To make sure you and your guests have a lip smackin good time, here are some tips to make your BBQ Party a roaring success! After a year or more of isolation, everyone is ready to see friends and family and what better way than a BBQ Party?! However, no matter how excited and eager you are, getting into the BBQ party mode can still be a daunting task. So you can focus on grilling and chilling with family and friends and enjoy your sunny day off as much as your guests, here is our version of the essential BBQ Checklist. A checklist designed to make your party prep much easier!
A great BBQ Party and a Great BBQ Sauce are a lot alike. You need high-quality wholesome ingredients, a little zest, and a whole lot of attention. Well, look no further! Your search for the best BBQ sauce is over. We’ve got you covered with this lip smakin’ sauce made in the state of Arkansas right here in the USA. Now that we have the sauce taken care of, we came up with a list of Essentials to ensure your BBQ party is a huge success!
Items such as the essential equipment, safety and health precautions, food, condiments, beverages, creating the perfect atmosphere and so forth. There are few Special Touches for a truly memorable BBQ available below. Keep reading to make sure you have everything you need to ensure you have a great day and enjoy your BBQ!
Essential Equipment
To “legally” call your outdoor gathering a barbecue, you need to be cooking something (typically meat) outside. Here’s a list of the essential equipment you’ll need to do just that:
- Grill or smoker: Any kind will do! The grill or smoker is the center piece of the party. It bears complete responsibility for the yummy aromas creating BBQ dreams.
- Spatula and tongs: These are necessary for flipping burgers, hot dogs, veggies, buns and so. To avoid burn injuries, you want the extra long ones If you can find them.
- Fuel: charcoal, wood, pellets, kerosene, propane, or even natural gas
- Lighter or long matches: I think you know why and what to do with these items.
- Heat-resistant gloves: No need to burn yourself and ruin the day.
- Apron: An apron is necessary to achieve that classic barbecue look!
- Thermometer: A much needed item to reach perfection!
- Timer: Instead of using your phone, we suggest using a kitchen timer. Kitchen timers are designed to work in the kitchen and are more durable than your cell phone. Also, a timer lets you “set and forget” so you can relax and enjoy your party along with your guests.
- Serving bowls and spoons: Serving bowls and spoons are critical for a buffet-style BBQ but they are so easy to forget.
- Throwaway Plates, cups and utensils: Using throwaway items at a BBQ is so much easier and makes the clean up super simple. Be sure and use paper plates and show Mother Earth some kindness. You want to avoid using any styrofoam at all costs. Your favorite party supply store may even have bamboo plates and utensils.
- Paper towels, napkins, or moist towelettes: Very important! Don’t forget!!! Personally, I buy wash cloths at the dollar store (they usually have packages with 10 or more and each package is only a dollar), moisten them with hot water, and then give one to each person. Paper products don’t always work well with sticky BBQ sauce. Plus, the wash cloths are reusable and earth friendly!
Safety and Health Precautions
You will want to have all of your safety and health precautions thought out ahead of time! Having this all taken care before the party starts will make for a much less stressful event. Plus, there is nothing worse than burning the food because you’re scrambling around trying to find a band-aid.
- First aid kit: You do not need anything fancy. A basic household first aid kit will work perfectly. Just make sure it includes burn gel and some gauze, in case anything goes wrong at the grill or the smoker. Like people always say, “wish for good things, but be prepared in case bad things happen.”
- Sunscreen: Summer sun comes on quick and seems to be getting stronger so people are burning much faster! Remind your guests to reapply sunscreen every hour if they are sitting in direct sunlight.
- Bug spray: Having or not having bug spray or another way to keep the bugs away (i.e., a zapper, citronella candles, etc.) can make or break a BBQ. Those annoying little critters get more and more active as the sun starts to set. Your guests will be so grateful for a little bug spray once this starts to happen.
- Garbage/Recycling center: Having a designated spot for garbage and recycling will make clean up easier and helps to keep the bugs away from the main party. Furthermore, if you are serving and drinking alcohol in glass bottles, make sure you have setup a designated recycling area. Broken glass is very dangerous, especially to bare feet!!
- Water: Bottled or a big pitcher! One of those glass beverage dispensers works really well, too, and you can perk it up with some lemon slices!!!
Food
Food, the star of the party and the entire reason for the gathering! We are certain you are a BBQ expert and know what you are doing!
- Snacks: You want to have a little something for guests to munch on when they arrive and while they are waiting for the main course. Items that are easy to set out and require little to no oversight such as chips, mixed nuts or a veggie tray are your best options.
- Side dishes: These are dishes to serve with the main course. Choose items you can make ahead or ask your guests to bring the sides. Either way, you will want a wide variety: sweet, salty, sour, hot, cold, fresh and creamy!!
- Main course: You know, that item you are grilling or smoking! Beef, Chicken, Fish, Hotdogs, Hamburgers, the sky is the limit!
- Dessert: Have some of your guests bring dessert instead of side dishes. A classic apple pie, ice cream (while homemade is best, but store bought will do) or a fresh watermelon slice are all perfect BBQ dessert options.
Condiments
Condiments to a BBQ are like frosting on a cake. They can turn that simple hamburger or hotdog into something amazing!! Therefore, they deserve their own section. As a key to a really good BBQ, you will want a wide-ranging variety of condiments to please all of your guests. A wide-ranging variety of condiments allows your guest to customize their own plate to match their tastes, and is key to a good BBQ. This allows your guests to customize their plate to their own taste, and adds an overall feeling of riches!!!
- The perfect threesome: Ketchup, mustard, and relish. Dill pickle relish, of course!
- A smashing, all natural barbecue sauce: We happen to know about a delicious, lip-smakin’-good sauce that comes in 3 fabulous flavors.
- Mayonnaise: The squeeze bottle kind is much easier to use and less messy.
- Chopped garnishes: Red onion, cilantro, green onion, avocado, lettuce, tomato.
- Sauerkraut: Good with grilled or smoked sausage.
- Salsa: Delicious with chips or on burgers.
- Sirracha: Mix this spicy little gem with mayonnaise for an amazing dip or put it on your burger for an extra zip.
Beverages
You can quickly become dehydrated while standing or sitting outside on a hot day! Be sure to keep plenty of ice on hand, maybe two or three times what you think you need, so you can keep the coolers well stocked and your guests (and you) stay well hydrated. On a hot summer day you can never have too much ice! The worst case scenario you’ve got leftovers for the next gathering.
- Cooler: A classic kiddie pool full of ice or one of those really fancy camping coolers will work. The choice is yours. All you need is something to keep the drinks cold and either option will offer your guests the incredible feeling of plunging their hand in ice for a second or two.
- Ice for cooler: You will want to get a lot more ice than you think you will every need. Trust me, your guests will thank you!
- Ice for drinks: Your guests are definitely going appreciate ice if you plan on serving mixed drinks or some kind of punch.
- Bottled water:Easy cleanup, but be earth friendly and make sure the bottles are recyclable. Plus, it lasts forever.
- Beer: You know what to do!
- Hard seltzer: The new beer! Just kidding. However, hard seltzer is the other symbol of summertime fun.
- Fine Wine: We know an amazing wine-of-the-month club that delivers incredible fine wines to your door. Plus, they provide tasting notes so you will know the best wines to pair with whatever main course you are offering. Dazzle your guests with your amazing knowledge of Fine Wines!
- Non-alcoholic: Sports drinks, sodas, juices, flavored seltzers.
- Sprinkler: Although not drinkable, it is definitely a refreshing break!
Create the Perfect Atmosphere
The perfect atmosphere of a BBQ is playful but chill! Your guests want to catch up with friends and family, relax and chill, and eat amazing food. Getting the right vibe comes down to details and anticipating your guests’ needs. Try to have everything in this section figured out about a week or two ahead of your Big BBQ day to save yourself from frustration and extra stress.
Music and Lighting
- Speaker setup: There’s a big difference between playing music off your iphone vs. a bluetooth speaker vs. a sound system. Choose wisely.
- Music playlist: We recommend you do your research before your party so you aren’t fussing around trying to get to a song you like at the last minute. There are plenty of “BBQ playlist” options available, but if you keep it classic and approachable, you should be good.
- Outdoor lighting: You must have some kind of outdoor lighting If you want to keep the party going after sundown! Some good options are tiki torches, string lights, solar lanterns, or a bonfire. But, no matter what, avoid a motion-sensor floodlight. They give off a really bad vide and will destroy the mood you worked so hard to create.
Furniture
- Tables: You should have a big table for all the food, creating the perfect buffet. Then add a mix of standing tables and a few tables where your guests can sit and eat.
- Tablecloths: To continuing creating the perfect BBQ atmosphere, choose the classic red and white checker pattern for your tablecloths. Plus, tablecloths make for easy cleanup.
- Chairs: Your guests will want chairs they can sit in and enjoy their amazing meal as well as chairs in which they can relax. Those collapsible camping chairs are the perfect choice to fill all your needs!
Shade and more
- Shade: If you want your guests to relax and stay awhile, a good shade setup is crucial, must have for a successful BBQ party. You can put an umbrella over every table or strategically place them around your yard to keep the guests mingling as the sun moves across the sky. But, a big canopy is the best option!
- Sprinkler: Want to keep the party fun and lighthearted, add a sprinkler and watch the magic happen. Plus, they make a soothing noise.
- Games: Games are fun and bring a little healthy competition to pass the time. Of course, there are your standard choices such as lawn bowling, croquet, cornhole, or wiffle ball. But there are so many more you haven’t even thought about
Special Touches
You know those special little items hosts provide their guests to make the day memorable and extra special! Following are some special touches from real-life, past BBQs. we’ve been to in the past. These “touches” don’t require a lot of planning, but they will mean the world to your guests. are very meaningful to your guests. tips don’t take a ton of planning but are very meaningful to your guests. If you have the extra time and money, we strongly suggest these “special touches.” Your guests will be forever grateful!!
Food
- Koozies: These little gems are a great way for your guests to keep their drinks cool. If time and budget permit, make a custom order for your BBQ. Otherwise, show off your personal koozie collection!
- Toothpicks: We all know BBQ meat is prone to get stuck in your teeth!! Have toothpicks readily available for all your guests!! They will love you!
- Take-home containers: Wrapping up leftovers for your guests can be a messy and inconvenient effort. No matter how many times we try, we all know wrapping a paper plate with tin foil never works. The food always falls out no matter how well it is wrapped. Thus,, you want to provide your guests with sturdy take-home containers. Think plastic Ziploc containers or takeout boxes (Costco, anyone?)! This will make the leftovers’ journey to their new home much easier and safer. Plus, your guests won’t have the expense of having their car detailed to clean up a BBQ mess.
Photo Op and more
- Photo Op: Thanks to social media, people love constantly posting photos of what they’re up to!! You want to create the perfect “photo op” spot at your BBQ where people can take pictures to share their joy and excitement with the rest of the world. This could be a funny sign, a beautiful table setting, or even an amazing scenic view!!!
- Charging Station: Setup an extension cord with a variety of chargers. This way your guests can charge their phones if they need to and be ready to take more pictures. Be sure to give them easy access to your WiFi password.
There it is! All of the BBQ Party Essentials we think you need (and more!) to make your cookout GREAT! However, remember even if your BBQ party isn’t setup 100{6240f97e29b4159de6ff78317e10f820a7e2f517694b3d1c4628c71d0a3ac8d8} perfect, the day is all about friends, family and fabulous food! Kickback, relax and enjoy!