10 Backyard BBQ Essentials To Keep Guests Comfy
Backyard barbeques are the perfect way to relax and socialize with family and friends while enjoying tasty food. To ensure your guests are as comfortable as possible, there are a few essentials to have on hand. In this post, we’ll discuss ten barbeque essentials to ensure your guests have an enjoyable time with you.
We’ll cover all the necessary items, like comfortable seating, outdoor lighting, napkins, plates, and more. We’ll also review some of the latest trends in backyard BBQs, such as outdoor fire pits and grilling stations. So get ready to make your backyard the hottest spot around with the help of our 10 BBQ essentials.
Barbecue Basics
A grill is at the heart of any barbecue. Whether it is a gas or charcoal option, selecting a grill with a large cooking surface and several options will ensure you can cook all food items simultaneously and efficiently. The grill should also include a thermometer and temperature control. Extra utensils are crucial to turn the meat and move your items away from flames on the grill. A complete set of tongs, spatulas, and brushes will prevent waste and allow hassle-free grilling.
Utensils and Cookware
Utensils, cookware, and tabletop items should all be considered when planning a backyard barbecue. Serving spoons, platters, salad bowls, and tongs should all be on hand to properly serve and contain food items. For foil-wrapped foods or larger cuts of meat, grilling baskets can come in handy when moving items from side to side on the grill. Since grills will get dirty over time, having soaking buckets ready helps eliminate build-up and keep grilling platforms clean for future use.
Heat Sources
Additional heat sources may be necessary to keep the food hot during a barbecue, depending on how long the event lasts. Chafing dishes can help maintain heat levels, while buffet-style trays and lids can keep the food warm until it is ready to be eaten. You can also use candle warmers or crock pots.
Serveware
Providing ample serving ware is essential for any backyard barbecue event. You should provide bowls for chips or sides and cups for beverages or soup dishes. Serveware should include discardable options such as paper plates or napkins and reusable items such as ceramic dinner plates or flatware sets.
Seating
Creating a comfortable environment for guests through seating arrangements is critical in ensuring everyone feels welcome during a backyard gathering. The optimal way to do this is by providing chairs around a central table so everyone can converse face-to-face. If space allows, consider adding seating options such as couches or chairs and some shade provided by canopies or umbrellas. This arrangement makes it easier for guests to rest after eating without completely removing themselves from the conversation area.
Decorations
Whether it’s subtle wallpaper accents behind a buffet table or fun centerpieces atop each table setting, decorations help create an attractive atmosphere while inviting guests into the party space. One of the best ways to decorate is by using fresh flowers from local vendors that match the color scheme. If you are hosting during the summer, canopies are also great to give guests a little shade when needed.
Storage
When storing items throughout any backyard gathering party, it’s best practice to maximize efficiency. You’ll need coolers big enough to store your drinks and trays lined with ice for seafood dishes or food items that require chilling. You will also need a clean surface area to prepare and store food.
Beverages
When having outdoor gatherings, ensure you have plenty of cold drinks on hand. Keep wine, beer, water, and soda on hand for your guests. Guests tend to have favorite drinks, so try mixing up selections to give everyone something to try. Keeping drink containers nearby also makes it easier for everyone to get a refill when needed.
Sanitation
The most important thing when hosting any gathering is following sanitation guidelines. Keep extra sanitizing wipes on hand to wipe down surfaces throughout your party. Provide a handwashing station or hand sanitizer near the food so everyone can clean their hands before digging in. Keep garbage cans near the tables to allow for the disposal of plates and napkins.
Icebreaker Games
Hosting a party wouldn’t be complete without games. Icebreaker games will help your guests get to know each other, and you may just learn something new about your friends and family. You can try active group games like Charades or quiet games like Bingo. These games are perfect for providing a little entertainment during your party.