5 Tips for Throwing the Perfect Summer BBQ
It is officially Summer, and now is the perfect time to get together with friends and family to take advantage of the long, warm, summer nights. Are you prepared to throw the ultimate summer BBQ party? Here are our top 5 tips for throwing the perfect summer BBQ.
- Don’t Overdo the Menu – Keep it Simple
Quality over quantity is the first key to throwing a successful summer BBQ. If you try to offer too many food options, or too many drinks and games, you will take away from the main purpose of a BBQ — fun and relaxation. Stick with a menu of the trusted summer classics: burgers, hotdogs and brats are always crowd pleasers and are easy to prepare. Don’t forget your vegetarian friends, though! Corn on the cob and veggie kabobs are always solid pairings to a summer salad or two.
- Have a Signature Drink
It may seem easy to throw a few kinds of beer on ice and proceed to check “drinks” off of your to-do list. But where is the fun in that? Having a signature drink or two is not only easy, but it’s something your guests will enjoy and remember for summers to come. Plus, as your signature drinks provide an escape from the mundane BBQ staple of lukewarm light beer. Need some ideas? Moonshine and lemonade is a great summer drink that is sure to please the masses. Another summer-themed party beverage that’s a sure-fire crowd pleaser is the classic combination of moonshine and sweet tea. Bottom line: These bulk-style signature drinks are a great way to keep costs low and guest satisfaction levels high.
- Don’t Forget the Entertainment
Once your guests have eaten and enjoyed a few of your excellent drinks, it’ is important that they have something to do! Having a variety of backyard games — that are set up and ready to play – is always a good idea for those guests who may want to get up and stretch their legs. Individual and team games, such as horse shoe and cornhole, are great options that can be enjoyed by guests of all ages. Another “oldie but goodie” that is sometimes forgotten is the good ole badminton net. If you doubt us, pick one up for your next summer get-together… you won’t regret it!
- Create a Killer Playlist
Nothing sets the summer BBQ mood quite like a great playlist. Doing so can, in fact, be one of the best ways to really convey the type of party atmosphere you wish to create. However, as with many things in life, many of us have varying tastes in music, so make sure to include hits from a variety of genres. From songs that make you nod your head in your chair, to that Bon Jovi song that makes you get up and dance, you’ll want to have a little bit of everything on your summer BBQ playlist.
- Don’t Let it Bug You
Seriously, is there anything worse than a swarm of attacking bugs while you are trying to enjoy the outdoors? Nothing will drive guests indoors faster than a swarm of mosquitos or a couple of pesky wasps buzzing around cups and plates. The key to minimizing bug activity is to take preventative action BEFORE it becomes a problem. Sweep spider webs out of corners, spray bug repellent on lawn furniture, and be sure to pick up several mosquito repelling candles. Providing bug spray to guests is always recommended as well.
Well there you have it; our top 5 tips for throwing the perfect summer BBQ. Have any other tips or drink recipes that you think we should know about? Leave us a comment below and tell us about it!
