Throw An All-American Backyard BBQ

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Summer is here. The days are longer, and the outdoors are warmer. But many of our best-laid summer plans often never come to fruition. How many times have you vowed to get all of your friends or family together for a big catch up in the sun? Most of the time, this doesn’t happen because the plans we make are too complex. Sometimes it’s easier to just invite people to your home than to make plans elsewhere. After all, your home is more accessible, doesn’t have opening and closing times and doesn’t charge entry. There is no better time than now to throw an all-out all-American BBQ in your backyard. Here are a few tips to put on a friendly, laid back BBQ like no other.

1. Send out invites early. so that people can arrange the day off work or double book the date. Hosting a BBQ should be a relaxing experience, so take it easy.
2. A disposable BBQ might do an okay one-off job. But, a good outdoor grill or wood smoker is a great investment. They’ll cook your food properly.
3. Prepare music ahead of guests arriving. Make a long playlist so that you’re not re-tuning the radio or fiddling with your mp3 player throughout the day.
4. Food is perhaps the main part of any BBQ. Make sure there is plenty enough to go around throughout the day and don’t forget to provide some vegetarian or vegan options.
5. There’s more to a BBQ than burgers and hot dogs. Get some finger foods and small snacks. Crisps, dips and jacket potatoes are all good options. Don’t forget sauces. Relish, ketchup, mayonnaise. Whatever it is your guests might fancy.
6. Desserts will keep everyone sweet. Trifles, jelly, ice cream, cakes and custard are all easy and quick to make.
7. Bottles or cans are a good idea to avoid spillages. Don’t forget to leave a couple of bottle openers and corkscrews out. A bowl of punch is a fun option too.
8. Pass the parcel and musical chairs are great for keeping kids occupied. Why not invest in a shallow paddling pool to keep the little ones cool?
9. Avoid a trip to the hospital. Make sure children are supervised at all times. You don’t want any of your guest’s children getting hurt or upset.
10. Card games and board games like giant twister are fun for grown ups too. Games can be fun icebreakers for guests who don’t know each other.
11. Give disposable cameras to your guests.  You can get the photos developed after the event and share them with your friends and family.
12. Lighting is necessary if your BBQ goes into the night. Try out solar powered garden lights and fairy lights.
13. Be prepared for the weather to take a turn for the worst. Buy a small gazebo for shelter. If not, be prepared to have all of your guests in your house.

If your garden needs a little neatening up before you invite guests over, take a read of my article on common mistakes in gardening.