Fathers Day Barbecue

For the no-fuss father, keep the decor of your Father's Day celebration minimal and outdoorsy. Since the majority of the menu is grilled, a Weber barbecue is a must. Whenever we have big parties, my dad always fills a bucket or cooler with ice and beverages. The fridge is normally full of food, so having another vessel for chilling beverages is a good idea. Place an everyday vinyl tablecloth on the table. Cover a metal platter with rock salt and serve the barbecued oysters on top. Plastic plates ensure that nothing breaks, and dark-colored cloth napkins are necessary for enjoying sticky ribs. Pour the gin and tonics into classic glass tumblers.

My dad's prone to mosquito bites, so we always light several citronella candles when eating on the deck. Finally, instead of a bouquet of flowers, give Dad a money tree. While it doesn't grow cash, it does wish prosperity on those who possess it.

For your Father's Day celebration, skip the froufrou-fruity cocktails and serve a potent classic instead. Since the only libation my dad drinks is a Tanqueray and tonic, this is what we'll be mixing.

To make it more special than his everyday drink, I'm adding fresh herbs. They'll give the drink an extra layer of flavor. We'll also stock up on beer, wine, and soda. Look at the jazzed-up gin and tonic recipe when you read more

While planning a Father's Day menu, the most important thing to do is ask dad what he wants. The day will be more special if you involve him in the process. Since my dad is a fan of no-fuss classic cuisine, I originally thought to serve him homemade vanilla ice cream with chocolate fudge sauce for dessert.

Then I came across this recipe for vanilla chocolate popsicles and knew I had to make them! When I was little, my dad and I would often share Klondike bars, so making this variation will recreate the memories. While it's simple, the recipe requires time: get started on Friday at the latest. To look at the technique, read more

Father's Day is this Sunday and naturally I'm planning a manly meal that celebrates my dad. He enjoys simple classic American cuisine, so this menu features his backyard favorites. We'll start with oysters on the half shell with a shrimp-butter-Parmesan topping. The recipe broils them, but for an added smoky depth, we'll cook the oysters on the grill. Dad and I will bond over the preparation of hickory-smoked beef ribs. First the meat is coated in an easy spice rub, then after it's slow-cooked on the grill, it's topped with a homemade barbecue sauce.

Grilled corn with chili and cilantro plus new potatoes stuffed with sour cream and blue cheese round out the meal. For these recipes that will please any man's palate, read more