Words of Joy: Tami Taylor on the Purpose of Barbecues

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(Image credit: Susanna Hopler)

Friday Night Lights’ Tami Taylor, played by Connie Britton, was a gift. Smart, beautiful, and funny, Tami gave us a glimpse into the life of a dedicated wife and mother trying to balance her own career and ambitions outside of her family. She also gave us #hairgoals. And during the show’s tenure, everyone’s favorite TV mom was always full of wisdom and zippy one-liners — all in her signature Southern accent, of course, ya’ll.

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In one episode her husband, high school football coach Eric Taylor, is worried about his team after a website goes live and exposes the criminal record of some of the players. (It’s a complicated show!) To lift everyone’s spirits and ease some of the tension, Tami suggests hosting a “morale-boosting” barbecue.

“Barbecues build morale. That’s why you have them.”

So true, Tami! So true. I mean, if gathering with friends and family outside on a beautiful, warm day isn’t a way to bring people together in happiness, I don’t know what is. A good morale-boosting barbecue has plenty of beer, wine, big-batch cocktails, and mocktails; food fresh off the grill and all the best sides to go with it; and some good tunes playing in the background. Bonus points if you have a fire pit and make s’mores later in the evening!

Recipes for Your Next Morale-Boosting Barbecue

Does it work? Have you ever thrown a barbecue to lift people’s spirits?