Planning Your Oyster Roast

Before your party gets underway, you'll need a few items for cooking and shucking the oysters. For planning, figure a bushel (about 50 pounds) for every 5 people. For the actual roast you'll also need a large piece of sheet metal (we pefer one that's about 3 1⁄2 feet square and 1⁄8 to ¼ inch thick), four standard-sized masonry blocks, and a burlap sack or beach towel. You'll also need oyster knives (thick paring knives will do), some heavy gloves (thick, cotton-lined rubber gloves are best), and a trash can lined with a heavy-duty plastic trash bag. Once you have these items you'll be all set!