BBQ Party & Holiday Planners

Event-specific planners that go beyond quantities: serving schedules, holiday timing, turnout for open houses and smoker plans. Each one uses the same per-person amounts as the rest of the site.

Prices checked Oct 2026, average US grocery prices. Portions follow common catering rules of thumb; safe temperatures follow USDA. How we calculate

Memorial Day cookoutSeason opener: fuel and grill check, plus quantities for any group.
Open planner
Graduation open house (May–June)Plans for the 70% of invites who come, with a refill schedule.
Open planner
4th of July BBQFood, ice for the heat and a schedule timed to the fireworks.
Open planner
Labor Day BBQA full menu scaled for 25, 50 or 100, plus tailgate tips.
Open planner
Thanksgiving smoked turkeyTurkey size per person, number of birds, thaw days and smoke time.
Open planner

Everyday Party Calculators

No holiday? Use the BBQ party calculator for any menu, the cookout calculator for burgers and hot dogs, or the catering calculator for 50+ guests.

FAQ

How far ahead should I plan a holiday BBQ?

Shop for shelf-stable items a week ahead, buy meat 1–2 days ahead and ice the morning of. For smoked meats, start thawing 2–3 days ahead and plan the cook backward from serving time.

Do these planners work for any party?

Yes. The quantities are per guest and work for birthdays, reunions and company picnics too; use the cookout calculator or the full BBQ calculator for everyday parties.