Hosting a backyard BBQ is an opportunity to show off your cooking skills and impress the people you care about. But it’s also a chance to make sure everything goes smoothly, from grilling techniques, drink selections, to your guests’ safety and comfort.
It doesn’t have to be daunting though because, in this article, you’ll learn all the tips you need in order for your barbecue party to be the best one of all time. Read on!
1. Choose a date and time
The first step in planning any successful party is picking a date that works for everyone. If you have a lot of guests who live far away, avoid planning your party during the peak travel season. And if you trying to coincide with a national holiday (such as the 4th of July) to make things easier on yourself, make sure you also plan for everyone’s schedule. It can be a huge pain to have people show up just hours before they’re scheduled to leave.
After you’ve chosen a date that works for your guests, pick a start time that offers enough time for everyone to arrive. Ideally, you’ll want to start around 3:00 pm and end around 9:00-10:00 pm. This way, people who need to leave early for work the next day can do so without feeling as if they missed out on some of the fun.
2. Decide on the menu and guest list
The next thing you’ll need to decide is what food everyone will eat. You will need to consider which dishes are easy to make in large quantities, can be prepped ahead of time, and don’t turn on the grill. It’s also important that your menu please a mix of adults and kids alike. Make sure you have something filling for those who are feeling hungry after being out in the sun all afternoon but also have light snacks for those who are stopping by for just a few hours.
Another thing you’ll need to think about is how many people are coming. If it’s an intimate party with just close friends and family or if you’re serving as part of a birthday dinner where adults will be coming with kids, you’ll only need to make enough food for those who are coming. In case you have a larger group of 20 or more people though, you’ll need to make sure to order extra from the butcher and supermarket because you’ll want everyone’s hot dogs ready as soon as they show up.
3. Clean up your backyard
One of the most important things you’ll need to do before your barbecue is to clean up your backyard. This means getting rid of any debris, leaves, or branches that may have collected over the winter. It also means giving your grill a good scrubbing and making sure that all your cooking supplies are in order. You’ll want to have extra napkins, plates, utensils, and cups on hand just in case you run out. And finally, make sure you have a garbage can nearby so that you can easily dispose of any food waste.
Additionally, you’ll want to clean areas in your backyard that might be a breeding ground for pests such as mosquitoes. You won’t want these critters ruining your party. To ensure you get every area thoroughly, you’ll want to hire pest and mosquito control services as they can inspect your backyard and make the necessary clean-up so these pests don’t return.
4. Set out parking rules
It’s always best to be safe than sorry when it comes to setting up parking spaces for your guests, especially if there’s limited street parking near your house. If you’re lucky enough to have a driveway or garage space, make sure everyone knows they can park there.
If you’re not so lucky, your best bet is to create a guest list and figure out how many cars each person will bring. You can then set up parking spaces accordingly or offer to let certain people park on the street in front of your place for free if they don’t mind walking a few feet more than others might.
5. Make sure you have enough utensils
One of the most common BBQ blunders is running out of plates, napkins, utensils, and cups. This can be a huge pain, especially if you have a lot of people over. To avoid this, make sure you have plenty of each on hand before your guests arrive. You can either buy them from the store or ask friends and family to bring some extra with them.
6. Have fun!
The most important thing to remember when throwing a BBQ is to have fun! Make sure you put yourself in charge of some fun games or activities for your guests to enjoy. Whether it’s playing a few rounds of beer pong or putting together a giant jigsaw puzzle, make sure there’s something for everyone to enjoy.
Remember, a backyard BBQ is all about having a good time in the sun with friends and family.
If you’re hosting an outdoor barbecue, there are a few things to keep in mind. First and foremost is the food: make sure it’s filling for people who’ve been out all day but also light enough for kids or adults stopping by briefly. You’ll want to have plenty of plates, napkins, utensils, and cups ready just in case someone forgets theirs at home too. Finally, don’t forget that your backyard will need some cleaning before guests arrive. Keep these things in mind and you’re in for a great time.
