Finding time for a get-together this BBQ season can be a challenge. When was the last time you had one? It is definitely true that life can be very busy and full of work and other obligations. But it's times like these that we need to find the time to relax and just spend some great moments with our friends and families.

Having to host an outdoor party is an exciting prospect. If you've got the right tools and the right knowledge, a grill party can be a real treat. By planning it well, you'll find that your friends will enjoy themselves, if not to say they can't wait for the next one.

Backyard BBQ ideas and tips

Choose the right time

Barbecues are most enjoyed when the weather is warm and sunny. Choose a day that is not raining, cold, or windy. When you have a BBQ with friends or family, you want the best summer weather!

It should be held on a weekend, preferably Saturday, so that people can arrive early and stay late. If your BBQ is a family-friendly event, starting it in the late afternoon, around 4 or 5 p.m., will give you the best opportunity to gather families with children.

Start your BBQ mid-afternoon, about 2:00 or 3:00 PM, if you don't want it to last long into the evening. It's a good idea to put a rain date on your invites in case the weather turns bad. Even if the weather is pleasant when visitors come, make sure your home is clean and ready to leave in case a sudden summer storm forces you to stay inside.

A large outdoor tent, whether purchased or rented, can be an excellent investment for gatherings with larger attendees where you may not have enough space in your home if the weather turns bad.

Prepare a Guest List

If you're having a big BBQ, invite everyone you know and extend the party's hours so that everyone can attend. If you're expecting a large crowd, accept offers from visitors to bring drinks or simple sweets that don't require any set-up or cleanup. Beer, soda, pastries, hot dogs, or brownies are some fantastic examples of what you could invite folks to bring.

 

Smaller BBQ parties are just as enjoyable as larger ones, and they are easier to organize because you have more time to socialize with your guests. There's also less stuff to cook, as well as less cleanup to do. In addition, the celebration is less expensive.

During the summer, many people choose to host multiple little barbecues rather than one large one. You can invite as few as one family with children or three adults. In any case, it's still a lot of fun. Many seasoned party hosts have discovered that these smaller, more controllable barbecues are actually preferable.

Send out invites, and make sure you text or email your guests a day before the party.

Make a list of the foods and beverages you'll be serving

The greatest options are hamburgers, hot dogs, and chicken skewers with vegetables. You can also include fresh fruit and veggie burgers for Vegetarians. Make sure you have an equal number of each of these three products. Allow for two to three grilled things per guest. Chicken appears to be more popular than you may expect. You can also change your menu based on the number of people, and stock up on some fresh herbs.

Don't miss the ice and a large tub or ice chest to store the drinks if you're having a large gathering. If you're having a modest BBQ, you can keep the drinks cool by putting ice from your freezer in several pots or pans. Each sort of drink should be served in a different tub or pot.

The greatest drinks include beer, wine, sparkling water, and soda. Adapt the beverages to the number of people at your party. If you're having a modest BBQ and you know your guests won't be drinking soda or wine, leave those out. If you're expecting little children, replace the soda with juice boxes/pouches or lemonade.

The next step is to plan for some desserts. Summertime is defined by s'mores roasted over an open fire. The best thing about them is that they don't need to be cooked and can be eaten all day long. There are only a few things you'll need to prepare this dessert: marshmallows, chocolate bars, graham crackers, and marshmallow sticks

 

Keep your Grills and Grilling Tools Ready

If you don't have a grill, or if there isn't enough of one, it's hard to cook for your BBQ party. You can check out the Grill Guide which will help you to choose the perfect grill for your grill party. After you've figured out how to use your grill, it's important for you to keep your grill tools ready. Make sure you have a heat-resistant stainless steel spatula, tongs, and grilling fork on hand. A basting brush, as well as a flame-resistant glove and an apron, will be useful. Don't forget to bring some additional gas or charcoal for the barbecue!

Check out this article about the Grilling Tools that will help you in selecting the right tools for your BBQ party.

Clean your Grills

After you have the necessary grill tools, check to see if the appliance is completely clean. The issue with BBQ is that it produces a lot of greases, which attract dust, debris, and food particles. A dirty BBQ can emit smoke, which can cause respiratory problems as well as irritation in the eyes and throat.

 

Furthermore, a soiled grill poses a significant fire hazard. Because of the excess fat on the grill, the food might easily catch fire, causing your party to be entirely ruined.

Prep your food before the BBQ party

Prepare the food ahead of time so that you can make the meal incredibly enjoyable for everyone in the house and our guests. Ensure that all of the food is ready for the grill for guests and that any side dishes are prepared and displayed as needed. It's not ideal that visitors will arrive while you're preheating the oven for burgers or preparing the ice cream.

Check out this blog about the Best BBQ Grill Recipes that will help you cook in advance.

Encourage guests to bring side dishes

These suggestions are especially beneficial for large barbecues.  If necessary, request dessert from your visitors. People enjoy offering pricey cuisine to their guests. You don't want to mess up your kitchen by making baked beans, potato salad, or deviled eggs. Invite your visitors to help themselves to the food.

Safety First

If there is an accident, your garden party's joy and excitement can soon come to an end. Be ready and have these items on hand in case something unexpected occurs. It's also a good idea to brush up on grilling safety.

Make sure you have a First Aid Kit, Fire Extinguisher, Sunscreen, and a Bug Spray ready.

 

Keep the Kids entertained with some Fun lawn games

Arrange for some backyard games for kids. Cornhole Games, Horseshoes, Ladder Toss, and Lawn darts can be some of the lawn games that kids will enjoy playing at your barbecue party.

BBQ Party Decoration Ideas

Pick a party theme

Choose a party theme for your backyard BBQ to get creative! This allows you to create a one-of-a-kind, memorable event while also better establishing the party's vibe.

Outdoor BBQ movie night can be your theme for this summer season.

Also choosing the ideal theme is a critical first step. It determines your invitations, décor, and overall food selection.

Install beautiful outdoor lighting

For backyards, bring in torches and other ornamental lights. With an outside solar light, it's the ideal light for use outside. When the sun sets, the clocks begin to tick. So there's no need to turn off the lights. Outdoor lighting adds to the appeal of a barbecue.

Picnic table and Place settings

Guests enjoy sitting with their closest friends and family. One of the best ideas is to set up your table in such a way that makes the guests comfortable. As the table is the main spot of your BBQ party, you have to make sure the table essentials are kept ready.

 

 

Serve using reusable tableware for your BBQ party if you want them to be environmentally friendly, but the only issue with reusable tableware is that you have to wash them after each party. Here are some of the tableware required for your barbecue party:

1. Plates and Bowls
2. Forks, Spoons, and Knives
3. Cups
4. Napkins
5. Table Cloth
6. Cutting Board
7. Toothpicks

Decorate your Backyard

When you are hosting a barbecue party, it is important for you to decorate your backyard. Balloons, ribbons, banners, and other yard decorations are all available. Make a welcome banner and use ribbons and paper embellishments to decorate. Any design concept is acceptable, although the rustic style is the most popular. To make little tables, stack a few rough boxes on top of one another. Fill your buckets with ice using your drink bottles.

 

We hope these ideas and tips have helped you plan a summer BBQ backyard party that you, your friends, and your family will be talking about for days. If you are unsure of how your barbecue party will be received, lots of these tips can help ensure that it is a unanimous success. Alternatively, throw a surprise party, i.e. where no one knows the party is happening unless they are told. You'll be surprised how these fun BBQ party ideas tips can come in handy the next time you throw a get-together and take your grilling game to the next level.