Summer is our favorite time of the year for so many reasons, and one of those reasons is simply based on the fact that we love entertaining and is there a better spread than a backyard BBQ spread? You’ve got burgers, dogs, pasta salad, potato salad, dessert, and cold drinks, we’re drooling just thinking about it. If you also fancy a good BBQ, then you’ll appreciate these tips and tricks to make the whole thing run a little more smoothly.
(image via: istock)
Prep things before the guests show. And we don’t just mean make sure your grill is ready and make sure the pasta salad is chilled, but all of the veggies for burgers? Have those cut up, arranged on a platter, and chillin’ in the fridge. The same goes for any fresh fruit, desserts, dips, etc. have it all ready to go so all you’re waiting on is whatever is touching the grill. This way you can just pull everything out of the fridge and set it out. This totally beats being stuck in the kitchen slicing and dicing.
Replace ice cubes with frozen fruit for any adult beverages. This way, you don’t have to worry about guests’ drinks watering down as they socialize.
(image via: istock)
If you aren’t wanting to be responsible for all of the food, don’t hesitate to ask guests to bring a side. To avoid having 50 desserts, throw out some savory suggestions too. The beauty of a BBQ is that the sides can stay simple and they’ll still be delicious.
If you’re rockin’ with burgers, put condiments in a muffin tin with plastic spoons or knives for spreading and easy access for guests to help themselves.
(image via: diys)
To keep people from gathering in one solitary small space, stagger the food. Place a charcuterie board here, the chips and dips there, and desserts off to the side, this way people are mingling and everyone is staying away from the grillmaster.
Decor can remain simple with some string lights and fresh flowers in cool, thrifted vases.
Whether you’re a cocktail or mocktail person, make a pitcher of something and have it ready for guests to avoid getting stuck being everyone’s bartender.
(image via: adobe)
Believe it or not, ice cream cones can be an easy crowd-pleasing dessert and we’ll tell you how! Start by placing a few marshmallows at the bottom of each waffle cone, this will keep the ice cream from dripping out and they taste extra delicious as you finish your cone. As for the ice cream, grab another muffin tin, line it with cupcake liners, then put a scoop of ice cream in each one and toss your muffin pan in the freezer. Then, when you’re ready, guests can grab an ice cream scoop and plop it on a cone.