Be sure the grill is ready and clean. If you have gas, fill the tank. If you’re using charcoal, be sure you have starter fluid and briquettes. Make sure you have accessories like turners, forks, and hand mitts.
If the grill does not have an attached table, then come up with a small table or some sort of work station near the grill. The cook will need space to set up and a place to put cooked items.
If at all possible, plan for the food serving area to be somewhere other than next to the grill. Grills are hot and can be dangerous. Reduce traffic right around the coals and give the cook some space to do his or her thing.
Putting the beverage station in a separate area will reduce congestion and will keep the party flowing. The liquid refreshments tend to be most heavily visited and throughout the party. Keep this in mind when selecting a spot.
Make arrangements for seating. Borrow extra outdoor chairs or invest in some. Stackable plastic chairs are pretty easy to store and can be used over and over. Group these throughout your space for easy mingling rather than setting up a big circle.
If you’re throwing a dinner party, consider lighting. Though it may be sunny when you start, evening parties often run past dark. There are a number of options for lighting including lanterns, stringed lights, and candles. You don’t need to light up the whole block, but a few rays here and there may be needed.
Be ready for bugs including mosquitoes. Spray lightly the morning before the party and/or use citronella candles around the outer edges of the party area. Don’t use the citronella right on the tables or in the cooking/serving areas, since they give off odd odors.