Summer is the perfect time of year to get the backyard BBQ season started. Many people wait all year long just for the chance to grill their favorite foods over an open flame and gather family and friends together to enjoy great food and the wonderful, sunny weather. With just a few helpful tips, you can turn your next backyard BBQ into the event of the year.
Probably not the most enjoyable part of the BBQ planning process, although a very necessary consideration, is bug control. With a few simple tricks you can help prevent your backyard BBQ from turning into a bug bonanza. If you have an outdoor covered area, this is the best place to set out any food items, keeping them covered as much as possible with plastic wrap or protective lids. You may also want to invest in a few repellent candles or torches; these can really be quite effective for keeping mosquitoes at bay.
When most of us think BBQs, it’s most likely that grilling meats and savory side dishes are the first things to come to mind. However, don’t forget about planning your drink menu; your guests will be sure to appreciate your careful planning in this area.
Make sure you have a wide variety of options, including both alcoholic and non-alcoholic choices. Wine and beer are always standard; step your BBQ up a notch and offer several choices so that all of your guests will find what they like. You may even want to consider whipping up a batch of frozen cocktails such as margaritas or daiquiris. Throw in some seasonal fresh fruit and you will surely become the hit of the party.
Deciding what to grill for the main course should not be a complicated decision; keeping it simple makes things easier for everyone. Hamburgers and hot dogs usually get the job done; if you are itching for more of a variety consider marinating some chicken breasts or grilling up some delicious beef and vegetable kebabs. Whatever you decide on will surely turn out tasty and flavorful, one of the beautiful things about BBQ’ing is that food just tastes better grilled over an open flame and it’s pretty difficult to mess it up.
As your guests begin to arrive and settle in, make sure to have plenty of snacks available for munching and accompanying that first round of drinks. These in no way need to be anything fancy, in fact a few bowls of chips or pretzels and maybe even a fresh vegetable tray with dip will do the trick. Another BBQ favorite that you might want to consider adding to the spread is sliced watermelon. There is nothing that says summer more than a big juicy bite of perfectly ripe watermelon.
Lastly, no barbecue would be complete without all the tasty traditional side dishes such as baked beans, macaroni and potato salad. You can even suggest that each guest bring their favorite selection to share with the rest of the party.
With a little bit of planning and preparation, you can be sure that your backyard BBQ will be the event of the season. Make the most out of the summer and get started planning your own gathering today.
Byron Jonas invariably uses shade canopies for his frontyard barbecues. There is nothing like instant marquees to take the burn out of the Australian sun.
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