Spring is upon us and summer will be here in the blink of an eye.
This means it’s officially BBQ season.
The next time you’re invited to a cookout on a 3-day weekend, or just because, you will want to know what to bring with you. This guide has you covered.
Read these tips to be prepared the next time you’re invited to a BBQ party.
1. Some Good Meat to Throw on the Grill
No matter what kind of BBQ party you’re planning, it’s important that the menu has the best meat for grilling added to the menu. You can also add in quick and healthy grill options.
Whether you want to bring chicken, pork or beef ribs, steak, fish or shrimp, you’ll be able to get the party started by bringing some fresh selections. To take it up a notch, you can soak and marinate your meat for a night or two to really let the flavor sink in.
We also recommend stocking up on bbq skewers like these (from Amazon) to ensure you’re ready. They’re great for all meats and veggies!
Play with some seasonings or recipes so that you’re able to not just bring meat, but a different flavor to the meat that you’re bringing. This gives the grillmaster the chance to add their own touches, and they can also cook the meat to order for all of the guests.
2. Delicious Vegetables!
Just because a BBQ party is traditionally a meat-filled occasion doesn’t mean you can’t bring some plant foods.
In the United States alone, there’s been a 60 percent increase in vegans in recent years. Throwing some plant food into the mix can bring a healthy balance and help everyone digest their food better.
Nothing says summer delight like a freshly chopped and tossed salad. You can include some lettuce, kale, cucumber, tomato, and other ingredients, and bring along some nice dressing. Mix them up in the perfect wooden salad bowl (link to Amazon).
If you really wanna mix it up, you can throw together some nicely seasoned veggie kebabs, along with some mushrooms to fire up on the grill. Large corn cobs will also make for a great option for any BBQ party.
3. An Easy to Whip Up Side Dish
Aside from some main courses, there are plenty of side items that you can bring in.
If all you can grab at the last minute is a bag of chips or pretzels, don’t sweat it. However, if you can put a little more time in it, look into preparing some side items for your own.
For instance, things like pasta salads, baked beans, macaroni and cheese, and cole slaw will be amazing add-ons to any cookout food. You can also easily make some homemade apple sauce that people will enjoy.
Check out this article for a few easy to whip up BBQ side dish recipes.
4. Beverages -- Alcoholic and Otherwise
Food aside, you’ve got to have some wonderful drinks to go with it.
First of all, make sure you have plenty of water! Cookouts happen on hot days usually, so the last thing you would want is to feel bad because you’re dehydrated.
You can mix together some nice sweet tea or lemonade for other summertime classics. We recommend this stylish pitcher with a lid, perfect for traveling. (Link to Amazon)
There are plenty of alcoholic beverages you can buy or mix together to really enjoy the social aspect of the BBQ. Whether you buy and bring some craft beers or put together your exquisite margarita recipe, everyone will have a great time.
5. Something Sweet to Chow On
Don’t forget dessert!
When you bring in some brownies, cookies, banana pudding or cake, it’ll add some sweet to the savory. Give yourself some time to bake these treats so you can get the hang of the recipe and make sure that you’re mastering it.
In the summertime, you also can’t go wrong with ice cream or gelato.
6. Games to Play
One of the best things you can do during a BBQ is to let your hair down and have some fun.
Since it’s an outdoor event, bring and set up games like croquet, hula hoops, bean bag toss, and frisbee. Also, a great game at a BBQ party is a ladder game (from Amazon). This will turn it into a lively event and will give everyone a chance to burn off those calories!
7. Cigars or Other Novelties
BBQ parties are great for cigar aficionados also. Ask the host to set up a smokers section that people can go to to try different cigar blends.
A lot of people these days are enjoying hookah as well. If you have a large hookah pipe, bring it along with plenty of coals so you can fire it up and enjoy a communal moment.
8. Ice and Any Supplies the Grillmaster or Hosts Might Need
You can also never go wrong with bringing some supplies.
Every host feels like they’ve forgotten something, no matter how much they plan. Shoot them a text early in the day or the day before so that you can fill in any items that they might have forgotten.
People will always need ice and napkins at a BBQ, and it wouldn’t hurt to bring some plates or cups in as well.
Have the Best BBQ Party Ever
When you are trying to throw a great BBQ party, these ideas will be excellent. Never again will you wonder how you’re going to contribute or what you’re going to bring.
If you are a guest, you’ll always be welcome when you use any of the items presented. It will take the BBQ up a few notches and will be an incredible contribution.
This is a summertime tradition, so make sure you also give yourself a chance to let your hair down. These 8 tips will definitely get you started on the right track.
For more backyard BBQ ideas, check out our site.
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