Five of the best summer hosting tips from Josh Emett (+WIN)

Josh Emett.

Josh Emett, one of New Zealand's favourite chefs, loves getting outdoors during the warmer months. In his new book, Josh's Backyard BBQ, he writes about the great Kiwi summer pastime of cooking and entertaining outside. Here, the charismatic family man gives us some of his top tips for outdoor entertaining.

1: Get organised

You want to be the host, not the caterer, so loosen your apron strings, Josh says. Prep some small bits so guests can eat when they arrive and will patiently wait while the main event cooks slowly on the barbie. Make a punch and some salads early so you don't have to peel, chop, stir and shake when all your buddies are in the backyard. Have serving trays ready to go and the table set.

2: Feed kids first

As a family man, Josh likes to consider the little ones. He reckons it's a good idea to get them well fed before guests arrive. This will stop them asking for something to fill their bellies and means you can enjoy yourself without hungry, irritable whipper snappers.

3: Food on sticks

If you're hosting during a sports match or grazing through an afternoon of backyard cricket where a formal sit-down isn't required, get some snacks together that don't require anything else but your fingers. Think things like chicken skewers and lamb chop lollipops which are also kid-friendly.

4: Mix things up

Josh admits that a snag wrapped in a piece of bread is hard to beat when teamed with a cold beer. But don't let this stop you from getting creative. Make a super salad or give veges a go on the barbie - they are fantastic chargrilled and smoky.

5: Practice makes perfect

Cooking is all about time and temperature. You need to get your degree right and the only way to know what's best is to keep on trying. Throw your meat on and see what happens, Josh says. If it's too hot move it to the side. If you're entertaining a large crowd or keen to show off your best skills it could be wise to have a practice run beforehand.

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