Tired of hovering over a grill, turning chops and flipping burgers? Say good-bye to trying to satisfy individual doneness preferences, and say yes to grilling a big piece of meat such as a turkey. Yes, it takes a few hours, but it's easy and oh, so delicious. And it's great for an all-day gathering with activities and games. Enjoy the hors d'oeuvres with your guests, take a dip in the pool or just chill while waiting for this BIG grill!

Grilled Lemon-Garlic Turkey

Big and Tasty Grilling Menu   Double-Cheese Wheel Ginger Lemonade Grilled Lemon-Garlic Turkey Pineapple Salsa  Layered Mexican Party Salad Grilled Garlic with French Bread    Summer Fruits for a Crowd Zucchini Bars

Make It Special!
 
Backyard Big-Time Fun 

• Drag out all your yard games--bocce, croquet, badminton--and if you have a Ping-Pong table hiding in the garage, get it out, too! Organize the Big Games so everyone plays. Include a balloon toss or bubble-blowing event for the "sports-challenged" guests. Post an ongoing scoreboard. Expect a lot of cheering and friendly badgering. Award some crazy prizes to the high and low scores and one for the "best sport."
• No yard games in your garage? No problem! Create a three-legged turkey race (two people race as one with one leg of each tied together). A turkey-warbling contest can create more laughter and fun; direct guests to put their best voice forward and let it all hang out. A rubber chicken is one prize you have to award! Or make your own blue ribbon for the first prize "Biggest Turkey" award.

 
Backyard Big-Time Decor

• If shade is limited in your yard, you may want to rent a tent or canopy to cover food and eating tables. Party canopies are becoming readily available at discount and farm and home stores for inexpensive purchase.

• Supply guests with extra-large paper napkins. Or consider purchasing inexpensive colorful washcloths or hand towels; they're extra-absorbent for summer food fare, and they wrap around utensils nicely for easy pickup. They also wash up like a dream and require no ironing.

• If your guests have a sense of humor, use turkey dacor. You may just find plates, napkins and the works in a bargain store corner!

 
Big-Time Food Presentation

• No need to worry about having a special turkey platter. This is an outdoor party! Cover a tray with heavy-duty aluminum foil; crimp the edges for easy toting.

 
Big-Time Help

• Need help with purchasing, thawing and carving that bird? Check out these additional tips on BettyCrocker.com:

All About Broiling or Grilling Turkey

How to Carve a Whole Bird

   
Preparation Guide

 
The Day Before

• Make the Double-Cheese Wheel; wrap tightly and store in refrigerator.

• Make the Pineapple Salsa; refrigerate.

• Prepare Ginger Lemonade and refrigerate; slice lemons for serving and store separately in refrigerator in plastic bag.

• Make Cilantro Dressing for Potato-Vegetable Salad; cover and refrigerate. Prepare vegetables for salad; cover and refrigerate separately.

• Make Zucchini Bars; store covered.

• Carve melon and prepare fruits for the cornucopia; store separately in refrigerator.

The Morning Of

• Assemble salad; refrigerate covered.

• Prepare garlic for grilling for the Grilled Garlic with French Bread. Slice bread; store wrapped in foil.

• Arrange fruits in melon; refrigerate.

 
About 5 Hours Before Guests Arrive

• Start charcoal. If using instant-light charcoal, wait an extra 30 minutes.

• Prepare turkey for grilling; place on grill 4 hours before guests are anticipated.

When Guests Arrive

• Serve lemonade over ice with lemon slices.
• Serve appetizers.

30 Minutes Before Serving the Meal

• Grill garlic for bread.

5 Minutes Before Serving the Meal

• Grill bread.