Summertime is the most suitable time for get-togethers with family and friends. No matter what the occasion, there is nothing quite like a backyard barbecue to make everyone feel welcome. If you’re looking to make the perfect barbecue, follow this guide for everything from food to decorations. You will have your visitors coming back for more year after year!
Plan Your Barbecue – What Food Items Will You Serve, And How Will You Cook Them?
The first step to any successful barbecue is planning. This means deciding what food items you’ll serve and how you’ll cook them. Will you be grilling perfect burger patties and hot dogs or doing something fancier? No matter what you choose, be sure to have plenty of food on hand to feed your guests. Below are some food items and tips to cook them perfectly every time.
1. Burgers:
For the perfect burger, start with high-quality meat that’s been ground fresh. Form the patties by hand, and drive them slightly thinner in the middle, so they cook evenly. Season the burgers with salt and pepper before grilling, and don’t press down on them while they cook.
2. Hot Dogs:
For hot dogs, choose a good quality all-beef variety. Boil the hot dogs for about 5 minutes before grilling to ensure they’re cooked through. Serve on smooth buns with your favorite toppings.
3. Veggies:
Grilled veggies are a delicious and healthy addition to any BBQ menu. For best results, brush the veggies with olive oil and season with salt and pepper before grilling. It’s also a good idea to pre-cook harder veggies like potatoes before putting them on the grill.
4. Potatoes:
There are many ways to cook potatoes on the grill, but my favorite is foil packet potatoes. Start by par-boiling the potatoes until they’re just tender. Then, mix them with olive oil, salt, and pepper before wrapping in foil packets. You will need to cook the potatoes for about 30 minutes on the grill, flipping them once during cooking.
5. Chicken:
For juicy, flavorful chicken, start with marinating the chicken in your favorite sauce or rub. Then, grill over medium heat for minimum 6 to 8 minutes per side, or until cooked through. In order to avoid overcooking, be sure to not flip the chicken too frequently.
6. Steak:
For a perfectly cooked steak, start with high-quality meat that’s been trimmed of excess fat. Season the steak with salt and pepper before grilling. Grill over medium-high heat for minimum 4-5 minutes per side, or until it reaches the desired level of doneness. Let the steak remains for a few minutes before cutting into it so the juices can spread.
7. Ribs:
BBQ ribs are best when they’re slow cooked to perfection. For fall-off-the-bone ribs, start by marinating them in your favorite sauce or rub. Then, cook them on the grill over low heat for 3-4 hours. Be sure to wrap the ribs in foil after a few hours of cooking to prevent them from drying out.
8. Fish:
Grilled fish is a delicious and healthy option for any BBQ. For best results, start with fresh, high-quality fish. Season the fish with pepper and salt before grilling. The cooking time will depend on the type and thickness of the fish, but generally, you’ll want to grill for 4-5 minutes both side.
9. Bread:
For delicious grilled bread, start with a good quality loaf. Cut the bread into thick pieces, and brush with olive oil on both sides. Grill over medium heat for 2-3 minutes per side, or until evenly browned. Serve with your favorite toppings.
10. Fruit:
Grilled fruit is a delicious and nutritious dessert option for any BBQ. For best results, start with fresh, ripe fruit. Season the fruit with sugar and cinnamon before grilling. When grilling, be sure to watch the fruit carefully, so it doesn’t burn.
Prepare Your Backyard For The Barbecue – Set Up A Grill, Tables, And Chairs!
Now that you’ve planned the perfect menu, it’s time to decorate your backyard for the BBQ. Let’s learn how to setup a grill, tables, and chairs for the event!
1. Choose The Right Grill For Your BBQ.
There are many different types of grills available on the market, so it’s important to choose one that will suit your needs. If you’re planning on cooking for a big group of people, then you’ll need a larger grill. If you are only cooking for a small group, then a smaller grill will suffice. Be sure to also consider the fuel type when choosing a grill. Gas grills are typically more expensive compare to charcoal grills, but they’re also much easier to use.
2. Set Up The Tables And Chairs.
Now that you’ve chosen the perfect grill, it’s time to set up the tables and chairs. If you’re having a large BBQ, then you’ll need to rent or borrow additional tables and chairs. Be sure to set up the tables and chairs in a way that will allow your guests to move around easily. You don’t want anyone to feel cramped! Some BBQs also like to have a separate table for the food. This allows people to easily grab what they want without having to wait in line.
3. Hang Lanterns Or String Lights Around Your Outdoor Space.
Hanging lanterns or string lights around your backyard will create a festive and inviting atmosphere for your BBQ. Be sure to hang the lanterns or lights at different heights to add interest and variety. You can also use different colors of lights to create a unique look.
4. Put Out Citronella Candles To Keep The Bugs Away.
Nobody wants to be bothered by bugs while they’re trying to enjoy a BBQ, so put out some citronella candles to keep them at bay. Citronella candles are available at most home improvement stores. On hot summer days, be sure to put the candles in areas where there is plenty of ventilation, so they don’t get too smoky.
5. Set Out Colorful Rugs Or Blankets For People To Sit On.
Adding some colorful rugs or blankets to your backyard will make it more inviting and comfortable for your guests. Choose materials that are easy to clean in case they get dirty. In the summer, you can also utilize these rugs or blankets to protect your grass from getting too much foot traffic.
6. Set The Table With BBQ-Themed Plates, Cups, And Utensils.
Make your BBQ table complete by setting it with BBQ-themed plates, cups, and utensils. You can find BBQ-themed tableware at most party stores or online. Also, don’t forget to set out some napkins!
7. Hang A “Welcome” Sign Or Banner At The Entrance To Your Backyard.
Hanging a welcome sign or banner at the entrance to your backyard is a great way to make your guests feel welcomed and thrilled for the BBQ. You can find welcome signs and banners at most party stores or online.
8. Make DIY Centerpieces Using Mason Jars, BBQ Sauce, And Other BBQ-Themed Decorations.
Adding some DIY touches to your BBQ table will make it more unique and personal. Mason jars are an inexpensive way to create centerpieces, and you can use BBQ sauce or other BBQ-themed decorations to fill them.
9. Place Some Potted Plants Around Your Outdoor Space For A Pop Of Color.
Potted plants are a great way to add a pop of color to your backyard, and they can also help to create a more inviting atmosphere. Choose plants that are easy to care for and that will thrive in your climate.
10. Have Some Fun BBQ-Themed Props On Hand For People To Use In Photos.
Make your BBQ even more fun by having some BBQ-themed props on hand for people to use in photos. Some ideas include BBQ aprons, chef hats, and miniature grills. You can find these items at most party stores or online.
Now that you have all the tips and tricks for throwing the perfect backyard BBQ, it’s time to get started! Gather your supplies, invite your friends and family, and get ready to have a blast.
Marinate Your Food Overnight For Added Flavor!
Marinating your food overnight is a great way to add extra flavor to your BBQ. Simply combine your favorite BBQ sauce with the meat or vegetables you’ll be cooking and let it sit in the fridge overnight. In the morning, simply cook your food as usual. Your guests will be amazed at the added flavor!
1. Soak Your Wooden Skewers In Water Before Using Them.
If you’re planning on using wooden skewers for your BBQ, be sure to soak them in water for at least 30 minutes before utilizing them. This will help to prevent them from burning while they’re on the grill.
2. Preheat Your Grill Before Cooking!
Be sure to preheat your grill before counting any food to it. Preheating the grill will help to ensure that your food cooks evenly and prevents it from sticking to the grates.
3. Use Foil To Keep Small Foods From Falling Through The Grill.
If you’re cooking smaller items like shrimp or vegetables, be sure to use foil to prevent them from falling through the grill. Simply create a makeshift “basket” out of foil and place your food inside. Then, just put the basket on the grill as you would any other food.
4. Get Creative With Your BBQ Sauce!
BBQ sauce is an excellent way to add flavor to your BBQ, but there are so many different ways to make it! Get innovative and experiment with different spices, herbs, and even fruits and vegetables. The possibilities are endless!
5. Have Fun With Your BBQ Decorations!
Your BBQ doesn’t have to be all about the food. Have fun with your decorations and make them as creative as you want. You can use BBQ-themed plates, cups, utensils, and even props to really get your guests into the BBQ spirit!
Conclusion
Planning a barbecue is a lot of work, but it’s worth it when you can gather your friends and family together in the backyard for good food and fun. By following the tips, you’ll be able to throw the perfect barbecue that will have everyone coming back for more. And don’t forget to check out GrillCharms – the ultimate way to take your grill game up a notch!
In fact, my grilling experience stems from even before that, when I used to watch my father grill outdoors. Some of my favorite memories growing up were surrounding the grill in the backyard, or a portable grill on the beach or in the park.
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