12 Tips for Hosting the Perfect Backyard BBQ
When it's sunny outside, and everyone is in a good mood, there is no better way to mark the occasion than hosting a barbecue in your back yard.
Who doesn't love a good barbecue in summer, when you catch up with your loved ones and friends, drink cold beers, and eat mouthwatering grilled burgers and steaks?
Raise a glass with your family and friends and enjoy these tips for the perfect backyard barbecue. We'll cover the most important tips to ensure you have an excellent time and that your guests are dying to return for more.
Prepare a Playlist
Before the event, compile a playlist of summer jams that your guests will appreciate. Whip out your Bluetooth speaker and let the good vibes begin!
Songs like OutKast's “Hey Ya!'” and Beyoncé and André 3000's “Party” are sure to set the tone. Everyone has a different taste in music, so let your guests mix it up and choose some music they want to hear.
Add a Gazebo
Weather isn't always reliable, so it might be worth setting up a gazebo or shade to keep the rain out and offer protection from the sun's harmful rays while grilling.
Gazebos can also offer great privacy by blocking off the neighbors' view if that's one aspect that bothers you while adding curtains to protect from mosquitos, flies, and other bugs.
Add a Theme
Add a theme if you want the barbecue to be extra special and memorable for your guests. Plan decorations and music to match the theme.
You may want a cool Western or a traditional country party. Match it to the time of year, for example, a Wimbledon theme or Labor Day party. Encourage your guests to dress accordingly to make it even more fun.
Spice Things Up
If you want to try something a bit more edgy with your barbecue meats, spice them up! Marinate them in spices such as cayenne pepper and smoked paprika for an added kick. Even add a dash of herbs like rosemary and thyme for an intense flavor. Basil goes well with beef and chicken.
Don't Uninvite the Vegans
Many people have specific dietary concerns, and it's, of course, best to find out the vegans in the family before you present them with some pork chops.
Fortunately, there are more options for vegans today than ever before, and you can find vegan-friendly burgers and other foods in stores. Be sure to cook your meat and vegetables separately with different cooking utensils to avoid cross-contamination.
Offer a Selection of Beverages
Not everyone enjoys beer. Your guests may instead appreciate a glass of wine or a fruity punch such as a Pimm's cocktail.
For non-alcoholic beverages, consider strawberry lemonade, iced tea, or ginger ale. This will give ample choice for a wide variety of tastes, and your guests who need to drive can get home safely.
Gluten-Free Bread Options
If your guests don't eat gluten for health reasons, some processed meats, such as burgers and sausages, ma ybe a problem for them. Bread is also a huge trigger for people with gluten intolerances, so plan accordingly.
Double-check the packaging to ensure that your food items are gluten-free, and take care to avoid cross-contamination.
Food Hygiene
We have been busy telling you what to do, but what about what not to do?
There are a few basic food hygiene and cooking practices to be aware of. First, try to avoid burning the meat, as the blackened meat can harm your health.
Do not leave anything in the sun for too long. Dairy products and cold meat should stay in the fridge until they're needed for cooking. Another aspect to pay attention to is your cooking utensils. Do not rest your knives and tongs on the hot grill, as you could burn yourself when you try to pick them up.
Video Call Family and Friends Unable to Attend
If you have close family or friends who were unable to attend the event due to distance or illness, surprise them by calling them and showing them around the barbecue party.
Allow everyone to share in the moment by taking group photos and videos or letting them have some one-on-one chats on the call.
Party Games
If you have a beer pong table, jumbo Jenga, or a giant Connect 4 garden game, now is the time to take it out for some light-hearted competition.
A variety of age groups enjoy party games, and they get the guests bonding and talking. You'll all be hungry and ready to eat when the excitement is over.
Add Ambiance
Adding some backyard string lights, fresh flowers, or candles at night are subtle ways to create ambiance for the barbecue party.
If you are hosting a themed barbecue, decorate accordingly to enhance the atmosphere. For example, for a Wimbledon theme, use green and purple accents with tennis racquets and balls as decorations.
Ask Guests to Bring Something
If you try to do everything yourself, you might not have time to really enjoy the barbecue. To take the stress out of the shopping and cooking, ask guests to bring a dish.
You might ask your guests to bring a side dish or appetizer, the main dish for special dietary requirements, or even a beverage. Just make sure to communicate clearly about what you need and what is already being provided.
