Where there’s smoke, there’s fire—and the potential for a whole lot more. So as the weather gets warmer, add grilling to your list of potential date-night activities. Cooking outdoors is primal, and it’s an activity the two of you can do together. Not to mention smelling like smoke is a great excuse to take a two-person shower when you’re done.

So load up on charcoal and light that match, baby. Here’s how to ace your next cookout for two.

Lock Down the Grill Situation

Whether you own your own grill or you’re heading to the park to use a public one, make sure everything is ready before your date arrives. That means cleaning the grates, loading up on charcoal, and making sure you have a match or a lighter on hand. If you’re using a grill in the park, look into whether or not you need to make a reservation, or get there early to stake your claim.

Get Things Going

There are two main ways to get the coals going: using lighter fluid, or using a chimney starter. Lighter fluid will do in a pinch, but a chimney starter is definitely preferable. To use one, loosely bunch up some paper underneath the starter—don’t pack it too tight, or it will suffocate the flames. Load the top with charcoal, then light the newspaper underneath. In about 15 minutes, you’ll have charcoal that’s ready to be dumped into the grill.

Split Up Cooking Duty

Part of the fun of a grilling date is that it’s not just a meal, it’s an activity. To that end, each of you should cook something. Maybe you’ll make a steak (link to steak article), and maybe your love will bring some vegetables to grill—eggplant, zucchini, or mushrooms are all nice options. This is worth discussing before hand so you don’t both bring steaks (unless you want to have a steak cook-off, in which case have fun).

Keep It Chill

Make sure you have a cooler stocked with ice on hand. It’s always a good idea to have a few things that aren’t grilled—fruit salad, maybe, or some vegetables with dip—not to mention you’ll need to keep any drinks chilled. As far as that goes, wine or beer are always good cookout options, but make sure you check on any open container laws if you’re cooking in a park. Pre-batched cocktails are good, too; perhaps the diablo (http://imbibemagazine.com/el-diablo-cocktail-recipe/) is in order? Pre-mix everything and then add the ginger beer right before serving.

Add a Little Flair

Eating outside is a low-key affair, but it’s a good idea to add just a bit of luxury to the experience. To that end, in addition to making sure you have all appropriate plating and silverware on hand (you do, don’t you?), add something just a little nice and unexpected. Flowers in a jar, maybe, or a tablecloth for the picnic table. Candles might be nice if the sun’s going to set on your dinner. Just something to make things just that much more romantic.

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