Food

6 Things You’ll Need for an Outdoor Barbecue

For a great time with family and friends, all you really need is each other. But every now and then, it’s nice to put a little more effort into your gatherings!

When you want to host a fun, laid-back get-together for your loved ones, there’s no better option than an outdoor barbeque. Whether you’re soaking up the sun or enjoying the starry night sky, a barbeque is sure to be a hit.

Though a barbecue should be casual and relaxing, it does take a bit of planning and preparation to pull off. And the first step is to ensure that you have all the barbecue essentials!

To learn everything you need to ensure your outdoor party goes off without a hitch, just keep reading.

1. The Right Grill

Obviously, you can’t have a barbecue without an outdoor barbeque grill! If you’ve never shopped for a grill before, you might be surprised by the number of options available. Because of this, it’s important to know what you’re looking for before you hit the shops.

First, consider ease of use. How much experience do you have with grills? Will you need one for beginners, or are you looking for a more professional setup?

In addition, how many people do you plan to cook for? The answers to these questions will determine the size and type of grill you need.

The two main types of grills are gas and charcoal, and each comes with its own set of pros and cons. Gas grills are easier to use and clean, but charcoal grills are less expensive and give a more authentic barbeque flavor.

When you’re ready to start shopping for your grill, take a look at elitepatiodirect.com!

2. Barbeque Tools

Once you have the right grill for your needs, it’s time to get your barbeque tools. Now, don’t feel that you have to outfit an entire outdoor barbeque kitchen to be able to host a stellar party. Though you can go this route if you’re a grilling enthusiast, all you really need are a few high-quality utensils.

No matter what type of grilling you plan to do, you’ll need a spatula, tongs, and a grill fork. For safety, it’s wise to invest in a grill glove and apron as well. And don’t forget the extra gas or charcoal!

3. The Perfect Menu

The great thing about a barbeque is that your menu can be as simple or as elaborate as you want it to be. Your perfect menu will depend on your personal preferences, as well as those of your guests, but there are tons of foods that taste fantastic when grilled.

Meat is the most common grilling option, and if you want to serve it, you have plenty of options to choose from. From steak to hamburgers to ribs to grilled fish, as long as your choice fits the tastes of your party, you can’t go wrong. You could also serve up a fresh selection of seafood to make your outdoor barbecue extra special. If this is what you want to prepare for your barbecue guests, you can learn more here.

If you’re unsure of the dietary preferences of your guests, it’s a good idea to include a vegetarian main course too.

As for sides, you should have at least two available. Consider preparing them first so your guests can use them as appetizers while they wait for the main course. Watermelon and other summer fruits make a terrific addition to any barbeque, or you could go with something a little more hearty, such as coleslaw or potato salad.

Top the meal off with some ice cream or pie and you’ve got a winning menu!

4. Drinks for Everyone

Keeping everyone cool and refreshed is a must for any outdoor party. Providing guests with a cooler full of ice-cold beer is a barbeque staple and will keep the party going, but you need to provide hydrating drinks as well.

For an attractive way to arrange your nonalcoholic drinks in your outdoor barbeque area, fill a few large drink dispensers with water, lemonade, and punch.

Set out a corkscrew (if needed), bottle opener, and cups near your drink station to ensure everyone is able to easily pour themselves whichever drink they want.

5. Table Settings and Decor

Whether you have a large picnic table or a few patio tables for your party, table settings and decor will take your party up a notch. Start with the basics: plates and bowls, cutlery, cups, and napkins.

With the tableware taken care of, you can move on to the fun part – decorating! Dress up your table with a colorful table cloth, decorative bowls to hold your sides and appetizers, some flowers, and a citronella candle or two to keep the bugs at bay.

If you’re hosting your party at night, hanging some outdoor barbeque lights will add a touch of magic and whimsy to the festivities.

6. Entertainment

There’s sure to be plenty of chatting and laughter while guests are enjoying the meal you’ve prepared, but for extra fun, provide some outdoor entertainment!

Playing music is a great starting point, and outdoor games such as bocce ball and cornhole will keep your guests engaged and enhance the fun atmosphere.

This is a particularly good idea if you’re inviting guests who don’t know each other. What better ice breaker than an exciting game of giant Jenga!

Host an Unforgettable Outdoor Barbeque

There’s no better way to show your appreciation for your family and friends than by cooking a meal for them. By hosting an outdoor barbeque, you’ll do just that while providing a cheerful, relaxing environment at the same time! Grilling and barbecuing will be a perfect activity for you.

Hosting a party can be nerve-wracking, but remember that you’re all together to have a good time and enjoy a good meal. Don’t stress about the fun, it will come naturally once you’re all together.

If your barbeque has you hooked on hosting, take a look at our blog! We have tons of party planning tips and tricks that will help you become the ultimate entertainer.

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