The pit
Build a fire 90 minutes before guests arrive. Hickory or oak for ribs and pork shoulder. Charcoal alone burns out too fast for a real cookout.
The menu
Ribs, chicken (legs and thighs), hot links, mac and cheese, baked beans, potato salad, collards, cornbread. Watermelon. Sweet tea.
The crowd
Don't invite people who can't dance. They'll bring energy down at the cookout dance moment that always comes.
The playlist
Frankie Beverly & Maze, OutKast, Earth Wind & Fire, Anita Baker, Cameo. "Before I Let Go" is mandatory.