Things to Know Before Planning a Backyard BBQ
There's no better time to host a backyard BBQ party than summer. However, before you send out those invites, there are a few things you must consider to ensure your event is a success. With our help, you'll be able to throw a spectacular backyard barbecue that will have your visitors talking about it for months. So grab your favorite drink, sit back and let's get into it.
How to Get Your Backyard Prepared for the BBQ
Preparing your backyard is the first step in throwing a great party. Ensure that your backyard is as inviting and comfortable as possible by sticking to these pointers:
Clean Up Your Backyard
Making sure the backyard is neat is an important first step before doing any landscaping or other preparations. Do this by picking up any trash or leaves that are lying around the compound.
Organize Seating
Make sure there is enough seating for everyone who will be there. You may bring along chairs, benches, picnic tables, or just blankets for people to use when sitting on the ground.
Setting the Mood
With just the right equipment, you can create the perfect ambiance for your BBQ party. Equipment like string lights, lanterns, or candles can create a warm and inviting atmosphere without putting a dent in your wallet. You can also throw in some plants or flowers to make your backyard more vibrant and colorful.
Eliminate Pests
Imagine having your guests swatting away flies and mosquitoes while they are trying to enjoy their meal! That's definitely not what you want. To avoid such inconveniences, you can start by removing any standing water, as it attracts mosquitoes. Also, trim the bushes and trees and clean up any debris that may be harboring pests.
Things to Know Before Planning a Backyard BBQ
Planning Your Menu
A crucial part of organizing a nice backyard BBQ is deciding what to eat. Keep in mind that food is one of the main attractions of any BBQ, so it's important to get it right. As such, we suggest you follow these tips when creating a menu:
Consider Food Allergies and Intolerances
Before deciding what to serve, think about whether or not any of your guests have any food allergies or intolerances. You can get this information when inviting your guests. Vegetarians, vegans, and anyone with dietary sensitivities may appreciate having choices.
Simplicity is Key
If you don't want to spend the whole day in the kitchen, it's best to stick to simple recipes. Traditional BBQ menus include hamburgers, hot dogs, and grilled chicken.
Spruce Things up a Little
As you stick to a simple menu, don't be afraid to spice things up with some interesting options. You may provide meat choices like steak and salmon, as well as vegetarian alternatives like grilled veggies and veggie burgers. You may also complement your meals with various side dishes consisting of salads, baked beans, and potato salads.
Entertainment Ideas
Throwing a backyard BBQ is a fun way to get together with friends and family to eat, drink, and enjoy the outdoors. However, you cannot leave your guests standing around with nothing to do. Keep your guests entertained with these great party ideas.
Games
First up, games! There are plenty of classic outdoor games that are perfect for a BBQ party, like ladder toss, and horseshoes. These games are easy to set up and can be played by people of all ages. You can even create a tournament with prizes for the winners. If you have a pool in your backyard, you can also set up pool games like volleyball or basketball.
Music
What's a party without some sweet music? Music creates a lively atmosphere and gets everyone moving. You can create a playlist of your favorite songs or hire a DJ to keep the beats going. You can also ask your guests to suggest their favorite songs and keep adding them to the playlist. If you want to take it up a notch, you can even set up a dance floor and encourage your guests to dance the night away.
Movies
As the night creeps in and your guests begin to tire out, you can cap off the wonderful party with an exciting outdoor movie. All you need is a projector, a screen, and some comfortable seating for your guests. You can choose a family-friendly movie or something that suits your guests' tastes.
Get the Proper Equipment
It's important to have the right equipment. This includes a good quality grill, plenty of charcoal or propane, and tools like tongs and spatulas. You'll also want to make sure that you have plenty of plates, cups, and utensils on hand, as well as napkins and paper towels for any spills or messes.
Invitations
The number of people you invite will affect the amount of food, drinks, and seating arrangements required. It's important to ensure that you have enough space for everyone to sit comfortably and enjoy the food. Also, send out invitations well in advance so people can RSVP, and you can plan accordingly.
Budgeting
After confirming the number of guests that you'll host, make a list of the items you will need for the party. This will help you estimate the total cost of the event. Next, set a budget for each item on your list, such as food, drinks, decorations, and games. Try to stick to your budget as much as possible while also leaving some room for unexpected expenses.
To save money on food, consider opting for less expensive cuts of meat or even vegetarian options. You can also ask your guests to bring a dish or two to share. For drinks, consider buying in bulk or making your own cocktails instead of purchasing expensive pre-made ones.
Conclusion
With these tips, you'll be able to host a successful BBQ party that your guests will love. Remember to set up your backyard, plan your menu, provide entertainment, set a budget, and most importantly, have fun!