Backyard BBQ Party Ideas & Tips

If you’re looking for backyard bbq ideas and tips that’ll make your party legendary, you’ve come to the right place. We know that food is the foundation of any great gathering and what it takes to showcase any dish. So, without further ado, let’s get to all things that make the best summer barbeques, aka grilling recipes, delicious desserts, and party tips.

1. Prepare some great backyard grilling recipes

Every memorable backyard bbq has memorable food. Ensuring you have a range of dishes, including appetizers, main courses, and desserts, is necessary. We have a few suggestions like Texas Pepper Jelly Spicy, Cheesy Bean Dip, BBQ Chicken, or Strawberry Ice Cream

2. Check your guest count

Although it’s always better to have more than enough for a barbeque, there’s no need to cook up a whole hog if you’re only expecting a handful of guests. Knowing how many guests will be coming eliminates extra prep, cooking time, and cost.

3. Prep your grill before using 

Before using it each season, be sure to prep your grill and properly store it when not in use.

4. Set up trash containers

Help make tidying up easier by placing trash containers with lids around your backyard. Don’t forget to include one or two recycling cans. 

5. Practice grilling and food safety

Make food safety a priority when preparing meals, especially when cooking outdoors, over open flames, around other people and pets.

6. Marinate meats and vegetables 

Marinating meats and vegetables can enhance their texture and flavor. With that said, don’t overdo it. Too much time marinating can prove disastrous. Depending on the thickness of the meat, BBQ experts recommend 30 minutes up to 12 hours. Never marinate meat for more than 24 hours. Veggies 15 minutes should suffice.

7. Light up your yard

Having sufficient lighting available, like string lights, pole lights, or safety lights on the side of your home, can ensure your backyard BBQ can continue without interruption and keep your guests from feeling their way through the darkness.

8. Rest meat after cooking

Resting meat after cooking, which affects the texture and flavor, is a long-held practice by many grillers. Check out our resting meat recommendations before you grill this summer.

9. Provide outdoor activities for kids and adults

Anytime you have guests over for a summer barbeque, make certain you have plenty of activities like a cornhole game, lawn Yahtzee, or horseshoes set up away from any cooking area. Yard games can keep your company busy and away from you while you’re grilling.

10. Ensure you have enough charcoal or gas

No matter your preference, if you run out of charcoal or propane, your backyard BBQ is a dud because, let’s face it, sitting around watching burgers and dogs sit on a grill without a heat source is zero fun.

11. Ask guests to bring a dish if necessary

If your backyard BBQ parties are of the potluck type, or you just don’t have the time (or desire) to make all the food, ask your guests to each bring a dish. Be sure you ask well enough in advance. Noting what everyone is bringing can also ensure the menu is well-rounded.

12. Consider dietary restrictions

Have salads, vegetables, lean meats, gluten-free options, and plant-based burgers and hot dogs for those who require alternatives to traditional BBQ foods.

13. Opt for eco-friendly dinnerware

We don’t recommend using Grandma’s china for your backyard BBQ. Instead, opt for durable eco-friendly paper goods that can handle the foods your serving and help the environment. 

14. Ward off bugs with repellents

Have bug repellents ready if you live in an area known to have insects, including mosquitos, bees, wasps, and ants.  Use the appropriate repellent(s). 

TIP: Avoid using repellents that contain chemicals like deet around any food.

15. Offer plenty of comfortable seating

Make sure you have enough comfortable seating for all your guests. If you don’t have enough chairs, try picnic-style seating with blankets and a few throw pillows on the ground, or ask guests to bring their own bag chair.

Get to grillin’!