Nothing says it’s summer like the smell of barbecue. Want to brush up on your grill skills? Take some private cooking classes and impress your guests. Smoky and sour, barbecue has to be perfect and so will your party with a little planning. Follow these eight tips to kick the summer off in style.
Plan Your Menu
Plan out your menu ahead of time, and make sure to have enough to feed everyone. Instead of being glued to the grill all night, consider a bbq catering company like Foodini’s in NJ. They offer meal delivery and can also provide a personal chef to do all the cooking at your event. Leave the cooking part to a professional and enjoy your own event.
Have Enough Seating
A little planning goes a long way. It’s worth having guests RSVP ahead of the event, so that you can estimate how many will attend. If it’s a large crowd, or an unknown venue chances are chairs and tables will need to be rented.
Lighting Sets the Mood
Dress up the occasion and add a bit of romance to an outdoor barbecue with colorful paper lanterns. String lights also go a long way in creating a celebratory atmosphere.
Bugs Be Gone
Avoid uninvited guests like mosquitoes and flies by preparing ahead of time. Citronella candles and tiki torches keep them away. You can offer bug spray or repellent wipes to your guests for added protection.
Cater to Kids
Have something for every member of the family. Keeping kids occupied with activities and games will allow parents to relax and enjoy themselves while the kids have fun. Consider an on-site babysitting service so parents can enjoy some adult beverages without having to worry.
Keep Cool
Another advantage of event catering is that the staff will make sure your drinks are kept cold. Staying cool under the summer sun is key to throwing a successful barbecue. Stock drinks in tubs of ice, or put misting bottles out for guests to have. Also, a jar filled with colorful folding fans is attractive and handy.
Outdoor Décor
Take your barbecue to the next level with some cute and quick décor that will tie everything together and create a charming atmosphere. These herb and citrus mason jar tea lights make great little centerpieces on each table.
Dessert
A decadent dessert is the perfect end to a perfect summer barbecue. Fruit pies and cobblers are traditional, while a coffee and ice cream bar is chic. A catering service menu will come with dessert options for a simple and worry-free approach. Or if you’re in a pinch, stay out of the kitchen heat and consider serving some no-bake treats.
Keep it uptown and trendy with a team of personal chefs, or kick it old school and man the grill yourself. Either way, with a well-crafted menu, some mood lighting, and great atmosphere, your summer barbecue will be a hit!