Now that we’ve emerged from hibernation mode to welcome the sights, sounds and sunshine of summer months, it’s time to enjoy some meals outdoors. But the idea of al fresco entertaining can be intimidating for many amateur cooks. After all, there’s more to worry about than whether or not your food tastes good: Mother Nature can bring unexpected weather, grills can be temperamental and uninvited critters can emerge to sample your snacks.

To throw the ultimate holiday cookout, you're going to need a few essentials, starting with a grill, ... [+] unbreakable plates and lighting.

Fear not—we asked five culinary professionals from around the world to share their most trusted advice for throwing the ultimate summer cookout. With these expert-approved tips in mind, you can practically guarantee that things will go off without a hitch.

Set Up Your Grill In Advance

It’s also important to consider your options in charcoal. Companies like The Good Charcoal have made a commitment to sustainability with 100-percent chemical-free varieties that burn hotter and longer. They’re also widely available in stores like Home Depot and Target.

The Good Charcoal

Meal Prep Easy-To-Serve Foods

There’s nothing wrong with meal prepping prior to the big event. Preparation gives more time for you to address last-minute snafus and interact with your guests.

A tried-and-true approach is to serve food buffet-style so that you can cook in bulk, prepare sides in advance and then have guests serve themselves. “A buffet-style meal is [also] a great way to easily accommodate all dietary preferences when cooking for a large group,” says Tamisha Eleibox, sales and events manager at Windjammer Landing Resort & Residence in St. Lucia.

Hung echoes these sentiments, recommending show-stopping larger cuts of meat in particular. “Don’t be afraid to do large-format items,” he says. “These take more time to cook, but make for great presentation pieces. Whole spatchcocked chicken is great. A large ribeye roast is also excellent.” If you’re looking for more ideas, Leo Pablo, executive chef of The Restaurant at W South Beach ( RWSB ), likes “whole peeled skirt steak, butterflied chicken or whole filet cuts like snapper and red grouper for a stress-free grilling experience,” he says.

Snake River Farms American Wagyu Black Ribeye Steak

Serve Seasonal Ingredients

The beauty of summer produce is that it showcases its best flavors and aromas from May to August. Source ingredients like corn, peaches, tomatoes and cherries from local farmers’ markets—they won’t require much effort if picked at peak ripeness.

“Hosting an outdoor dinner can only be made better by serving dishes in the spirit of the season, meant to be eaten in abundance in a warm and accepting environment,” says Maddy Moore, marketing manager of Hotel Vermont . “Curating a menu driven by the local produce in-season brings freshness and flavor to the meal, offering a true culinary experience for your guests to enjoy in good company. “

“Choose the menu according to your guests,” advises Bartolomé. “I always find crowd-pleasers such as fresh fruit, preserves, cured meats, vegetables such as tomatoes, spring onions and cucumbers, as well as a few prepared salads, are all excellent options.”

Boarderie Diletto Cheese & Charcuterie Board

Invest In Shatter-Proof Cups And Plates

It may be your instinct to reach for paper and plastic cups and plates, but do yourself (and the environment!) a favor and purchase shatter-proof alternatives. Not only will these last for multiple parties, but they’ll also elevate the look and feel of your event by being sturdier and more formal. Most importantly, they eliminate the safety risk of shattered glass.

Meri Meri Large Speckled Reusable Bamboo Plates (Set Of 6)

Keep Refreshments Cool And Easy To Access

Perhaps the most important tip of all is to keep refreshments ice-cold. You never want to serve lukewarm white wine or hot lemonade, especially if temperatures are inching toward (or into) the 90s. “Don't forget plenty of large coolers and cooling bags to transport and keep food and drinks cool,” reminds Bartolomé. “This is absolutely essential for outdoor entertaining.”

Arctic Zone Deluxe Hot/Cold Insulated Food Carrier

A good rule of thumb, at least when it comes to beverages, is to purchase at least a pound of ice per guest. This should be enough to not only fill glasses, but also cushion cans and bottles in a cooler for the entire duration of a day.

Ensure There’s Plenty Of Shaded Seating

Basking in the summer heat can be exhausting. On top of providing comfortable chairs and patio furniture for people to snack and socialize, you want to make sure those seating options are situated to avoid sunburns, dehydration and general discomfort. “I love finding full, leafy trees to provide a more natural and scenic sun cover,” says Luis Bartolomé, executive chef of the NH Collection Madrid Eurobuilding “Plants and trees offer natural cooling plus a good vibe.”

But if your space is open, patio umbrellas or awnings are daytime musts. Since summer weather can be unpredictable, you want something sturdy like this rustproof option from Pottery Barn that can stand up to sudden gusts of wind or afternoon rainstorms.

Pottery Barn Premium Round Outdoor Patio Umbrella

Also, be sure to put out ample amounts of sunscreen on your tables—there’s a high chance that guests will forget to bring it themselves.

Prepare Against Bugs And Other Critters

Candles, repellants , zappers and more can deter insects like mosquitoes, flies and ants from feasting on your cuisine and becoming all-around nuisances. There are also plenty of all-natural remedies, including peppermint oil blends and citronella, to ward off unwelcome visitors.

But it’s equally important to clear the hosting spot in advance with a few quick cleaning techniques. “Clean your outdoor area a few days prior to your event,” advises Hung. “And make sure there is no standing water or moist areas that mosquitoes can breed.” Additionally, consider keeping your main trash cans far from your dining area and spritzing the interior with full strength bleach over the few days before the party to help control flies,” he adds.

Flowtron BK-40D Electronic Insect Killer

And Don’t Forget The General Ambiance

While flowers, trees,and chirping birds bring a more natural ambiance, there are beautiful and subtle touches that can be incorporated to make the day more special. Typical design go-tos like tablescapes, centerpieces and flower arrangements are only the beginning.

“For something more upscale, we recommend string lights or tiki torches for mood lighting and some live music to create a full experience to complement the meal,” says Eleibox, who often curates evenings around different island themes.

Bartolomé, on the other hand, likes a nod to classic picnic scenes. “A checkered tablecloth is always festive,” he says, noting the design has origins in Southern Europe. “The symbol of the checkered pattern was associated with rural communities and used as a symbol of warm hospitality and simplicity.”

Grandipity Red Gingham Disposable Picnic Tablecloth

Also while a fire pit may be a more expensive investment, it’s a great lawn addition for when the sun goes down and the more social guests linger. (S’mores, anyone?)