No matter the season, a backyard barbecue is a perfect way to entertain family and friends. But how do you ensure your barbecue is a hit? Keep reading for our tips on how to throw the perfect backyard barbecue.
Ensure there’s shade.
n order to ensure that your barbecue is a success, it’s important to provide some shade. This will keep your guests cool and comfortable, and it will also protect your food from the heat of the sun. You can provide shade with a tent, a large umbrella, or even some trees. If you don’t have any trees, you can buy retractable patio awnings.
Stock up on drinks.
Hosting a barbecue is a great way to spend a summer day or evening with friends and family. And what’s a barbecue without drinks? Whether you’re serving beer, wine, or cocktails, make sure you have enough on hand to keep your guests happy. Here are some ideas for stocking up on drinks for your next barbecue:
- Gin: Gin, such as Illusionist Gin, is a great refresher in the summers, especially with ice.
- Beer: If you’re serving beer, make sure to have a variety of brands and styles on hand. Try to have something for everyone, from light beers to IPAs.
- Wine: Wine is a popular choice for barbecues. Make sure to have a variety of reds and whites on hand, as well as some sparkling wine for special occasions.
- Cocktails: If you’re serving cocktails, mix up a few different pitchers ahead of time. Try refreshing drinks like sangria, piña coladas, or margaritas.
- Soda and water: Be sure to have plenty of soda and water on hand for those who don’t want alcohol.
Create a menu.
A well-executed backyard barbecue takes careful planning and execution. The most important part is creating a menu that will appeal to your guests. You’ll want to choose dishes that are easy to prepare, can be cooked on the grill, and taste great. Some of the best options for a barbecue include hamburgers, hot dogs, chicken breasts, ribs, and steak. You can also add some fun side dishes like potato salad, coleslaw, corn on the cob, and baked beans. And don’t forget dessert! A classic barbecue wouldn’t be complete without ice cream or pie.
To make things easier on yourself, you can prepare many of the dishes ahead of time. For example, you can cook the burgers and hot dogs ahead of time and then just heat them up on the grill when it’s time to eat. You can also preheat the oven so you can quickly bake potatoes or casseroles once your guests start arriving. With a little bit of planning, you can throw the perfect barbecue that everyone will enjoy!
Set Up the Grill
Another step in throwing the perfect barbecue is setting up the grill. Make sure to start with a clean grill, so your food doesn’t taste like charcoal. If you are using a gas grill, turn on all of the burners and heat for about 10 minutes. Then, use a paper towel to coat the grates with vegetable oil. For charcoal grills, light the charcoal and wait until it is ashen before spreading it evenly across the bottom of the grill. Next, put the cooking grate in place and let it heat up for about 10 minutes. Coat it with vegetable oil using a paper towel.
When throwing a barbecue, it is important to think about all of the details—from the food to the entertainment—in order to make sure that your guests have a good time. By planning ahead and following some simple tips, you can ensure that your barbecue is a success!
