How to Host a BBQ Everyone Will Love

Summer is almost here, and it’s time to start planning those fabulous get-togethers with family and friends you’ve been missing throughout the winter season. The best thing about a barbeque is the simplicity of it.

You don’t have to worry about cleaning your house from top to bottom because the gathering happens outdoors. Paper plates and cups are perfectly acceptable, and cleanup should be a breeze. The trick to a perfect summer party is not to overthink it.

To avoid getting overwhelmed, keep relaxation and ease in mind during the planning and execution phases of your summer party. Your focus should be on food and fun. Here are some tips and tricks to a stress-free, memorable barbeque.

Prepare Delightful Drinks

You can liven up any party with the right mixed drink. Avoid spending hundreds of dollars at the liquor store by narrowing the drink menu to a few easy recipes.

Some cocktails are more refreshing than others on a hot summer day. Keep your happy hour light and simple—overcomplicated mixes will have you tending bar when you should be hanging out with your loved ones.

Drop some ginger beer in your grocery cart and find a recipe for how to make a Moscow mule.

Additionally, offering a mocktail option for teetotaling guests is a great way to make sure everyone feels welcome and included in the festivities.

Upscale BBQ Menu Ideas Can Include a Charming Charcuterie

You want to give your guests something unique and comment-worthy to nibble on while they wait for the grilled food, but you don’t want to spend two days preparing appetizers from scratch ahead of your party. Charcuterie is the answer.

Pick up a selection of hard and soft cheeses as well as some pre-sliced meats from the deli section. Fold, roll, slice and stack onto your favorite wooden cutting board, and fill the empty spaces with ramekins of olives, artichokes, pickles, and other colorful condiments.

Your visitors will swoon over the beautiful display, and you’ll revel in the knowledge that the most challenging part was opening the jars.

Grill Up the Best BBQ Foods

The magic happening at the grill is the highlight of your party. Whether you’re grilling up burgers, hot dogs, steaks, or chicken, preparation is essential, but it doesn’t have to consume you. It can be as easy as pulling the meat out of the freezer the day before or mixing up a quick marinade for overnight soaking.

For a last-minute gathering, you can often find pre-marinated protein options in the meat department of your local grocery store. Either way, everyone will love it and appreciate you for making it happen.

Join the BBQ Fun

Don’t spend the entire party in host mode. Give yourself a break and come out from behind the kitchen island to commune with your friends. This barbeque is as much for you as it is for them, and they want you to enjoy it too.

You don’t have to be Martha Stewart to throw a fantastic summer barbeque. You can do as much or as little prep as you have time to do and still create beautiful memories for your loved ones.

Delicious Desserts Should Be on Your Backyard BBQ Menu

Don’t rely on their love for you alone to compel invitees to come to your barbeque. Let them know you’ll have cookies. Though, unless you have a particular affinity for baking, dessert should be effortless.

Watermelon is a perfect sweet treat that you can find already sliced in the store.

For a super simple spread, grab a gallon of ice cream, a box of waffle cones, some nuts, and sprinkles, and create a make-it-your-way ice cream bar.

What are some of your favorite summer BBQ recipes?