With beautiful weather around the bend, people are beginning to make plans to gather outside.  There is no better way to kick off the season than to host a casual get-together with family and friends.  Here are some tips to make your backyard barbeque a success:

FOCUS ON THE SET-UP

Make sure that you have plenty of seating for guests.  If you are short on chairs, you could rent them or for a more laid back feel, ask your family and friends to bring some.  While setting up a long table for everyone to eat together is a great idea, it is not necessary for a barbeque.  Most people are content to find a shady spot in your yard and enjoy the food, drink and conversation.  On a warm and sunny day, it would be best to set up umbrellas or a shade tent so people can get relief from the heat.  If you anticipate that your gathering will last into the evening, string lights around your backyard. This will not only provide necessary lighting, it will also create ambience and a beautiful glow.  Outdoor torches are also an excellent way to provide additional light.  If you choose torches with citronella, it may prevent bug bites.  Make sure to keep bug spray, sunscreen, and a first-aid kit handy, as well as a fire extinguisher in case your grill goes up in smoke.   Last tip for set-up: ensure that garbage is kept away from your guests. This will reduce pesky bees and wasps from buzzing around and perhaps save a guest or two from a nasty sting.  

SET UP FOOD BARS

Barbeques should be casual and fun so try not to overthink the menu.  Go for the usual crowd pleasers: burgers, hotdogs, sausage on a bun, potato salads, green salads and corn-on-the cob.  Most people are happy to help themselves at casual events, so go ahead and set up a food bar like the ones described below: 

BURGER BAR

A burger bar will satisfy most of your meat loving guests.  Provide burgers, buns, and toppings and condiments galore so that your party-goers can create a burger that will satisfy their taste buds. 

HOT DOG BAR

This table will likely appeal most to your youngest and pickiest guests. Provide soft buns and various toppings and condiments needed to build a scrumptious hot dog.

*Note: There are also vegan or vegetarian versions of burgers and hot dogs for those who prefer or require plant based proteins.

KEEP THE DRINKS COLD

On warm days, it is important to keep hydrated.  Ensure that guests have access to plenty of water and other non-alcoholic drinks like lemonade and iced tea.   If you are providing alcoholic beverages for your adult guests, consider making mocktails for the kids or for those who do not consume alcohol. Whatever you provide, make sure that you have plenty of ice on hand. Nothing is worse than a warm cocktail or mocktail. 

DON’T FORGOT THE ENTERTAINMENT

Set the mood with cool summer beats and ensure that the volume allows people to speak to one another without shouting.   Include summer classics on the playlist to create a relaxing vibe.  If you have a pool, that is generally all you need to keep the crowd pleased (and cool!).  Other fun options include a piñata, ring toss game, horseshoes, cornhole or bocce.  When the sun sets, you could also set up a movie in the backyard.  

DON’T FORGET DESSERT

Stick to sweets that won’t melt in the sun:  apple pie, cobbler, strawberry shortcake, lemon meringue pie, and lots of well arranged fresh fruit like watermelon, berries, and grilled pineapple.  Refreshing, homemade fresh fruit popsicles are also a hit.  Other options for dessert might include a candy buffet stocked with jelly beans, gum balls, lollipops, sugar sticks and licorice.  If you still have a sweet tooth after the sun goes down, you could set up a sundae bar with an assortment of toppings so that your guests can customize their dream sundae!

Nothing is better than a summer barbeque with friends and family.  Cheers to beautiful weather and fantastic gatherings.