Let's explore some unique ways to elevate your backyard barbeque game. From setup and decorations to food and drinks, as well as entertainment and activities, we’ve got you covered.
Setup and Decorations
Creating the perfect backyard BBQ party is all about the setup and decorations. Transforming your outdoor space into a comfortable, inviting environment will make your guests feel right at home. Here are a few important things to consider when setting up your BBQ bash.
Choosing the Perfect BBQ Grill
Before anything else, you need a great grill to cook up those delicious BBQ dishes.
Ensure you invest in a high-quality grill that caters to your specific needs and preferences. Some popular grill types include:
Charcoal grills: Classic BBQ taste, but may require more patience and skill
Gas grills: Easy to control temperature and quick heating, but may lack the authentic flavor of charcoal grills
Electric grills: Convenient and smokeless, but not as powerful as gas grills
Portable grills: Perfect for small gatherings or those with limited outdoor space
When choosing a grill, also consider its size and cooking surface area. The right size grill ensures that you have enough space to cook a variety of dishes simultaneously and cater to a larger number of guests.
Selecting Comfortable Seating Arrangements
A cozy seating arrangement helps your guests enjoy your backyard BBQ party to the fullest. Consider the number of guests you're expecting and provide adequate seating accordingly. Go for weather-resistant outdoor furniture, like benches, picnic tables, or a combination of chairs and tables. Spice up your seating arrangement with stylish outdoor cushions, which not only add a pop of color but also increase comfort.
For a more casual atmosphere, try setting up a lounge area with outdoor rugs, oversized pillows, and low tables, perfect for guests to kick back and relax. A combination of both formal and informal seating options caters to various guest preferences, ensuring everyone feels comfortable and accommodated.
Incorporating Themed Decorations and Lighting
Enhance your backyard BBQ atmosphere with themed decorations and lighting. Consider choosing a fun theme like a tropical theme, rustic theme, or even a retro theme, complete with matching tableware, napkins, and centerpieces. Add string lights or lanterns to create a warm and inviting ambiance as the sun sets.
For daytime BBQs, be sure to keep your guests cool by setting up within a shaded area or using large outdoor umbrellas to keep your guests cool and comfortable. Solar-powered decorations and lights are eco-friendly options that add a unique touch to your backyard space while conserving energy.
Food and Drinks
No backyard BBQ is complete without delicious food and drinks. To ensure a successful party, plan a diverse menu that caters to various dietary preferences and offers different food and beverage options.
Planning a Diverse Menu
Be sure that your backyard barbecue has a well-rounded menu that includes appetizers, mains, sides, desserts, and beverages for your backyard BBQ party along with some themed tableware. Of course, you'll want to have plenty of BBQ classics for your hungry guests, but don't forget to cook up some tasty grub for any guests who may have food allergies or special diets.
Classic BBQ Favorites
Serve some traditional BBQ dishes like burgers, hot dogs, steaks, and ribs. You can also provide delicious homemade condiments and a variety of toppings so guests can customize their BBQ experience. You can also experiment with marinated chicken, fish, or shrimp skewers for added variety. Sides such as coleslaw, macaroni salad, baked beans, and cornbread complete the feast.
Vegetarian and Vegan Options
Offer vegetarian and vegan-friendly dishes to cater to all guests. Try grilled portobello mushrooms, veggie burgers, or plant-based hot dogs. Additionally, include plenty of meatless sides like grilled vegetable skewers, pasta salads, and fruit platters. This ensures no one goes home hungry and everyone can enjoy your delicious BBQ party spread.
Pairing Drinks with the Menu
Offer a variety of drinks that pair well with your backyard BBQ menu. This includes options for both hot and cool days and selections of both alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages.
Refreshing Beverages for a Hot Day
On sunny days, keep guests cool with chilled drinks. Homemade lemonade or iced tea, flavored water, and fruity mocktails are excellent non-alcoholic options that can be made in big batches to serve lots of guests. For those who prefer adult beverages, stock a cooler with cold beers, ciders, and crisp, refreshing wines.
Serving Alcoholic and Non-Alcoholic Options
Having a variety of drink options for your BBQ guests is essential. Be sure to offer a mix of alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages to cater to everyone's preferences. Additionally, ensure you have plenty of water available to keep guests hydrated throughout the event.
Entertainment and Activities
Planning a perfect backyard party involves a wide range of activities, from selecting the right games to setting up the perfect ambiance. In this article, we will cover a variety of entertainment and activities that cater to both adults and kids, ensuring a memorable and fun-filled gathering.
Fun games for adults and kids
Choosing games that are enjoyable for all ages is essential for a successful backyard barbecue. Here are some classic games that are not only fun but also easy to set up and play for both kids and adults.
Cornhole: A classic lawn game played by throwing bean bags at a raised platform with a hole at the far end. With the option for friendly competition or playing in teams, cornhole caters to people of all ages.
Giant Jenga: By supersizing the classic Jenga game with larger wooden blocks, this game offers suspenseful and thrilling entertainment for guests at your backyard party.
Horseshoes: An easy-to-set-up game, horseshoes requires only a few pegs and rings (or horseshoes if you've got them). Participants are simply challenged to throw a ring or horseshoe around the pegs from a certain distance, making it a straightforward game that anyone can join.
Twister: Both kids and adults find the challenge of contorting their bodies on a large mat with colored circles hilarious and enjoyable. This game is perfect for breaking the ice and getting your guests to mingle.
Water balloon toss: A must-have in summer backyard barbecues, a water balloon toss offers a refreshing way to cool down while engaging in a friendly competition.
Music and ambiance
Creating the right atmosphere is crucial for any backyard barbecue. With the proper music selection and lighting, you can ensure that your guests will have a delightful time.
Music playlist: Craft a playlist of songs from different genres and eras that appeals to your diverse guest list. Aim for upbeat, happy tunes that will encourage conversation and dancing.
Lighting: String lights and lanterns create a warm and cozy ambiance, perfect for outdoor gatherings. You can also add candles or tiki torches to provide a festive atmosphere.
Seating arrangement: Ensure that you provide comfortable seating for your guests, including lawn chairs, blankets, and cushions. Arrange seating in a way that promotes interaction and fun conversations.
Table setting: Choose colorful, fun, and functional tableware that matches the theme of your backyard barbecue. Disposable or reusable plates, cups, and utensils can enhance the atmosphere and make the event feel more special.
Establishing a chill-out zone
It's important to have an area where your guests can relax and take a break from games and dancing. A designated chill-out zone should include the following elements to provide comfort and encourage conversation.
Shade: Set up a shaded area with umbrellas or a canopy to protect your guests from direct sunlight or unexpected rain showers.
Comfortable seating: Provide plush cushions, bean bags, and cozy chairs where guests can unwind and chat.
Refreshments: Offer a variety of cold beverages, including water, iced tea, and lemonade in a cooler within easy reach.
Light reading material: Arrange magazines or coffee table books for guests who might want some quiet time or an interesting read.
Ready to start planning your big backyard barbecue? Party City has all the party supplies you need for any occasion, from birthday parties and holidays to game nights and weekend get-togethers. We're here to help you celebrate and enjoy life's many moments. Explore our party supplies or visit our nearest location.
FAQs
How do I keep the bugs away during my backyard barbecue?
Place citronella candles, tiki torches, or bug repellent plants such as citronella, lavender, and marigolds around the party area to keep insects at bay. Offering bug spray to guests is also helpful.
How can I ensure there's enough food for everyone?
Plan your menu ahead of time, estimating the types of food and number of servings for each guest. It's better to have extra food on hand than not enough. You may also consider asking guests to bring a dish to share.
How do I accommodate guests with dietary restrictions?
Ask your guests about any dietary restrictions prior to the event and offer alternative options like vegetarian, vegan, or gluten-free dishes. Be sure to label these options clearly to avoid confusion.
What is the best way to handle cleanup after the barbecue?
Use disposable tableware and utensils to minimize cleanup. Additionally, place trash and recycling bins in easily accessible locations to encourage guests to discard their items responsibly.
