Most everything on this menu can be prepared ahead. If you decide to make hot dogs from scratch, they can be prepared as directed in the recipe several months ahead and frozen. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight. The chili sauce can also be frozen or made up to three days ahead and refrigerated. The beans can be made up to three days ahead and refrigerated. The macaroni salad and coleslaw can be made the day before and refrigerated. The biscuits for the dessert can be prepared the day before and kept in an airtight bag or container.

The morning of the event, prepare and refrigerate the vegetables for the relish tray, deviled eggs, hamburger patties and strawberries. Several hours before dinner, whip the cream for the dessert and refrigerate. Before guests arrive, set out the vegetables and deviled eggs so they have something to munch on. (Depending on the number of guests and time of arrival, you might also want to set out the chips, perhaps with a store-bought dip.) About thirty minutes before serving, set out the macaroni salad and coleslaw to come to room temperature. Heat the grill. Reheat the beans and chili sauce. Put out mustard, mayonnaise, relish, sliced tomatoes, sliced and chopped onions, and any other condiments for the sandwiches that people might want in addition to or rather than the chili sauce. Grill the burgers and hot dogs and serve. When it is time for dessert, arrange the biscuits in a cloth-lined basket. Place the berries and whipped cream in separate serving bowls. Your guests can assemble the shortcakes as they like. All that is left to do is enjoy the day!