We’d all love to be that person. The local legend, the neighborhood hero….the backyard barbecue party master!
It’s a tough title to claim. You have a long battle ahead of you.
Luckily, we’ve gathered a few clever tips to help you on your way to glory. The backyard barbecue party throne is almost yours!
1. Chill Out
It’s important to remember is that a backyard barbecue is meant to be casual and relaxed. So if you’re running around like a headless chicken, you’re missing the whole point.
Keep your menu simple. Serve one or two meat choices and a veggie option. Steaks and burgers are always a winner. Veggie kebabs are a great option for non-meat eaters.
Check out this mouthwatering arrachera recipe for carne asada tacos!
To lower your stress levels, prep as much food as you can in advance. For example, make salads, assemble kebabs, and marinate the meat before the event starts. This leaves you with plenty of time to have fun with your guests.
2. Layout
Divide your garden into different zones for maximum efficiency. For example, have separate areas for cooking, games, and food and drinks.
Keep your snack table away from the grill and kitchen. You don’t want crowds of lingering guests getting in the cook’s way.
Set up some tables or worktops near the grill. The cooks working the grill will need a place to put tools, meat, and plates.
Ensure that there is plenty of seating. There’s nothing worse than trying to eat while balancing a hot plate of food in one hand and a drink in the other.
3. Set the Mood
Use tiki torches and string lighting to set the mood for your barbecue. Solar garden lights are also a great option as they will automatically turn on when it gets dark.
Choose the right music for your party. If you want guests to get up and groove, play some dance classics that everyone will know. Set up a more relaxed playlist while everyone is eating.
Test your speaker volume in advance. You want the music to be loud enough for everyone to hear, but not so loud that guests have to shout to be heard.
4. Lighten the Load
Hosting a large barbecue is a lot of work. So why not enlist the help of your guest to lighten your workload?
Ask half of your guests to bring a side dish and the other half to bring a dessert. This will ensure that there is plenty of food to go around and will give you time to focus on preparing the main meal.
It’s easy to blow your barbecue party budget, especially if alcohol is involved. So to keep your barbecue finance-friendly, ask guests to bring their own alcoholic drinks.
5. Insect Repellent
Don’t let bugs ruin your party.
Wasps and bees are attracted to smells, not humans. So avoid using floral scented candles, and keep your barbecue and seating away from blooming flowers.
Don’t bother burning citronella candles to keep bugs away. Here’s what really works to ward of mosquitos.
6. Yard Games
Give guests something to do while they wait for the food to be cooked. Organize games that guests can play at their leisure. Avoid energetic games that will make guests sweaty or result in injury.
Cornhole and horseshoes will entertain kids and adults alike. Try twister or crochet if you want to get more people involved.
Impress Your Guests With an Epic Backyard Barbecue Party!
Phone up your friends and put these handy tips to good use! With a bit of practice, you’ll become a backyard barbecue party legend.
Guest will be raving about your barbecue celebration for years!
Please browse through our other articles for more great grilling tips!
