How to Host a Texas Barbecue

Some say barbecue was invented in Texas, and you can pay homage to the Lone Star State by hosting your own Texas-style barbecue. Old fashion favorites, like chili and cornbread go great with Texas steaks. So grab your cowboy hat and start passing out the grub to your guests.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Menu

1. Hollow out a loaf of bakery-quality bread and fill with a spicy cheese spread. Serve it with fresh veggies and assorted crackers for a quick and easy appetizer.

2. Grill some think Black Angus steaks, baby back ribs and chicken legs. Texas-style barbecue used dry rubs rather barbecue sauce.

3. Serve up sides of hearty Texas chili and cornbread, along with coleslaw and baked beans.

4. Fill a galvanized washtub with crushed ice and bottles of soda or beer. Place it on the ground in front of the buffet table. Along with soda and beer, offer guests old fashion sarsaparilla (the original root beer) and tart lemonade.

5. End the meal with a Texas style dessert such as Southern pecan pie or crustless brownie pie.

Decorations

6. String up white Christmas lights around the barbecue area.

7. Cover the buffet table and picnic or dining tables with red and white checked tablecloths.

8. Wrap plastic flatware with napkins in blue or red paper napkins and tie with bits of rope. Place flatware bundles in a large tin pail on the buffet table.

9. Place old pairs of cowboy boots around the party area for fun decorations. Place plastic vases filled with flowers for a fun centerpiece.

10. Hand out inexpensive cowboy hats and bandannas to guests as they arrive.

11. Play your favorite Texas tunes in the background.