Growing up in North Carolina, I'm no stranger to a pig pickin'. I think the first one I ever attended was part of a big trail ride sponsored by the horse riding club my parents belonged to. But the first one I ever hosted was definitely for my "redneck" wedding.

And just because we kept it casual and said our "I Reckons" on the front porch wearing blue jeans doesn't mean that pig pickins aren't perfect for fancy dos, too. My best friend helped throw a big wedding for her daughter, complete with the flowers and the white dress and brides maids and all that wedding jazz, but they followed up with The Pig at the reception.

After the success of our wedding party, we decided our birthdays were good excuses for pig pickins too. My husband's birthday is in April (the day after our wedding anniversary) and mine is in September, so we had two big parties each year following our marriage, until we had to move from the farm into the city limits.

Birthday, Anniversary, Any Excuse for a Pig Picking

In addition to birthdays, weddings and anniversarys, I've attended pig pickins to celebrate various NASCAR races, family reunions, Labor Day, and "just because" parties. I can't think of a celebration that wouldn't be better with a pig pickin'.

What makes a good pig pickin'? First and foremost you need someone who knows how to cook a whole hog. Chances are, if they have their own homemade pig cooker, they know what they are doing. And if they are using Charlie Mills BBQ sauce, all the better.

One of the nicest things about a pig pickin' is it's relatively easy on us girls. Throw some slaw together, cut up some potatoes and husk some corn, buy a big bag of hamburger buns or even some loaf bread, and you are all set. The boys will get a big pot boiling for the taters and corn. Everyone will eat outside, on paper plates, so clean up will be minimal, even for a large crowd.

Now I have to caution you, the boys are going to drink beer while they cook that pig, and cooking that pig is going to take all day. So if you don't like your hubby somewhat under the influence, a pig picking might not be for you. My advice is to get that little bit of kitchen food prep done early so you can hang out by the cooker and drink beer, too.

Speaking of beer, you really ought to order a keg if you are calling your party a pig pickin'. And be sure the speaker wires from the stereo will reach outside. I prefer country music selections but you can certainly get by with some Southern Rock.

There you have it - the secrets of a successful pig pickin'. If I missed anything, it really won't matter when everyone starts chowing down.