Looking for a fun way to have a party that encourages mingling and a relaxing time? A backyard barbecue is a brilliant idea for enjoying a warm summer evening with family and friends. The right menu and a slate of ice-cold libations can set the stage for a night well-spent.
Need some inspiration?
Read on to make your barbecue the talk of the town. It all begins with planning.
1. Mind Your Space
The best advice we can give you is to stick with your boundaries. Don’t just send the word around town that your front gate is open for anyone to join in on the fun. Think what can happen if you don’t…
You’ll likely run out of food—and booze!
You might not have enough chairs, cups, or grill space to feed the lot. Heaven forbid!
The neighbours may not appreciate it. Besides, you can have just as good of a time with a handful of guests instead of wall-to-wall people.
2. Find Out Everyone’s Dietary Needs
The whole point of hosting a party is to bring your pals together and share a few laughs. The operative word is together. That means enjoying a meal that everyone can enjoy, whether someone is gluten free or vegetarian.
Food is love, so don’t exclude anyone with a separate dish. You’d be surprised how much of a difference it makes for someone who doesn’t eat the same things as everyone else.
Partaking of a common meal is such a bonding experience. You all can talk about the wonderful barbecue sauce that your host whipped up or the scrumptious vegan kebabs.
3. Be a Host
Do yourself a big favour…
Don’t chain yourself to the barbecue. Make the meal as easy as possible for you.
Simple doesn’t mean tasteless.
Plan easy-to-prepare dishes. Do your prep ahead of time and give yourself the leeway to mingle with your guests. Make sure to use the right grill. There are many satisfying and versatile options to choose from.
4. Give Your Barbecue a Theme
No-frills barbecues are fun, but taking it to the next level with a themed party propels it into the amazing territory. It’s a great way to let it create the agenda for you.
Going with a Hawaiian luau? Lomi Lomi Salmon and Hawaiian sweet bread are certainly on the menu. Serve it up with a Blue Hawaiian or a Mai Tai. Don’t forget the leis and grass skirts!
5. Plan for Fun
You don’t have to have an agenda of activities to keep everyone occupied. Boring! However, having some game options is an excellent way to keep the kiddies—and adults—entertained.
Bocce ball is an enjoyable way to while away an afternoon with good friends, delicious food, and a welcoming host who knows how to throw a fun party.
6. Set Up a Snack Sideboard Away From the Barbecue
It’s inevitable.
You fire up the barbecue and start grilling. Next thing you know, everyone is noshing on the sausage rolls and getting into your space. That’s the last thing you need.
In another instalment of doing-yourself-a-favour, put the snacks and other goodies away from the barbecue. Build it and they will come.
Your guests will gravitate to the treats and give you the room you need to cook and focus on the task at hand.
7. Make It Convenient and Comfortable
This tip is just as much for you as it is for your guests.
Include trash bin stations in your backyard for both rubbish and recyclables that are clearly labelled. Also, paper serviettes and disposable cups are a godsend at the beginning of the food line. Save the fine china for the in-laws.
If the night is going to turn chilly, plan to have a fire, safely, of course. Stack the wood and kindling near the site with the all-important matches nearby. Encourage lingering and good conversation with a ring of chairs around the pit.
Bringing It Together
An amazing backyard barbecue begins with planning from the menu to the games. It fosters a relaxed setting that is sure to please and minimise your washing up after everyone leaves.
It’s also about bringing people together and creating a shared experience that draws everyone closer, even just for a few hours. Priceless.
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