Winter has retreated to another part of the world and summer fun has arrived so it’s time to kick off your boots, take out the flip-flops and bust out the invitations. That’s right; it’s time for a BBQ party!

Summertime Party Planning is Simpler than You Think

Summer is all about rest and relaxation, and that applies to the party host too! That’s why we’ve come up with a few tips for throwing the perfect party without breaking a sweat. Good food, good friends, and no hassle: because that’s how it should be.

So, if you want to throw the perfect BBQ party that everyone will enjoy, here’s a little advice to get you started:

Plan an Easy Menu that Tastes Gourmet

You don’t need 10 types of seasoned meats with enough sides to feed an army. Instead, focus on key summertime foods and build a simple menu around them. We suggest using gourmet ingredients to spice up your dishes.

There are a lot of ways to turn simple into gourmet and the following are a few things to keep in mind as you plan your menu:

  • TURNING SIMPLE INTO GOURMET

Never underestimate the power of putting a little twist on a party classic. Skewered vegetables take on a whole new taste when you add a little sriracha and lime! The best way to get ideas for this is to look into recipes online and always choose a site that allows you to set filters by ingredients and prep/cook time.

  • MAKE IT A POTLUCK

Most people are happy to bring something to the party, so why not make it a potluck? Not only will that cut down on your cooking time and costs but it will also give your friends the chance to share their delicious cooking too. Just make sure you keep track of what people are bringing. That way, you don’t end up with 20 desserts.

  • KEEP DRINKS SIMPLE

Cocktails can be a lot of fun, but they also have to be made in small batches. That means you’ll be spending your day bartending so we suggest considering serving beers and wines instead. Much like the food, you can even suggest guests bring their own favourite drinks. If you’d rather do something a little more sophisticated, make a hard punch or Sangria.

Hire a Party Marquee

Nice weather isn’t always a guarantee, so it’s good to have a backup just in case. Instead of bringing everyone inside, why not rent a marquee for the day? You can set up the seating area and some games within it and put all the food onto a buffet table with warmers. That way, hail, rain or shine, your preparation will not go to waste and you and your guests can still party!

Set Up an Area Outside for Games

Games are a must for any BBQ party. They are an excellent way to break the ice between guests that don’t know one another. The classics are great, but don’t be afraid to throw something a little new into the mix.

Here are some ideas for outdoor games you can easily put together:

  • HUMAN CHESS BOARD

In this game, your guests play as the chess pieces, with two people playing either side of the board. Of course, the chess pieces often have their say in the matter too! You can buy human chess boards, but it’s also easy to make one with a bit of twine and some large wooden skewers. Mark the outside dimensions of your board using the skewers and twine, then fill in the squares. You can play like this or use spray paint to fill in the board.

  • GIANT JENGA

You can purchase a set of wooden blocks all the same size and shape from your local hardware shop. Stack the tower as tall as you dare and watch as your guests try not to knock it down.

Make sure to relax and have fun!

The last tip we have is to just relax, as an anxious host doesn’t put guests at ease. Besides, summertime parties are all about letting go of your worries for a short while and as long as the company is good and there’s plenty of food and drink, everyone will have a great time!