Kick-Off To Summer BBQ

Summer is just around the corner for some of us and nothing says welcome to summer like a fabulous outdoor barbecue party. The fresh air, sunshine, friends and family– aah I can see it now.

Hosting a Kick-Off To Summer BBQ is a great way to get into the spirit of summer and it doesn’t have to be formal or stressful. In fact the more laid back the better! Here is everything you need to know on how to host a kick-off to summer BBQ.

1. Theme: Stay focused and have a little fun by deciding on a theme for your BBQ party. Some great themes are Tiki, Western, Hawaiian, Beach, Mexican fiesta, or jungle. Theme ideas are endless, just decide on one that appeals to you and sounds like the most fun!

2. Invitations: Once you’ve settled on a theme take the opportunity to get really creative with the invitations. For a tiki theme write party details on torch, mask or hut cut-outs. If it’s a Hawaiian inspired BBQ theme think pineapple or palm tree cut-outs.  Alternatively you could write party details on small cocktail umbrellas so when they’re opened the party details are revealed. Be sure to include your name, phone number or email address for the RSVP, date and location of the BBQ as well as a rain date. Think about what you may need, extra chairs or tables, for example, now is the time to request it.

3. Decor: It’s great if you’re able to add some special touches around the yard and party area to help with the celebration. Consider tiki torches, colorful jars with tea lights, umbrellas to provide shade from the sun and tall vases or buckets with daisies, sunflowers or roses for table center pieces. Light citronella candles to keep mosquitoes at bay. If you have trees around the yard hang glass jars with tea lights from the branches and if you have a pool try floating some wild flowers and candles for an extra special touch.  

Pop on a CD or fire up the iPod, but whatever you do don’t forget the music! Include a mix of songs that are popular today as well as songs from summers past. Some of our favorite Cd’s to chill out to in the backyard are Matchbox 20–More Than You Think You Are, Norah Jones– Feels Like Home and Jack Johnson– On and On. 

4. Menu: I suggest keeping the menu simple and fuss free – the more you can eat with your hands the better. Here are some menu item ideas that you can use or use as inspiration when planning your summer BBQ feast.

Appetizers:

• Fresh crusty bread with olive oil and balsamic vinegar dip
• fresh fruit with yogurt as dip
• fresh vegetables with ranch dressing
• peanuts, cashews or mixed nuts
• potato chips

To grill:

• hamburgers (we make a slight change to this recipe by adding 1 cup of frozen spinach yum) 
• hot dogs
• chicken wings (grill them instead of deep frying and then follow through with the recipe)
• prawn skewers (skewer the prawns and cook on the grill instead of butterflying and broiling)
• vegetable skewers
• smokies
• sausages

Sides:

• potato salad
• coleslaw (yes I use the pre-packaged salad mix )
• macaroni salad
• strawberry spinach salad (our absolute favorite and always a hit!)

Dessert:

• cupcakes
• Popsicles
• watermelon
• ice cream with strawberries

Refreshments:

• water
• fruit punch (I usually just make up a recipe but this is pretty close to how I do it…feel free to improvise)
• soft drinks (diet and regular)
• iced tea
• lemonade
• alcoholic beverages (beer, wine, coolers, cesars etc.)

Keep vegetarian guests in mind when deciding on what to grill. A lot of vegetarians I know don’t expect you to go out of the way to cook something especially for them but it’s definitely the nice and considerate thing to do.

5. Games: Outdoor games are fun for kids and kids at heart. For the wee ones try setting up a sand pit or water table with buckets, spades and sieves. Use old pillow cases or potato bags for sack races and if it’s really nice out have a good old fashioned water balloon toss. Don’t forget the limbo if you’re having a Hawaiian theme BBQ. There’s also bocce, lawn darts, horseshoes, Frisbee, and catch.

6. Favors: It’s always nice to give your guests a little something to remember the kick off to summer festivities. Consider making homemade BBQ sauce and put it in small containers or glass jars for each family to take home. You could also print out recipes for the dishes you had at the BBQ so they can recreate them at home. For young kids a pail and spade make a good gift or even a colorful beach ball. The favors don’t need to be extravagant or expensive just a thoughtful little gift that will let them remember the day.

The most important rule of summer BBQs: Have fun! Remember that it doesn’t necessarily need to be in your own backyard, head to a park or even the beach if you’d rather. Have most of the prep work done before everyone arrives so you sit back, catch up with your guests and enjoy the day! Please don’t try and use each and every suggestion I’ve included here just pick and choose the ones that will work for you and your crew. Right, I’m now off to plan my Kick-Off To Summer BBQ…how about you?

See also:

Best Of Serene Journey: April 2009

7 Tips For Cleaning Your Kitchen As You Go

A Friday Night Out – At Home

My Family Rules! 5 Rituals To Establish a Close Knit Family

A Simple and Effective Meal Plan In 3 Easy Steps

BBQ photo courtesy of: dominic
Strawberry photo courtesy of: *Micky