In the summer, there is nothing quite like a casual get-together with friends, drinks, and, of course, a burger or two. With these tips, you can make your barbecue one to remember.
Keep it Simple
The secret to a fantastic BBQ is to keep it simple. But before you even think about getting any food ready you’ll need to find a barbecue big enough to handle your hungry guests. If you find your grill isn’t going to quite cut it you can see this range from Broil King to see if they would be more suitable.
Now! Moving onto food do not go overboard on the food; instead, stick to a few tried and tested recipes. Put quality above quantity. Choose one or two meat-centered dishes, such as burgers, sausages, and steaks, and one simple vegetarian option, such as roasted vegetable skewers. Make sure you have some side dishes like slaw, maybe some potato salad, and plenty of condiments. Don’t forget everyone’s BBQ favorite – corn on the cob, and follow these step by step instructions to smoke burgers to take it to a new level.
Condiments
Following on from the previous point – condiments are essential to a BBQ. Make sure you have all the important ones – ketchup, BBQ sauce and mustard are a must! To avoid making a mess, fill an empty muffin case with condiments. You can also put dips into hollowed-out peppers – it is a great addition to a veggie plate.
Think About Seating
You do not have to plan a formal sit down dinner, but it is important to make sure that you have enough chairs for your guests. No one wants to have to stand around balancing their plate of food and drink while holding a conversation. Get out your beach and camping chairs and ask the neighbors if they have any spare chairs you can borrow.
Music
Set the tone with a terrific playlist and keep the music running all night. Look for energetic background music that is loud enough to set the mood but not so loud that guests must shout over each other to be heard. Make sure you are considerate of your neighbors and turn it down when it gets late.
Stock Up On Drinks
Do not leave your guests hanging: keep the cooler supplied and remember to replace it throughout the evening. The pros recommend assuming a 1.5 alcoholic drink per hour per guest ratio, but you are the greatest judge of your audience. Offer non-alcoholic beverages such as iced tea and lemonade, as well as water – and don’t forget plenty of ice!
Beat the Bugs
Do not invite wasps to your party by setting out food too early and packing it away as you finish it. Keep the waste away from your guests.
Citronella candles will keep mosquitos away while also creating a comfortable environment after the sun goes down.
Set Up an Ice Cream Bar
If anyone has room to eat after their delicious burgers, impress them with an ice cream bar. It is the perfect dessert on a hot sunny day. Lay out bowls full of different toppings and let your guests make their own ice-cream sundaes. Don’t forget to keep the ice-cream in the freezer until it is needed, otherwise you’ll end up with a big, melty mess!
What are your top tips for hosting a great BBQ?
