Some of us are do-aheaders, others, last-minute types. Either style is fine for this forgiving cookout menu.

MAKE THE DAY BEFORE:
Pita chips and black bean dip
Peanut marinade
Assemble, but don't cook, the burgers
Asparagus dressing
Sundae toppings
Lemonade and berry ice cubes

TO DO THAT DAY:
Marinate the meat from l to 3 hours before cooking
Cook and cool the asparagus 3 hours before; dress it at the last minute

JUST BEFORE THE PARTY: Set the table
Set out the dip
Soak the skewers
Finish the asparagus salad
Assemble the potato pockets (last)

AT THE PARTY:
Grill the chutney
Cook the potatoes
Grill the kabobs and burgers
Have kids serve the lemonade
Scoop the sorbet