Summer is finally here, and what better way is there to celebrate than with a party? Catch up with all your family and friends over a backyard barbeque party. We have compiled a list of tips to help you plan the ultimate summer party that everyone will talk about for years to come.
Contents
- 1 Sizzle & Spice: How to Plan the Perfect Summer BBQ Bash
- 1.1 Serve Refreshing Drinks
- 1.2 Create a Themed Menu
- 1.3 Plan for a Cool Place To Relax
- 1.4 Offer Unique Recreational Fun
- 1.5 Opt for Live Music
- 1.6 Don’t Forget About the Decorations
- 1.7 Ensure Ample Seating
- 1.8 Create a Dance Floor
- 1.9 Provide Outdoor Activities for All Ages
- 1.10 Create a DIY Food Station
- 1.11 Incorporate Water-Based Activities
- 1.12 Set Up a Bar
- 2 The Take Away
Sizzle & Spice: How to Plan the Perfect Summer BBQ Bash
Summer is the season for hosting outdoor parties and BBQs. But, planning and executing a successful BBQ bash can be a daunting task. From choosing the menu to deciding on the decor, there are countless details to consider.
By planning and organizing, you can host a memorable BBQ party. This post will guide you through the steps of planning the perfect summer BBQ. Whether you’re an experienced pro or a first-time host, we’ve got you covered.
Serve Refreshing Drinks
Refreshing drinks are a must at any summer party. Ample sun and hot temperatures can wear people out quickly if they don’t have access to cold beverages. Be sure to include a wide variety of beverages so everyone can choose something they like.
Fill a cooler with ice-cold bottles of water. Add in a couple of cans of pop. Don’t forget the juice and alcoholic beverages as long as everyone is over 21 years of age. A few bottles of trending wine are also sure to be a hit at any summer party.
Create a Themed Menu
A themed menu will give your summer party a unique twist. Whereas other barbeques may just throw a few hot dogs and hamburgers on the grill, you’ll stand apart by offering other food items.
Other food items taste just as delicious on the grill, including chicken, ribs, steaks, or pork chops. Creating a themed menu that matches your decorations and music can also be a fun twist on a traditional barbeque.
Opt for a Hawaiian-themed party with grilled ham and pineapple. A traditional country barbeque party may serve hot links and potato salad. You might even consider catering your party if you don’t want to spend the whole time standing behind the hot grill.
Plan for a Cool Place To Relax
The heat can quickly wear out your guests, leading to your party ending earlier. Make sure you have a cool place where guests can go to rest.
Perhaps you’ll open a part of your home for guests to access the air conditioning. You might also put up a shaded tent with fans if you prefer to keep everyone outdoors.
Offer Unique Recreational Fun
Food and drinks will only entertain guests for a short time. Make sure you have plenty of recreational fun for guests to enjoy. This may include recreational games, like bags or croquet. Adding flavors to your favorite drinks by using whip cream chargers may also be fun.
Opt for Live Music
Live music can also be fun for people to enjoy at an outdoor party. A cover band ensures that your guests get to hear their favorite songs. You can also choose a live band that matches the theme of your party.
Consider country, top 40, r&b, or pop live bands. Of course, if a live band isn’t within the budget, a couple of speakers hooked up to your favorite playlists will also energize and entertain everyone at the party.
Don’t Forget About the Decorations
Decorations can add to the overall appeal of your party. The great thing about outdoor parties is that you don’t have to go overboard, as your yard and trees can be a natural backdrop for your summer party.
You may decorate using large balloons, especially if you’re celebrating a birthday or graduation. You could also match your decorations to the party’s theme, like bales of hay for a country party or leis for a Hawaiian party.
Ensure Ample Seating
Make sure you have enough seating for all guests. Guests who are forced to stand for the full party are less likely to have a good time and more likely to leave early.
Even if you plan on having standing tables or a dance floor, you’ll still want to make sure each guest has a chair to sit on. This can prevent them from feeling pressured to mingle if they’re not yet ready to do so.
Create a Dance Floor
A dance floor is a must for a summer party, especially if you have music. You could designate a part of the backyard for a makeshift dance floor or rent dance floor pieces.
Some people may also turn a backyard patio or deck into a dance floor. Make sure you position the band or speakers near the dance floor to encourage guests to join in on the fun.
Provide Outdoor Activities for All Ages
To make your summer BBQ party more inclusive and enjoyable for guests of all ages, consider offering a range of outdoor activities. Set up a designated area with games and activities suitable for both children and adults.
Some popular options include setting up a volleyball or badminton net, organizing a friendly game of touch football or soccer, or arranging a water balloon toss. You could also rent a bounce house or an inflatable water slide for younger attendees to enjoy.
By providing a variety of outdoor activities, you’ll keep your guests engaged and entertained throughout the party.
Create a DIY Food Station
Add a creative and interactive element to your summer BBQ party by setting up a DIY food station. This allows your guests to customize their meals according to their preferences.
Choose a popular food item, such as tacos, burgers, or hot dogs, and set up a station with various toppings, sauces, and condiments.
Provide a wide range of options, including different types of cheeses, pickles, onions, lettuce, tomatoes, and a selection of sauces and spices.
This not only encourages guests to get involved in the food preparation process but also ensures that everyone can create a meal they’ll enjoy. Additionally, consider offering vegetarian or vegan options to accommodate guests with dietary restrictions.
Incorporate Water-Based Activities
Take advantage of the warm weather and make a splash by incorporating water-based activities into your summer BBQ party. If you have access to a pool, encourage guests to bring their swimwear and enjoy a refreshing swim. Provide pool floats, beach balls, and water toys to enhance the water experience.
If a pool is not available, consider setting up a sprinkler system or a water slide in the backyard. Water balloon fights or a DIY slip ‘n slide can also be exciting options.
These water-based activities not only help guests cool off but also add an element of fun and excitement to the party. Just make sure to have ample towels and a changing area available for guests to dry off or change clothes.
Set Up a Bar
Rather than serving drinks from the cooler, you could also set up a makeshift bar. Use a folding table and display the main liquors and mixers you have to help guests order. Keep costs low by creating a menu of available drinks using a few common alcohols.
The Take Away
Summer parties are an exceptional way to celebrate the summer season. The best parties make guests comfortable, ensure they’re entertained, and offer a unique twist that allows the party to stand out from other summer barbecues.
