Summer is the perfect time to host a backyard get-together with friends, family and lots of food. Strawberries are in season and the weather is finally warm enough to fire up the grill. Between the delicious ribs, cold beers, and great friends, barbeques are the perfect activity for summer. If you plan on throwing a memorable backyard get together this summer, here are some pointers that will make it an absolute blowout.
Hire a Band
Live music is the best way make any backyard BBQ a raging good time. Live music always brings a certain level of authenticity to an outdoor even. What’s more, it doesn’t cost as much as you might think. There are plenty of starving musicians out there who would be happy to take any gig they can get their hands on, even if it pays $100.
If your neighbors will complain about the noise or a live band is out of the question, set some speakers up outside and play live recordings of your favorite artists.
Dress for the Occasion
No one is suggesting that you get decked out in a full suit or cocktail dress for a casual backyard gathering, but you should dress to impress. Summer BBQs are a perfect time to invite your new boss and coworkers over so you can start working towards that promotion. For the fellas, a clean pair of men’s short shorts and a short-sleeve collared shirt is the way to go. Ladies, consider a flowy, floral dress and your best pair of flats—you’re going to walk around a lot so you can skip the heels. Make sure whatever you wear is classy, casual, and comfortable. The weather will likely be warm so avoid long-sleeve shirts or anything made of heavy materials.
Serve the Best Food
Arguably the most important element of any barbeque is the food. It’s time to dust off the old grill and break out your famous recipe book. When it comes to dining, it’s best to pick a theme and stick to it. While American style BBQs are always familiar and fun, why not mix it up this year with a Hawaiian theme? Consider digging a temporary hole in the backyard to make an imu (traditional Hawaiian fire pit for cooking meat). Blow your friends and coworkers away with your versatility and multi-culturalism.
If cooking isn’t your thing or you find the pressure to be overwhelming, you can always cater the event. Catering your barbeque might feel like a cop-out, but planning a large party is stressful, and there’s no shame in cutting a few corners here and there.
Pro tip: Ask your guests to bring sides and beverages to cut back on costs and take some of the relieve some of the pressure (just make sure Karen doesn’t put any raisins in the potato salad).
Drinks
A party or barbeque wouldn’t be complete without some festive summer cocktails. Hosting a 4th of July BBQ? Make some red, white, and blue beverages for your guests. Put them in mason jars for that added down-home aesthetic.
Hosting more of a fiesta than a traditional barbeque? Better break out the blender for some killer margaritas. Don’t settle for any old boring store-bought margarita mix; go all out with freshly squeezed lime and triple sec. When it comes to tequila, Patron is the best bang for your buck.
For your guests who prefer beer and wine, make sure you have a decent enough selection so that everyone will find something they like. Costco is the best place to shop for bulk variety boxes of beer, and wine too!
Decorations
No backyard barbeque is complete without out some degree of decoration and décor. Head down to Party City or go online to pick up some multi-colored streamers and tie them from tree to tree.
String lights are a great way to keep the party going after the sun sets. Alternatively, large multi-colored paper lanterns are also fantastic for subtle lighting and charming ambiance on cool summer nights.
Don’t be basic; host an EXTRA-ordinary barbeque this summer. Use these helpful tips to throw the biggest summer blowout of the year!
