With spring here now and the warmer weather right around the corner, you may be thinking about throwing an outdoor get together at your home soon. Although barbecues are a more casual affair than a sit-down dinner or party, you still don’t want to leave all your planning until the last minute.
Throwing the perfect spring barbecue takes a little time, commitment, and energy, but by following a few steps, you’ll host an event that gets remembered for all the right reasons.
Clean Up Outdoor Areas
Before you host a barbecue, spend some time cleaning up your outdoor areas. Doing this makes the space(s) look more appealing to your guests, ensures there are fewer hazards for people to hurt themselves on, and it gives you more room to entertain.
Try to look at your outdoor areas with fresh eyes. We get used to messiness and clutter in our spaces after seeing it all the time, so attempt to notice things that truly don’t need to be there. Follow decluttering tips like removing broken items and goods you no longer use, or re-homing things that should be stored somewhere else.
Give People Notice
Barbecues are casual get-togethers, but this doesn’t mean you shouldn’t give people plenty of notice about the date. Don’t assume invitees will be available at the last minute for this kind of low-key event. The more notice you can give, the better.
You’ll never be able to find a day and time that suits everyone, but do your best to settle on details that will work for as many guests as possible. For instance, keep in mind that if you want to invite parents with young children, you’ll need to set the barbecue for a child-friendly time of day if you’re inviting those youngsters too. Also, follow up with guests to get their RSVP, so you know exactly how many numbers you’ll have.
Prepare Your Grill
One of the key components of any good barbecue is having a good grill on which to cook. Always check your cooker well before the event to ensure it’s clean and in proper working order. With summer just around the corner, now is a good time to consider buying a new machine, too, especially if your current grill is no longer working as it should and will be too costly to repair.
You’ll find many different products to choose from these days, so do your research to find the best fit for your needs. Check online and in stores for all the top brands, such as the popular Traeger grills, and be sure to choose a cooker that suits your preference for grilling style, such as gas, charcoal, or electric.
Plan Menus
Be organized by planning your barbecue menus well before the day. Find out about any allergies, intolerances, or food preferences your guests have and choose meals accordingly. Then, for every dish and drink, plan out the list of ingredients you need to buy. Double-check you have everything you need at least the day before your barbecue, so you don’t start the get-together and then realize you’re missing a key ingredient.
Unless you’re a practiced cook or have lots of time on the day, it’s wise not to get too fancy with your menu. Barbecues are laid-back affairs, so food and drink options should also be relaxed. Simple dishes are enjoyable and won’t leave you feeling too stressed.
Plus, it also helps to do as much food preparation as you can before the barbecue. This way, when the time comes and guests arrive, you’ll have more time to interact with them and won’t be chained to the kitchen or grill.
Don’t Forget Other Practical Considerations
To throw a memorable barbecue, set the scene. Dress up your outdoor area with some striking yet minimal decorations, such as fairy lights, tea light candles, and matching dinnerware and crockery. Ensure you have plenty of sprays or bug zappers to keep insects away, as well as sunscreen if your barbecue is a day-time affair.
Make trash bags or cans available for people to put rubbish in as the barbecue progresses, so you have less mess to clean up at the end of the event. Have a bad-weather plan in place in case it rains or is incredibly windy or cold, too, and set up some tunes for ambience. Also, have some fun games on hand for children.
Barbecues are fun events that provide great ways to catch up with the key people in your life in a relaxed manner. Follow the tips above to ensure your next barbecue is as enjoyable as possible, for you as well as your guests.
