Summer is the perfect time of year to get the backyard BBQ season started. Many people wait all year long just for the chance to grill their favorite foods over an open flame and gather family and friends together to enjoy great food and the wonderful, sunny weather. With just a few helpful tips, you can turn your next backyard BBQ into the event of the year.
On the more practical side of things, one thing that must be considered is pest control. Nothing can make an outdoor event more miserable than invasion of ants, mosquitoes or any other unwelcome creatures. Use plastic containers with lids or some form of covering to keep ants away. A good defense against moquitoes is to light a few citronella candles or torches and place them strategically throughout the backyard; this really will help keep them away and prevent your guests from unpleasant bites.
In terms of menu planning, consider first which beverage options you will be offering to your guests. Although the grill might be getting all the attention during the BBQ, having a nice assortment of beverages available will keep your guests happy, especially on those really hot summer days.
If you are expecting wine drinkers, Pinot Grigio and Merlot are two good choices that will likely please most palates. In addition, you may want to offer a few beer selections and maybe even a mixed drink such as margaritas or daiquiris. Using seasonal summer fruits in a drink recipe is always a crowd-pleaser and will make your event that much more festive. Don’t forget to have plenty of non-alcoholic options such as soda or iced tea, and be sure to have diet or sugar-free options on hand as well.
In terms of the main course, keep the grilling items simple; hamburgers, hot dogs and marinated chicken are always a hit. For a more upscale menu, you can add steak or even salmon fillets. Another popular grilling choice is kabobs, which you can make with a variety of ingredients including beef, chicken, lamb, shrimp and a wide variety of vegetables.
As your guests begin to arrive and settle in, make sure to have plenty of snacks available for munching and accompanying that first round of drinks. These in no way need to be anything fancy, in fact a few bowls of chips or pretzels and maybe even a fresh vegetable tray with dip will do the trick. Another BBQ favorite that you might want to consider adding to the spread is sliced watermelon. There is nothing that says summer more than a big juicy bite of perfectly ripe watermelon.
Nothing accompanies a BBQ better than all the delicious traditional side dishes such as coleslaw, potato and macaroni salad and baked beans. Whether you decide to buy them pre-made or make them from scratch, these dishes are a must-have for any successful backyard BBQ.
With a little bit of planning and preparation, you can be sure that your backyard BBQ will be the event of the season. Make the most out of the summer and get started planning your own gathering today.
Byron Jonas invariably uses shade canopies for his backyard barbecues. There is nothing like instant marquees to remove the heat out of the Australian sun.
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