Essentials for a Fun Backyard BBQ Gathering

Grilling veggies and meat on the barbecue.

Summer in the Pacific Northwest signals BBQ season. A BBQ is a great way to come together with friends and family. A nice summer evening isn’t complete without a BBQ.

As you prepare for the festivities, here are some tips to ensure you have a fun and carefree time with friends and family.

Set a budget
If you’re hosting a BBQ, be sure to plan a budget to set yourself up for success when purchasing food, beverages, decorations, etc. If possible, get a headcount so you have a better idea on how many people may be attending. This will help you gauge how much you’ll need to set aside for your budget.

Prepare in advance
Food is one of the main attractions when we gather. Spending time with loved ones over a meal builds community. Making sure you have a plan in place will help sort out your cooking schedule.

Are you going to serve appetizers? What will your main dish or dishes be? Do you plan to grill, bake, or smoke any of your food? How long will it take to cook all of the food on your menu?

Answering these questions will help you develop a plan of action to tackle your cooking.

Grab the essentials
As you plan your party, gather all of the food and party favors ahead of time. If you’re planning for a large event, certain items may or may not be available due to demand. For example, if you’re planning to grill, make sure you have adequate fuel to cook your food.

Once you have a plan in place, don’t delay. If you’re cooking something special beyond hot dogs or burgers make sure to put in your order with your local meat or specialty shop. Another fun part about a backyard BBQ is that there are plenty of fun decorations that can go along with your event. Shop early so you have more options.

Keep things simple
Sometimes the best plans are the simplest ones. If you’re inviting a large group, encourage your guests to bring something to the party. You can even go a step further by asking them to bring a traditional family dish. This will not only help ease some of the cooking, planning, and financial needs, but also ensure a wide range of food and drink to enjoy.  

Be kid-friendly
If you’re anticipating that kids will be attending your gathering, have some fun kid-friendly snacks, drinks, and activities on-hand. Even simple things like popsicles or cornhole can help children feel engaged and entertained.