If you’ve been following along with our recent posts, there’s a good chance that you’ve seen how singularly focused we’ve been on making sure that the Fourth of July barbecues that our readers have planned will go off without a hitch. What can we say? It’s what we’re passionate about!

Fortunately, if you are preparing your big barbecue that is now just a few short days away, we have a few last minute grilling tips to make sure that you’re headed in the right direction. They might appear obvious at first glance, but trust us when we say that it’s the little things that can slip through the cracks when you’re planning to host a big barbecue. What will make the list of things that you should keep in mind? Keep reading to find out!

Grilling Tricks and Tips for This Fourth of July

Don’t Be Afraid to Keep it Simple

If you read our previous post about how you can take your barbecue to the next level, you probably noticed our recommendation to try a twist on a classic. We suggested things like adding guacamole to a burger or trying some bacon with your chicken. Here’s the deal though–when you’re this close to the wire, it can be more stress than you need.

Instead, if you’re just finalizing your menu, don’t worry about making it fancy. At the end of the day, everyone will still enjoy some burgers and brats because, well…because everyone loves burgers and brats! As Ron Swanson definitively proved on Parks and Rec, a simple burger with nothing on it is pretty hard to beat.

Take a Break When You Need It

As the resident grill master, you might feel like you need to remain behind the grill at all times. You’re the captain of the ship (or the grill in this case) and it’s your duty to make sure it’s being steered in the right direction. While it’s true that this is your responsibility, that doesn’t mean that the weight of the day has to rest solely on your shoulders.

Instead, enlist the help of one of your guests if you need to step away for a minute or two. Let’s be honest with ourselves here. Being behind the grill can get pretty hot. If you need to step away and grab a cold drink, that’s totally fine. If you want to sit down and enjoy a bite to eat, that is also fine. You’re the one who made it, so you should take the opportunity to enjoy it as well, after all!

This is the perfect opportunity to let a younger member of the party take the reigns for a minute. Whether it’s a member of the family or someone in the neighborhood that looks up to you, take this opportunity to let them learn the ways of the grill. After all, as Jackie Chan once said, “Don’t try to be like Jackie. There is only one Jackie. Learn the ways of the grill instead.” Or something like that.

Take the Time to Decompress

Hosting an event is no small feat! Unfortunately, this year, the holiday falls in the middle of the week, and while it’s nice to have a day off of work on a Wednesday, it means that it’s back to the office on Thursday for many people around the country. When your day is filled with barbecues and fireworks displays, it can be easy to go through the day without actually getting a chance to relax.

Whether it’s 20 minutes at the end of the day or 2 hours in the morning, be sure to take some time for yourself to make sure that you actually get to find some rest during your day off. As fun as spending an afternoon behind the grill can be, you’ll want to be sure that you find some time to enjoy a little bit of peace and quiet before heading back to work for a couple of days.

Don’t Forget to Buy a Propane Tank

No matter what you have planned for the Fourth of July, one thing is for certain–if you’re hosting a barbecue, you’re going to need some propane when you fire up the grill. Fortunately for you, there are plenty of Mighty Flame Propane Tank exchange locations across the country, ensuring that no matter where you are located, you can swing by and pick one up easily while you’re making your last minute barbecue preparations.

Whether you’re hosting a massive bash or a small event for a few friends and family, we’re sure that you and your loved ones will have the time of your lives celebrating with good food and good company. From our family to yours, we’d like to wish you all a safe and happy Fourth of July!