How to Plan the Perfect Summer BBQ
When summer rolls around, it’s time to break out that grill and show off your prowess grilling meats, seafood, and vegetables. However, just because it’s a backyard barbecue party doesn’t mean you don’t have to plan for it. Planning the perfect summer barbecue isn’t rocket science. There are several things you can do to have a fun, entertaining and perfect barbecue party this summer.
Plan the food and drinks.
A barbecue party is all about the food. Although you can cook almost anything on a grill, a little menu planning can help.
When deciding what type of food to serve for your summer barbecue, keep in mind the guests you’ve invited. Create a menu that can cater to all kinds of guests. If you have kids at your party, consider creating a kids’ menu. Plan to have meat, seafood, and poultry on your menu. This is to cover all grounds in case someone doesn’t eat meat or is allergic to shellfish.
Side dishes play a crucial role in a menu, as they break up the monotony of having a meat barbecue. When it comes to garnishes, variety is the name of the game. Make sure the sides complement the main dishes.
Add different types of garnishes like fresh green salads, grilled corn on the cob, and mashed potatoes to name a few. Take advantage of the many summer products and create fresh and light garnishes. However, it is important to remember that the dishes you choose should not spoil easily in the sun. You don’t want any guest to complain!
Dessert should not be forgotten too! Try to serve at least 2 types of desserts: a sweet for those with a sweet tooth and a refreshing dessert like a fruit salad. As with the food, plan the different drinks you will serve. Some of the usual suspects at a summer barbecue include beer and cola. You can also add water, fruit juices and wine for those who are not beer or cola drinkers.
Also, spend a few minutes setting up a drink table in an area of your backyard. Arrange all the different drinks on the table as you line up the glasses. Put a cooler next to the table full of ice so you don’t have to run from one side of the kitchen to the other to get it. You can also create a bar-like area where people can get their own drinks. Print out a cocktail recipe or two and display them on the bar. This way, guests can make their own cocktails while having fun while doing it.
Decoration and Assembly
Since a summer barbecue party is all about relaxing, casual dining, it’s only fitting that the setup be casual as well. Create a welcoming environment where people feel comfortable. Make sure there are enough seats for everyone.
Disperse the chairs and tables around the garden to take advantage of all the space. Create spacious seating areas to facilitate conversation among your guests. Put some cushions on the chairs to create a casual but comfortable atmosphere. Make sure you put enough shadows in the area. Nobody wants to be in the sun for long!
It is also a good idea to put a children’s area where they can play and be with each other. If you have enough space or a grassy area, put up some shades, a picnic blanket, or several blankets that are big enough to accommodate the children. Add some huge cushions, books, colors, and paper. This will help them fill the time while the adults can hang out and chat. Prepare some candles and mosquito repellents in case your summer barbecue party runs late. Put some scented candles in the center of each table as a decorative touch and light them when the sun goes down.