Eating outdoors is the highlight of a great summer. It’s the best way to appreciate the fresh open air in the company of friends and family. You might think that planning an enjoyable party is easy, but there’s more to it than meets the eye. As summer comes to a close, there are only a few weeks left to enjoy the warm weather before the cooler temperatures arrive. Follow these pointers for planning the ultimate BBQ cookout.
Curate an exciting playlist
As a host, planning your outdoor cookout involves more than just firing up the grill. It’s about crafting the perfect ambiance too. No matter how juicy your steaks and burgers are or how inventive your cocktails are, it won’t mean much if your guests aren’t in the right mood for a party. Look into high-quality sound system rentals and curate an exciting playlist that’ll make your guests want to make the party last all night long.
Think about the aftermath
The worst part about summer cookouts is the eventual tidying up that has to be done when it ends. Think forward and make sure you provide as many trash cans as you can so that people can dispose of their trash without a problem. You can make your disposal bins by propping up cardboard boxes and placing a garbage bag inside of it in case you don’t have enough trash cans to go around. There are also post-party cleaning services you can hire to get the job done for, but it will cost you.
Buy ingredients and materials in bulk
Unless you’re only inviting a few close friends or family members over, you’re likely to need lots of ingredients to make enough food for a crowd of people. You can save cash and make the process much easier for yourself by going bulk shopping. Most grocery stores like Trader Joe’s, Costco, and Whole Foods have bulk departments in most of their locations for this purpose. Some items come in large containers such as beverages, alcohol, spices, and frozen meat and poultry to help you out.
Perfect your guest list
Yes, even your guest list needs to be planned out. Unless you want your crazy uncle picking a fight with your old college roommate, you’ll need to think about who’s coming to your cookout. The best guest ratio involves more people that know each other and feel comfortable around each other with a smattering of new faces so that people still have an opportunity to mingle.
Use the right grill
There are three types of grills you can use for your party: charcoal, electric, and gas. Each has benefits and drawbacks. You’ll need to choose one that suits your needs. Charcoal grills are less expensive and give off that signature smoky flavor most people associate with barbecue. Meanwhile, gas grills heat up much quicker, and you’re able to regulate the heat’s temperature. Lastly, electric grills are cheap to operate, much safer, and heat your meat quickly.
Planning the best summer BBQ cookout can seem daunting, but these helpful tips will simplify the process for you. Don’t forget to take precautions to keep everyone safe and healthy during this time.
