How to Throw the Ultimate Backyard BBQ Party
How to Throw the Ultimate Backyard BBQ Party
When organizing a backyard BBQ party, you want it to be unforgettable. Regardless of whether you’re celebrating a birthday, a holiday or just enjoying a nice summer day, there are certain aspects of throwing a party that you need to take into account. Keep on reading to get some tips on hosting the ultimate backyard get-together.
Create a pleasant ambience
Even though barbecue parties are kind of low-key, that doesn’t mean that you should not create a pleasant atmosphere in your backyard. Of course, start by cleaning up and getting rid of everything that should not be there. If the party is in the evening, make sure the backyard is properly illuminated to avoid any accidents.
For a cosier ambience, you can even hang up some string lights or add a fire pit where people can gather. Then, think about how many guests you will have and whether there is enough space. In case you don’t have chairs for everyone, you can consider spreading a few blankets on the ground – kids are sure to love this. Set up a few tables as well; one for eating, one for keeping food and another one for making drinks.
Furthermore, if the day is scorching hot, you should offer some options for cooling off. In addition to ice-cold drinks, you could provide your guests with water guns, a hose or even add a mister, for instance.
Make sure the food is top-notch
Of course, the food must be amazing – after all, it’s in the party’s name. You should decide on a menu and look for recipes that sound interesting and would appeal to your guests. Seeing as to how this will probably be what most guests remember the party by, you must ensure high-quality ingredients. Luckily, butcher shops like Sutcliffe Meats offer all sorts of fresh and affordable meats, from chicken and turkey to beef and lamb.
Check with your guests whether they would like to eat fish as well. Other than delicious and ethically sourced meat options, you should also keep your vegan and vegetarian friends in mind and get all sorts of veggies that can be both the main meal and a side dish. Moreover, who doesn’t like a good dessert after a hearty meal? So, you can consider something simple like popsicles or set some time aside and make a blackberry cobbler or mud pies.
Don’t forget about the drinks
Besides the good food, drinks are also essential. You cannot have a BBQ party without beer, obviously. But other than that, you can try out some interesting cocktail recipes such as sangria, mojitos and strawberry lemonade vodka slushies, for example.
On the other hand, you should offer non-alcoholic beverages as well, for all the friends who don’t drink and the kids that will be there. However, while you can make all the drinks in advance and keep them refrigerated, you can also let your guests mix their own by having a drinks station with all the ingredients they might need.
Bring the fun
First of all, you need music. Either ask your friends what they would like to listen to or look for something that everyone likes to avoid arguments over the music. Then, if you have a pool, decide whether people will be allowed in and if yes, get some floats and inflatable balls so that people can have an unforgettable time.
In addition to water guns, you can also let people have water balloon fights – not only will they stay cool but they’ll have fun as well. There are many other games you can play at the party if your friends are up for it, such as ring toss, cornhole and giant Jenga.
At the end of the day, what is important is to have fun with your loved ones. However, you should not overlook the importance of good food and drinks and having a pleasant and playful atmosphere. Enjoy!
Featured Photo by Vincent Keiman on Unsplash
