As the warm weather is around the corner, it’s time to start thinking about outdoor dining — and let’s face it; barbecues are the only way to go when it’s time for dining al fresco. Before you start sending out invites, however, it’s important that you plan first. As much as you might think that throwing a barbecue is as easy as putting some chicken breasts on the grill and calling it a day, it’s not the case.
In order to make sure that it’s a truly successful event (and a delicious one), it’s important that you know the right tips. Take a look and some of the best pointers for planning the perfect barbecue.
Get High-Quality Meat
You can forget about mediocre cuts on sale at the grocery store. Whether you hunt it yourself or know a great online butcher, you should seek out fresh, high-quality meat. Quality meat makes a world of difference in the flavor that you get out of your meal. If you’re on a budget, then consider cutting your costs on your sides and beverages, but definitely not on your meat.
Plan The Right Amount of Food
One of the biggest mistakes that people make when planning a barbecue is miscalculating how much food they need. Having too much or too little food can be equally disastrous. It’s in your best interest to make sure that you calculate the amount of food you need per person before you start throwing meat on the grill. Making a precise list of exactly what you need can help avoid waste.
Don’t Forget Cold Drinks
Nobody has time for a warm beer on a hot day in a backyard! It’s critical that you have cold drinks ready to go. Although it’s not necessary, it’s certainly more convenient to have your cold drinks outside—where they’re easily accessible. Whether you have an outdoor mini-fridge or an ice cooler filled to the brim with beverages, the idea is to have cold ones on deck at all times.
Music is a Must
What kind of a barbecue would it be without music? It’s essential that you set up a bluetooth speaker so that you can play tunes outside for everyone to listen to while they mingle. If you’re really on the cutting edge of technology, you’ll have an Alexa or something of the sort so people can contribute to the DJ list. Please don’t be that guy— the host that won’t let anyone touch the music.
Plan For Trash
Since there’s going to be multiple people eating at your event, there’s inevitably going to be waste. Make sure that you have a place to put it all by setting up several trash bags spread throughout the yard. In addition to trash bags, you should also assign a place for recycling. This is the best way to ensure that you have the least amount of cleaning to do when it’s time to send everyone home.
