Tips For Hosting an End of the Summer BBQ

Sadly, we’re approaching the end of the summer. Kids are going back to school. Vacation at the beach is a thing of the past. We’re beginning to lose our minds because Halloween and Thanksgiving decorations are already out at our local stores! WHAT! Don’t fret though, because we still have beautiful weather. Why not enjoy a wonderful meal with friends and family, great music and fun games outdoors? To get you started, here are some tips for hosting an end of the summer BBQ that your friends and family won’t stop talking about and look forward to all week.

Backyard Cleanup

You have to start somewhere, so why not start where guests will be spending the most time? Make sure you mow the grass and weed eat any outgrown weeds. Clean up any lost toys around the yard. Take a second look for any gifts your pets have left around for you to step in. Overall, think of it as if your guests were to come in the house, how spotless would you leave it? Try to at least make it half as clean as that.

Decor and Set Up

After you have the yard cleaned up, you’ll want to start with the decor and set up. Some tiki torches are always fun and bonus, you can get them with the citronella where they not only light up your yard, but also keep those pestering bugs away. It also never hurts to keep a can of bug spray or some extra citronella candles spread out. Keep a large trash can around, but not too close to any food or guests. A lot of people tend to stand around, but make sure there is plenty of seating around for them to relax. Add some string lights around the deck or trees to keep it pretty and light. If you are including a bonfire, have that set up with a couple chairs around it and plenty of firewood ready to go so you don’t have to worry about it at the last minute. If you want to take it a step further, come up with a fun theme and run with it. Get some cool plates and cups, and even add balloons and other quirky decorations.

Food and Beverage

For the food, you always want to keep it fairly simple. Finger foods are always best. Hamburgers, hot dogs, corn on the cob, veggie skewers, chips and dip, veggie platters and there is so much more. For dessert, you can prepare some fruit skewers, cookies, brownies, or ice cream cones are always easy to make and easy for guests to enjoy too. For beverages, it’s always a great idea to keep a couple beverage dispensers stocked full of lemonade, tea and especially water. This way, you don’t have to run back in the house over and over to get drinks for everyone. 

Music

You want to get a feel for the guests that will be joining you for this one. Get a good mix of different types of music. Summer hits are always feel good music for a BBQ. You could also pick a couple of playlists on Spotify that are popular. Make sure the music isn’t too loud, but loud enough for everyone to hear outdoors. 

Games

Keep guests entertained with fun outdoor games. Some of the best games to get people up and active are cornhole, ring toss, water balloon fights, outdoor giant Jenga, slip and slide, lawn twister, and limbo.. Just to name a few! Kiddos especially love anything including water, sidewalk chalk, and bubbles.

Smores

You absolutely can’t forget the smores. This is a BBQ must. It’s essential to hosting the best BBQ. If you decided to go with a bonfire, get everyone rounded up together by the fire and get your smores ingredients out and enjoy the deliciousness. It’s so much fun for everyone to roast marshmallows and put it on some yummy graham crackers and your fav chocolate. Or if you didn’t go with the bonfire, you can also prepare the smores by setting them in some aluminum foil, and cooking them on the grill. Perfect end to an awesome day. 

Most importantly, don’t get overly stressed. This is supposed to be a fun time, a chance to relax, enjoy eating good food, and spending time with the people you love and care for. Use these tips for hosting a BBQ and it will help prepare you for your next get together!