide].
   
8. Reduce and manage stress. While stress may not cause eczema, it can contribute to its worsening and persistence. Try to reduce pressure in your life. Learn how to meditate or use relaxation exercises. Make sure you reach out to those around you to help you manage your stress.^[10]
   

EditTreating Eczema Flare Ups

1. Take oatmeal baths. This method is the most famous and time-honored for a reason. Soak in a bath with oatmeal for 10-15 minutes daily to reduce your eczema flare up. Kits for oatmeal baths are available in most pharmacies. Make sure to follow the instructions and amounts recommended on the packaging.^[11]
   
2. Consider alternate bathing methods. While the oatmeal bath is the most widely accepted and practiced way to reduce itching, some experts prefer other methods. Make sure you consider the risks of the more alternative methods, and consult your doctor if you are unsure. Depending on your skin type and other factors, some methods make work better than others.
   
   • Bleach baths are the most debated method for treating eczema because of the assumed harshness of the chemical. Make sure to use 6% bleach. Add ½ cup for a full bathtub and ¼ cup for a half bath.^[12]
   • Add vinegar (between a cup and a pint), salt (one cup), or baking soda (maximum of ¼ cup) to your bath. Vinegar kills bacteria, salt makes water less painful to enter, and baking soda can relieve itchiness.^[13]
   • Specially designed bath oils can help reduce symptoms of eczema. Follow the instructions on the packaging.
3. Take oral medication or apply creams. These can reduce the symptoms of eczema to allow it to heal properly. Look for over-the-counter oral medications that contain antihistamines to reduce itching — but beware, they make you drowsy. Prescription or over-the-counter creams that contain hydrocortisone can help with itching as well. Make sure you are also moisturizing because they do not always do both jobs.^[14]
   

EditWarnings

• If scratched eczema starts to smell, or seems to be weeping or bleeding excessively, see a doctor immediately. These symptoms indicate that you have an infection that requires medical treatment.
• Be aware of possible allergic reactions to some treatments. Discontinue immediately if allergic symptoms occur, such as hives, swelling, rash, and trouble breathing or swallowing.
• Topical steroids like hydrocortisone are only a temporary solution. They do not prevent flare ups, but rather makes flare ups easier to tolerate. Be careful when using steroid-based creams, as they may cause skin thinning and increase your susceptibility to skin infections, which in turn exacerbate eczema. Use only under the direction of a dermatologist, and, in general, use a limited amount of steroids for the shortest amount of time possible.

EditRelated wikiHows

• Use Monistat 3 on Eczema
• Handle an Eczema Flare Up
• Reduce Eczema Itching

EditSources and Citations

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How to Plan a Cookout

Having a cookout is a great way to celebrate a special occasion, but you can also host a barbecue just because. A cookout can be a small intimate gathering or a huge affair, and the key to planning is getting a head start. To give yourself lots of time, you should start planning things like the guest list and the menu a couple of weeks in advance. In the days leading up to the cookout, you can get ready by going shopping, making sure you have everything you need, and preparing some foods in advance.

EditSteps

EditPlanning the Details

1. Select an appropriate day. You can hold a cookout on a holiday, to celebrate an event, or on any day of the week you feel like. Pick a time and day when most people you'll be inviting are free from work and school, such as a weekend.
   
   • Check the long-range forecast before deciding a date, and try to choose a day that has no chance of rain or storms.
   • To make sure you and your guests have lots of time to prepare, start planning your barbecue at least two weeks in advance.
2. Choose your guest list. Your cookout can be as big or small as you like, and you can invite anybody you want. Some people you might want to consider, include friends, family, neighbors, co-workers, and classmates.
   
   • Remember that the more people you invite, the more food you'll have to prepare.
3. Send out invitations. The invitations don’t have to be formal or even written, but you should give guests plenty of warning so they can plan to attend.^[1] On the invitation, you may want to ask guests to inform you about dietary restrictions. The invitations should include the event type, date, time, and location. There are lots of ways you can invite your guests, including:
   
   • Formal written invitations
   • Evites
   • An email with all the details
   • A phone call to each person
4. Ask guests to RSVP in advance. Having a guest list is essential not only so you know who’s coming, but also so you know how much food to purchase and prepare. On written invitations, write a date by which you want guests to respond. On the phone simply ask guests to tell you by a certain day if they can make it.
   
   • The RSVP deadline should be at least a few days before the cookout so that you know how much food to buy.
   • As guests RSVP, make a note of who is and isn't coming.
5. Make a shopping list. Go through your kitchen, barbecue tools, cupboards, and party gear and make a list of things you need for the cookout (other than food). Things you may need include:^[2]
   
   • Plates
   • Utensils
   • Napkins
   • Barbecue fuel
   • Barbecue utensils
   • Decorations
   • Tablecloths
   • Aluminum foil

EditChoosing Your Menu

1. Choose snack items and appetizers. Food is one of the most important elements of a cookout, and there are lots of different courses to consider. You can start planning the menu before you have a finalized guest list, but you'll have to determine quantities later. Popular appetizers and snacks for barbecues include:
   
   • Fresh fruit^[3]
   • Fresh vegetables with dip
   • Chips
   • Guacamole^[4]
2. Pick a main course. The main course at a cookout is typically a red meat dish, but it can also be poultry, fish, or a plant-based protein. Pick a food that you really like, and that will also be popular with your guests. Good options include:
   
   • Steak^[5]
   • Ribs
   • Hamburgers
   • Hot dogs
   • Sausages
   • Kebabs
   • Shrimp
   • Pork butt
   • Brisket^[6]
   • Tofu
   • Portobello mushrooms
3. Select a few side dishes. There are lots of popular side dishes you can serve at a cookout. You can pick your favorites, try to pair the sides with the main you're serving. For instance, if you're serving something lighter like shrimp or mushrooms, you might want a heavier side like potatoes. Popular cookout sides are:
   
   • Roasted vegetables, such as asparagus, zucchini, and bell peppers
   • Coleslaw^[7]
   • Potato salad
   • Corn on the cob
   • Baked potatoes
   • Salad
   • Pasta salad
4. Plan a dessert. Dessert isn't necessary at a cookout, but it’s a nice touch. You can either go simple and opt for things like cookies, fruit, or ice cream. Other options include cake, brownies, cupcakes, squares, and marshmallow treats.^[8]
   
5. Pick some beverages. Beverages can be simple like pop, juice, and beer, or you can even have a themed drink or cocktail for the cookout. It’s good to have a variety of drinks to accommodate kids, people who don’t drink, and people with beverage preferences. Here are some drink ideas:^[9]
   
   • Lemonade
   • Punch
   • Iced tea
   • Sangria
   • Wine
   • Margaritas
   • Mojitos
   • Soda
6. Plan for dietary restrictions. It’s possible that not all your guests will want to or be able to eat the food you’ve decided in your meal plan. One way to accommodate dietary restrictions is to offer a number of different dishes, including different meat options and a vegetarian option.^[10]
   
   • Check your RSVPs to determine if any of your guests listed allergies or restrictions.
7. Ask guests to bring dishes. Cookouts are fairly informal gatherings, and it’s totally acceptable to hold a potluck-style barbecue. Especially if you're having a lot of people come, don’t be afraid to ask guests to bring a dish so that you don’t have to worry about it.
   
   • The custom is typically that the host will provide the main dish, and can ask guests to bring sides, appetizers, snacks, and desserts.^[11]
8. Make a grocery list. Once you’ve decided on all your menu items and your drinks, make a list of all the food, spices, and condiments you need for your snacks, main, sides, dessert, and drinks. To help plan the quantity of food, each guest will consume, on average:^[12]
   
   • Two beverages when they arrive, followed by one more every hour
   • 6 to 8 ounces (170 to 227 g) of meat
   • 1 cup (150 g) of pasta salad or potato salad
   • 1 cup (100 g) of coleslaw
   • 1 to 2 cups (75 to 150 g) of salad
   • Two pieces of fruit
   • 4 ounces (113 g) of cake or cookies

EditGetting Ready the Days Before

1. Go grocery shopping. One or two days before the barbecue, grab your shopping list and your reusable bags and head out to grab all the things you need for the cookout.
   
   • There may be things you need that you didn’t already put on the list, including ice, sauces, barbecue fuel, and other miscellaneous items.
2. Thaw frozen foods. At least 48 hours before the cookout, remove frozen meat and veggies from the freezer to thaw them. Place them in the refrigerator to thaw. Don’t leave items on the counter, as they will be prone to food-borne diseases.
   
   • The meat may only need 24 hours to thaw, but thawing it early will give you time to marinate it the night before the barbecue.
3. Clean up the grill. Remove the grills from the barbeque and soak them in a bucket of soapy water. Wipe down the barbecue itself to remove food crumbs and oil. After the grills have soaked for at least 10 minutes, scrub them with a non-abrasive scrubbing pad.
   
   • Return the grills to the barbecue and let them air dry. When they are dry, use a clean cloth to rub some cooking oil on them.^[13]
4. Prep food and make your side dishes. The night before the barbecue, you can do a lot of food prep work. This includes making side dishes, making desserts, washing and cutting fruit and vegetables, and marinating meat. Transfer side dishes and chopped fruit and veggies to airtight containers for storage.^[14]
   

EditPreparing on the Day

1. Set up a cooler. The morning of the cookout, fill a cooler with ice and put drinks in there that should be served cold. This includes beer, pop, juice, and other drinks that people typically don’t like warm.^[15]
   
2. Clean the house and patio. You may want to dust, vacuum, clean the bathrooms, and tidy the patio before your guests arrive. People probably won’t be spending too much time inside, but it will be nice to have a clean house regardless.
   
   • To clean the patio, wipe down any outdoor furniture, remove items that don’t have to be there, and sweep or power wash the deck or patio.
3. Put up decorations. You don’t have to decorate for a cookout, but you certainly can. There are lots of decorations you can use, including flowers, plants, balloons, streamers, lights, torches, candles, and even special table cloths.^[16]
   
4. Set up a food and drink station. Because barbecues are informal, guests usually take care of serving themselves food and drinks. Set up a large table with napkins, plates, utensils, and cups.^[17] When the guests start to arrive, you can put out snacks and drinks (ones that aren't in the cooler).
   
   • When the food is ready, place the side dishes and mains on the table as well, along with serving utensils so that guests can get their own food.
5. Put out a large garbage can. Before guests arrive, place a large garbage can outside with a fresh garbage bag in it. This will give guests a place to put trash, make your job easier, and make it so guests don’t have to go inside.
   
   • This is especially important if you're using disposable serving ware and utensils.
6. Fire up the grill before guests arrive. About an hour before guests are set to arrive, turn on the barbecue and preheat it for your food. This will make sure the grill is nice and hot and ready to go as soon as your guests arrive. When the grill is hot, put on long-cooking side dishes like baked potatoes and corn on the cob.
   
   • Side dishes like corn and potatoes should go on the grill 30 to 60 minutes before you plan to eat.^[18]
7. Start cooking the main when guests arrive. As soon as your first guests get there and lunch or dinnertime arrives, move your corn and potatoes off the grill and start cooking the main dish.
   
   • To keep the sides warm while everything else cooks, wrap them in foil.
8. Set food out on a table so guests can serve themselves. Once the food is ready, put the side dishes, appetizers, and main food on the table so that guests can serve themselves and dress their food. Now that all the hard work is out of the way, it’s time to enjoy your cookout!
   

EditRelated wikiHows

• Roast Marshmallows

EditSources and Citations

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