Grilling with Dad: 7 Tips to Make Father’s Day Special

This Father’s Day, why don’t you turn the tables and let dad relax while you step behind the grill? You may not be able to perfect his famous BBQ sauce, but he will appreciate your efforts and enjoy a day off.

To get the festivities started, here are some tips to help you celebrate with your guest of honor – dad!

Serve His Favorite Foods

You may love fajitas and burgers, but his fav is grilled chicken and salmon. It’s his day, so give him some great options. Ask him for his suggestions on menu items and get to work. While you are at it, prepare some appetizers and fill the cooler with a variety of suds and sodas.

Research Cooking Time and Temps

Do an online search if you aren’t familiar with your meat temps. Invest in a meat thermometer if dad “wings” it and doesn’t have one of his own. According to heb.com, a rare steak is 130 to 140°F, medium rare is 145°F, medium is 160°F and well done is 170°F. They also have recommendations posted regarding when to remove the steak from the grill. Do the same research for chicken and fish to prepare the perfect dish.

Don’t Skimp on Dessert

A trifle can be made in advance and customized to your dad’s taste. This no-bake butterscotch banana trifle is dad approved and even better when sprinkled with his favorite toffee.

Plan the Day Around Dad’s Likes

Whether it’s sitting poolside, drinking a specialty brew, tubing down the river or relaxing at home in front of the TV with his favorite movie, tailor the agenda to dad’s wishes. His idea of fun could be a game of backyard volleyball or napping in a hammock under a tree after lunch. If it’s the latter, a hammock may be a great Father’s Day gift.

Keep Bugs at Bay

Spray the yard with bug spray and stock up on mosquito repellant if you plan to sit outside. For more insect proof tips, check out my blog on how to bug proof your party.

Don’t Overstay Your Welcome

Sometimes what dad really craves is a balance of family time and peace and quiet. The festivities can last a couple of hours if what he really needs is to catch up on rest. Especially when there are rambunctious grandkids at play, it can be wonderful to wrap up the day with a slower pace. The goal is comfort and enjoyment.

Gifts Galore

Replace dad’s old grilling tools with a few new essentials. You can find high-quality products at everyplace from your high-end cooking store to your local Target. Start with a grill brush, mitts to protect your hands, apron, disposable grill pans, stainless steel skewers, long-handled tongs, meat thermometer, meat lifter, fish spatula and the list can go on. If you are grilling at dad’s house, check to see if there is plenty of charcoal or wood chips, and refill his propane tank to keep the day running smoothly.

Many of you have asked what you should give dad this Father’s Day 2019 so here are a few suggestions.

• Upgrade his earbuds. Dads often splurge on everyone else; surprise him with a high-quality set of earbuds that are perfect for his lifestyle. You have a variety of options, from an Apple product to Bose and Samsung. Check out CNET’s recommendations for the best on-ear headphones for 2019.
• Give him someone who will listen to him (Alexa). A smart speaker like Amazon Alexa or Google Home has a long list of features for tech-savvy dads. Set the device up together on Father’s Day and be entertained in the process
• Make a memory together. My girlfriend Jeanne owns an art studio and provides the perfect venue to make memories together as a family. If you live in San Antonio, her studio is called The Shard Studio and worth checking out. You won’t be disappointed. You can find her on Instagram @theshardstudio. For everyone else, you no doubt can find something similar in your area. Create something together you both can take home to remember the day.
  

P.S. Don’t forget to leave the house sparkling clean. Scrub down the grill grates, clean up the tools and leave everything in good order before you say goodbye. Involve other family members for both efficiency and fun. It’s dad’s day, so he shouldn’t have to worry about clean up (and neither should your mom).