Summer is near. The sun will soon be shining, and folks will long for the outdoors. This is the best time to host an epic barbecue in your yard if you like to entertain.
Throwing a barbecue can be very easy, particularly if planned well in advance. However, most people tend to only remember menu planning and drinks, forgetting anything that makes a party fun. But fear not, because we offer you six tips to ensure you have an epic summer barbecue.
Prepare Your Guest List
The brighter months are often filled with events, and finding a weekend that works for everybody can be tricky. So it is essential for you send invites early to avoid turndown. Depending on the number of guests, you can use messages or electronic invitations to convey a message to your guests.
Also, as a rule of thumb, ensure you check the size of your space before inviting people. Always ensure that the RSVP will not constrict the outdoor area, particularly after adding outdoor furniture.
Clean Your Barbecue Grill or Buy a New One
Many people save their grill for virtually a year, waiting for the next barbecue season. So cleaning and dusting before a barbecue is at all times a good idea. However, if you are dealing with a stubborn stain, you may want to preheat the grill before removing the stain.
But if it is your first time grilling and you do not have a barbecue handy, you can at all times buy a new one. You can choose from charcoal or barbecue grills weber grill using liquid propane because they’re the most common choice in the market. A charcoal barbecue will give your food a nice smoky taste, but a propane grill will make grilling easier because it comes with temperature control. But if you’re more concerned with carbon emissions, you can at all times select from a number of options weber grill that uses natural gas.
Prepare Everything Beforehand
Don’t wait for your guests to arrive for you to start preparing the meal. Marinades are best prepared ahead of time, so it makes a big difference if you prepare the marinade the night before the party. While you are at it, you can even prepare salads and slaws. This will ease the job on barbecue day, guaranteeing that the majority of your time is spent having fun with your guests. Also, ensure everything that needs to be diced or sliced is prepared before guests arrive. Finally, ensure you have enough propane if using a propane grill and more charcoal than you think you’ll need for your charcoal grill.
Ask Your Guest to Bring Side Dishes
If you are hosting a large barbecue, these tips will come in useful. People love to show off their culinary skills. Thus, asking them to bring dessert or side dishes wouldn’t be burdensome. However, avoid asking guests to bring snacks. Also, you want to ensure that the snack area is away from the cooking area to reduce congestion. Asking your guests to bring appetizers and snacks will only make this impossible.
Step Up Your Game with Food and Drinks
The exhibitionism that comes with an epic barbecue should be saved for when the guests arrive. Some of most people’s favorites are burgers and sausages. However, you can take this opportunity to season it with seasoned fish and chicken pieces. Also, remember to cater for vegetarians in groups.
Make sure you have a wide variety of drinks, including wine, beer and soft drinks. Also, keep drinks in the fridge for a few hours before guests arrive. Then when your guests start arriving, set a makeshift bar using a bucket with a pour and ice. Also, ensure you have a corkscrew, corkscrew, and a wide variety of glassware nearby.
Tidying Up Your Garden
Even in gardens with large spaces, sufficient sitting space can often prove to be a challenge. But you should at all times ensure that there’s enough space for socializing. If your neighbors are amongst your guests, you can at all times ask them to bring their lawn chairs with them. A comfy pillow spread will also do if asking your neighbors is not an option.
For nighttime barbecues, it is at all times good to have decorative garden lights. Having blankets will also keep your guests warm at night. Also, you should anticipate that the barbecue will transition indoors as night falls. Therefore, you must make the room as comfy as possible.
Finally…
After the party is over, take your grill back inside and clean it and save it for your next barbecue. You can check for weather-resistant covers online if you plan to leave your grill outdoors.