With the arrival of spring and summer comes the signature scent of barbecue. We’re all familiar with the enticing aroma. When you smell barbecue in the air for the first time in months, it usually means blue skies and sunny days ahead.
Sooner or later, everyone with a backyard and a grill thinks about hosting a barbecue party. It’s a great way to get the gang together to share good times, good drinks, and good food.
With that said, hosting a backyard barbecue party is easier said than done, especially if it’s your first time. It requires careful planning and the ability to provide a comfortable experience for your guests.
The good news is that, with several more weeks of winter in store for those living in the northern hemisphere, there’s plenty of time to prepare. Let’s get started by covering the essentials. The following is a reliable checklist for planning a backyard barbecue:
Large grill
Whether it’s charcoal, electric, or propane, you need a large grill if you’re planning on hosting a party. Otherwise, you’ll be grilling the entire time and struggling to keep everything warm. You’ll also need an adequate array of grilling utensils, including fire-resistant spatulas and tongs. A meat thermometer is another essential. Lastly, stock up on several aluminum trays with lids to keep grilled food nice and hot once it’s off the grill.
Tables and chairs
Will there be adequate seating for your guests? Since they’ll be eating, you need tables to go along with the chairs. If you plan on hosting more backyard parties down the line, consider investing in durable folding tables and similarly reusable folding chairs that can be easily stored when not in use. If opting for reusable tables, you might want to buy some disposable tablecloths to keep the inevitable spills from staining the surface.
Plates, napkins, and utensils
Make sure to provide guests with plenty of paper plates, plastic utensils, and napkins. Keep these items on the same serving table as the food. In order to expedite the post-party cleaning process, provide your guests with an easily accessible garbage receptacle to discard their trash once they’re finished.
Cold drinks
Stock up on beer, bottled water, and soda. Keep cans and bottles ice cold by submerging them in an ice chest or cooler. Depending on the number of guests, you may need more than one cooler to keep refreshments nice and cold.
Frozen cocktails
You might think serving frozen cocktails at a barbecue party would be a logistical hassle. But that’s where frozen cocktail pops enter the picture. They’re essentially alcohol-infused popsicles. With this in mind, keep an ice chest stocked with spirited ice. With the midday sun beaming down on their heads, your guests will be grateful you did.
Hot dogs and hamburgers
Experienced grillers know there’s more to barbecue than hot dogs and hamburgers. There’s chicken, steak, and shrimp, just to name a few. As the host, you can grill whatever you want. But we suggest including hot dogs and hamburgers as a way to keep things simple. Just don’t forget the buns and condiments.
Meat alternatives
Don’t alienate the vegans in attendance by forgetting to include some meat alternatives. Furthermore, consider preparing these alternatives on a separate grilling surface, such as an indoor electric grill, in order to prevent cross-contamination.
Savory side dishes
Consider asking your guests to bring side dishes. Most of them will be happy to do so. Just make sure to coordinate with them in order to get a balanced selection of savory side dishes. From salads to casseroles, chances are your guests will arrive with some excellent additions to your existing spread.
Delicious desserts
Popular barbecue desserts include fruit pies, ice cream, and cheesecake. Again, you might want to pick up at least one vegan option for any guests who avoid dairy.
While it might be freezing where you are, the warmth will arrive sooner than you think. With it, the opportunity to host a backyard barbecue party. If you decide to do so, just make sure to do the right things to ensure your guests have a great time.
Vivien Bell is a freelance writer from Maryland. She enjoys writing about education, family, home living, and pet care.
