Everyone wants to throw an amazing summer BBQ. In theory it’s a simple idea but to pull off an epic BBQ event, you have to make sure that you tick off all the boxes and scratch off every item on the epic BBQ checklist. For a summer gathering to be remembered, and for your guests to be entertained, your backyard BBQ bash needs to have each of the essential BBQ elements.
Set the Mood
The setting of your BBQ is what your guests will initially see and experience. Similar to how paint colours can change the way you feel about a room, how you structure your BBQ party is essential to how much fun your guests have.
- Lighting: string lights or LED strips can add a touch of fun and excitement to your BBQ and help to set the mood.
- Seating Arrangements: tablecloths, seat covers and placemats may be appropriate and can help to add extra flair to your backyard BBQ event.
- Music: Your friends and family love music and having a varied and interesting mix of music will add another layer of awesome to your evening.
- Decorations: Tea lights, decorative plants, customisable mason jars, and all other manner of decorations can be used to make the layout of your summer bash more interesting.
Cook the Feast
Kirsty from The Garden Living Company says: “The star of the show is always the BBQ feast. For this part to go off without a hitch, you need to have the right tools and equipment, the right ingredients and the right attitude.”
- Grill: you will have to choose whether to use propane, a natural gas grill or charcoal BBQ for your cooking party. Each provides its own unique qualities so choose your grill wisely!
- Tools: Tongs, flippers, thermometers, bowls, serving utensils, and more will be necessary to execute the most epic BBQ. A great craftsman always has the right tools for the job.
- Serving Platters: You need to be able to show off the goods when they are ready to be eaten so be sure to have serving platters for your appetisers, mains and desserts.
- Safety: fire extinguishers are a must and having a first aid kit nearby is always a good idea when having a backyard BBQ bash.
- Appetizers: Veggies and dip, chips, salsa, guacamole, grilled shrimp… the list could go on forever. Be sure to have a variety of appetisers that suit the crowd at the BBQ.
- Mains and Sides: From steak to seafood and potato salad to grilled corn on the cob, you need a combination of mains and sides to give your guests the best possible BBQ experience.
- Dessert: Don’t forget dessert! Ice cream, pies, grilled fruits and even crepes are a fantastic way to finish a BBQ meal.
Enjoy the Fun
BBQs are not a simple in-and-out eating event. They are a celebration of food, family and friends and should be treated as such.
- Beverages: iced tea, pops, beers and cocktails are all part of the equation that leads to a memorable backyard party.
- BBQ Themes: to spice things up, you can do a BBQ theme and see how the guest list brings it to life!
- Fire/ Heating: depending on the weather, evening fire or indirect heating is a great way to keep the party going when all the food is eaten.
- Back-up Plans: be ready for a change in the weather and have back-up plans in case you need to bring the party indoors.
Enjoy the Ultimate Grilling Experience
Cooked meats, cold drinks, great friends and good vibes are there for the taking. Use this guide and throw yourself the ultimate grilling party this summer.