Set out several rolls of paper towels in the backyard. It's a general unwritten pessimistic rule that spills occur in opposite ends of the yard. For a quick delicious dessert, wrap assorted fruit slices in foil packets. Grilling fruit brings out the sweetness. Excellent choices for this are pineapple, mango, and papaya.
People love the social aspects of cook-outs bringing to mind memories of family times past.
Have your friends and family put together veggie trays with ranch dressing dip, fruit and other salads that weren't made the day before. Enlist their help in serving children and older members of the group. Then all you'll have to do is attend the grill and supply the cold drinks. Ask several of the adults to dream up games to keep the children occupied and have some small prizes for the winners. This not only keeps the kiddies from being in your cooking space but encourages the parents to watch them since they like to see their kids win.