With less than two months of summer left, if you haven’t had a backyard BBQ party yet, then consider this your invitation. Here’s how to make sure the planning and preparation goes smoothly.
Get the right gear.
The type of grill you have will play a role in how well your BBQ turns out. If you don’t yet own a grill, decide whether you want a charcoal or gas barbecue. Charcoal grills get very hot and add a nice smoky flavor to the meat. The downside is that you’ll need to manually light and preheat the grill for at least 20 minutes.
On the other hand, a gas barbecue is more expensive but cost-effective. You can use a smoker box and wood chips to add a smoky flavor. The downside is that parts can break and often require replacing the entire grill.
Prep the meat.
Depending on the type of meat you’ll be grilling, you’ll need to prepare dry rubs, marinades, and sauces. Some meats can even be injected for extra flavor. Be sure to do some research on cuts and spices before purchasing and preparing the meat.
Gather the utensils and platters.
Don’t light the grill until you’ve got the spatula, tongs, and plates nearby. Also, avoid using a fork to puncture the meat as this could cause the juices to escape and dry out the meat.
Plan the appetizers.
Whether you keep the appetizers simple or choose to make them as exciting as the BBQ, your guests will want something to munch on while they wait for the meat. A few appetizers you could serve up are crab cakes, bacon guac bombs, and tortellini skewers.
Check out these appetizers for your next BBQ.
Set a theme.
The theme possibilities for a BBQ are endless. You could go Hawaiian or Caribbean. Mexican or Southern. You could even choose a favorite movie or TV show for your theme, such as Friends.
Send out the invitations.
Once you’ve selected a theme, create the invitations and encourage guests to dress accordingly. You could even set up a contest for best dressed.
Set up shade, seating — or a hammock.
Since it’s summer, make sure you’ve got enough seating under a tree or on the patio.
Pack the drinks.
Either pack an ice chest with soda and water, or create your own fruity drinks. Check out these recipes for inspiration.
If you’d like to leave the barbecuing to the pros, call CowgirlQ and we’ll make sure every guest remembers your BBQ party for years to come!