Whether you plan to host a 4th of July party or plan a barbecue with friends or family this summer, it is essential to be prepared.

Photo by Lee Myungseong on Unsplash

Here Are Some Great Tips For Planning The Perfect Outdoor Get-Together:

Choose A Place And Time:

A summer barbeque’s best days and times are Friday, Saturday, or Sunday, late afternoon/evening, or midday. This will free up more time, put your mind at ease, and allow guests to attend the barbecue while doing their weekend chores. Whether it’s in your backyard, on your apartment deck, or outdoors with a grill, hosting a great barbecue is easy. You can also bring a small grill to a park, beach, or even in the backyard of your own home. 

Having a small BBQ get-together on your apartment’s terrace can be just as fun. However, bear in mind that it might get a little crowded, depending on how many guests you plan on inviting if you are worried about the weather, that’s okay! Just fry the meat and let everyone eat indoors. It will still be fun and festive!

Invite People: 

Texting is a good idea for small parties such as your family or friends. However, it would be best to send an email or invitation for large BBQ parties. Small parties are usually easy to manage.

Decide What Food Will Be Served: 

Choose hamburgers, pulled pork, BBQ ribs, chicken skewers, and a couple of side dishes such as a salad for main courses. If you want to go the extra mile, do a quick search and see how to make homemade worcestershire sauce as a marinade for your meats. 

Drinks To Be Served:

Soda, wine, beer and punch should cover drinks. Snacks are best to start with chips and dip or a vegetarian plate. Chips and dips and a veggie platter are always a winner! A large pre-made vegetable and dip tray is a must! You can buy a veggie platter or make it yourself! Add a large bowl of chips (kids like these),  hummus or other dipping sauces, a large bowl of delicious tortilla chips, and a large bowl of guacamole, and you’re good to go.

Consider Adjusting For Your Guests: 

As always, adjust with what your guests eat and do not eat; for example, if your friends are vegetarians, focus more on vegetable dishes along with some meat options. If a group of red beef lovers visits, you may want to give up the chicken. Will there be a lot of kids? Make sure you have enough juice boxes available.

Pay Attention To Details:

Make sure you have enough napkins, plates, glasses for both wine, beer and soda purposes and utensils for your guests. For a more personal touch, put on some great music to set the mood for your barbeque. No matter how busy your party gets, make sure you spend time with your guests instead of slaving away in your kitchen.

Decide How Big Your Barbeque Party Will Be.

A Big Shindig: 

If you are hosting a big barbecue, it gives you room to invite a few extra people, however, keep in mind the amount of space you have available so that it does not get too crowded. Don’t be afraid to ask your guests to bring extra snacks or dishes such as a dessert, side dishes, or a bottle of soda. 

For example, if a guest wants to bring their grandmother’s “famous” German potato salad” or a fruit tart, they just have to “warm-up” in your oven for 10 minutes before dishing up; allow them to do so. It might not complement the food you have already prepared, but your friend will definitely appreciate it.

A Small Gathering: 

Intimate barbecues are just as fun as large ones and a lot easier to do because you have more time to mingle with your friends. And there’s less food to prepare and cook and less cleanup. In addition, the cost of the party is also less. 

Many people prefer to host a few small get-together barbecues during the summer rather than a big one. You can go on a small scale like inviting your family or a group of friends. Anyway, it’s always fun. Many experienced party organizers find that they actually enjoy holding smaller, more manageable barbecues.

See who’s really coming: 

Finally, remember to follow up with your guests to make sure they will be attending your Soiree! This cannot be stressed enough when it comes to larger barbecues. Guests may say they’re coming, but they don’t show up (or they don’t respond to your initial invitation). It will be easier if you know for sure how many guests will come.

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This is a contributed post