May Day BBQ Check-List: What to Prep Before the Grill Gets Going

If you have ever stood next to a grill on May Day and realized you are out of charcoal, the meat is still not ready and the drinks are warm… then you already know why this article exists.

This is not just another list of ideas. This is the final check-list to make sure your first BBQ of the season runs smoothly — without panic, without last-minute store runs and without those annoying “oops” moments.

The final check-list before your first May Day BBQ

Logistics (sort this out today, not tomorrow)

• check how much charcoal or gas you actually have
• buy one extra bag of charcoal — it always comes in handy
• check lighters, paper or fire starters
• prepare your basic spices and oil

The biggest May Day fail? The store is closed and the grill is empty.

Build the base first, then enjoy the rest

If you want to make sure your grill is really ready for the season, take a look at this guide to cleaning, safety and the first essential steps before you begin.

See the guide

 Prepare the meat the day before

If you want real flavor, you need to start earlier.

• salt or marinate the meat at least 12–24 hours in advance
• keep it covered in the fridge
• leave larger cuts longer, smaller ones less

Meat prepared the day before is always better than something thrown together at the last minute.

Do not let a good plan fall apart on the grill

Once the prep is done, execution matters. Here you can check the most common grilling mistakes and how to fix them fast before they ruin the mood.

Read the article

Cooler bag for drinks

• prepare ice or freezer packs the night before
• keep drinks separate from food
• use two cooler bags if you can

Warm drinks can ruin even the best BBQ.

Veggie bonus: portobello “steak”

Large portobello mushrooms can easily become one of the stars of the grill.

• remove the stem
• brush with oil, salt, pepper and garlic
• grill for 4–5 minutes on each side
The result is a soft, meaty texture that surprises even committed meat lovers.

Add a few drops of balsamic vinegar at the end — it lifts the flavor by one level.

If your logistics are sorted, the meat is prepared and the drinks are cold, you have already done more than half the work. What is left is just the fire and the company.

Want more ideas for the full BBQ season?

If you are planning the whole grill experience from start to finish, here you can explore more articles from the BBQ section, from practical tips to side ideas and sweet finishes.

See the BBQ section

Do not miss this 👇

If you are already in BBQ mode, these three articles will make the whole grill session feel more complete:

10 Grilled Sides & Extras Salads That Steal the Show Grilled Desserts Everyone Will Love