With the temperatures starting to rise, BBQ season is finally upon us.
However, it also means that the pressure is on to impress, whether you’re hosting a garden party or planning to celebrate a special event. Read on to find out how to plan a BBQ your guests will rave about for years to come!
Spruce up your outdoor space. The first step toward planning a successful BBQ is readying your outdoor space. For example, you should make sure that your patio is as comfortable as possible and that everyone has a place to sit. This way, nobody will have to try to eat your delicious food while standing!
If you are planning to keep the party going late into the night, investing in outdoor lighting is also essential. One way in which you can achieve this goal is by stringing fairy lights throughout the space, which also helps to create a vibrant and welcoming atmosphere.
Prepare delicious food. Once you’ve set the scene for your BBQ, it’s time to start thinking about what’s on the menu. Ideally, you should start by checking if your guests have any dietary requirements that you need to take into account, so that you will not serve them something they are unable to eat. You can start planning delicious dishes, such as ribs, burgers and more.
Make sure to purchase high-quality seasonings and marinades ahead of time, such as BBQ rib rub, as this will ensure everything you serve up to your guests will taste (and smell) amazing (provided you don’t leave them on the grill too long).
Make your own cocktails. Regardless of your experience as a mixologist, making your own cocktails or mocktails is a great way to take your BBQ to the next level, as you are going above and beyond in order to protect your guests. If this is something you don’t have much experience with, focus on cocktails with minimalistic ingredients, such as Sex on the Beach.
Think about music. While you’ll be talking late into the night with your guests, background music will make a real difference in terms of atmosphere, especially if you want to get people up and dancing. If you’re not the most confident behind the aux, consider asking guests to contribute to a group playlist ahead of time. While this may mean that you’re listening to a wide range of genres within just a few hours, it’s a great way to keep everyone happy. Who knows, you may discover a new favorite artist in the process.
Plan a few games. Planning a few games or activities for the night can also ensure that your BBQ goes smoothly, especially if people are meeting for the first time and you are hoping to break the ice. If you’re not sure where to begin in this regard, stick to classics such as charades!
Final thoughts. In all honesty, planning a BBQ that your guests will rave about is not all that difficult – simply focus on making sure they have fun and eat great food!
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