With the weather warming up, the season of barbecue cook-out events is upon us. Here are a few helpful things to keep in mind when planning your next BBQ bash!
1. Stock up: Make sure you have enough of everything that you’ll need to make your event a success. This means enough charcoal for the grill as well as enough food. The wonderful thing about barbecuing is that so many tasty favorites can be cooked on the grill. If you have a variety of items like hot dogs, hamburgers, steaks, and ribs, it can be hard to tell in advance how many of your guests will want each option. It’s always better to have some leftovers than to be short a burger!
2. Have options: While you’re at the store making sure you have enough supplies, consider adding a few extra options to certain areas of the meal. For example, you could buy ingredients for an all-American burger flavor, some for a Latin asado-style sauce, and some for a Hawaiian rib rub. These days it’s also a good idea to have a vegetarian option on hand. Don’t forget to make sure to have lots of kinds of drinks for your guests to choose from as well!
3. Get creative: Try a new spin on some barbecue favorites to spice up your event. Instead of serving regular burgers, make sliders that your guests can snack on easily. Skewers and kabobs also make a nice change of pace and are an easy way to add veggies into a meal.
4. Entertain your guests: Make sure your guests’ only option for entertainment isn’t just watching you grill. If you have a pool, clean it out ahead of time and buy a few inflatable rafts. If you have a nice yard, bring out the sports balls and lawn chairs. Music is another great way to set a fun mood at your barbecue – make a playlist beforehand full of some favorite summer tunes.
