Are you excited about the seasonal festivities with summer rolling around the corner? Backyard barbecues are more than just a meal with friends, it is the opportunity for people to reconnect or network over a good plate of food.
Starting from your guest list to your meal prep, this occasion requires a lot more preparation than any normal meal. That is why you should prepare yourself for one of the greatest occasions of the season.

If this is your very first barbecue, here is a list of things to keep in mind to create a memorable get-together!
1. Check Your Grill First
Getting ready for a barbecue isn’t as easy as meal preparation. Imagine after preparing all your ingredients and cleaning the grill, On the big day you find out that your grill is damaged?
To avoid such a disaster, make sure to check your grill and see if it is running smoothly prior to the barbecue day, so you have enough time to go to a BBQ Store to buy a new one. As they’re usually kept in garages or backyards and used occasionally, there is a good chance that they will build up rust and parts might get damaged.
It is also worth checking your fuel – if you have a charcoal barbecue, you will need coal and firelighters to get the temperature up to cooking levels. If you have a gas barbecue, you will need to ensure your propane tank is full. If it is running low, it may be worth ordering from companies such as Kelly Propane so that you have peace of mind that your barbecuing will run smoothly.
It is important to check it out a couple of days or even a week in advance as you will also need some time to know which one to pick if you need to replace parts entirely.
2. Check the Weather Forecast
If you are going to be planning an outdoor event or inviting guests who are coming from far away, make sure to check the weather forecasts to be on the safe side.
Even though the sky might be sunny the day before the party, you wouldn’t want a downpour to spoil all the fun you planned out all month. Plus, there is nothing gloomier than trying to have a party when it is raining outside, the two just do not go together.
Consistently check the weather forecast before the party and if there is a chance of rain, delay the party so that you and your guests can have fun on a sunny day.
3. Deep Cleaning the Grill
An unclean grill is not only unhygienic, but it can also affect the taste of the food. The only thing worse than finding out you have a broken grill on the day of the party is making your guests and yourself sick because of a dirty grill.
If you just wash it with soap and water, there are chances that grease and leftover food might build up in the catch pan which can lead to grease fires and bugs around your grill.
4. Preparing the Food in Advanced
Cooking takes up a lot of time and half of that time is spent on cutting, marinating, and preparing the food On the day of the event, you do not want to keep your guests waiting for hours for a plate of food, neither do you want to spend the entire day slaving away in the kitchen and not get the chance to greet and mingle with your guests.
You have to plan out the preparation tactfully so that you are able to serve fresh food yet you get to cut down time spent on cooking on the day of the party.
You should finish cutting and preparing all the vegetables and store them in your fridge at least the night before and prepare them on the day of the party so that your veggies don’t lose moisture.
You should also marinate the meat the night before the event so that it has enough time to absorb the spices before it is grilled.
5. Drinks and How to Store Them
Barbecues are usually outdoor events and during the summer, you bet your guests will need cool refreshments such as this non alcoholic cider Australia. If you do not have a cooler, get one before the party so that you can keep the drinks cold for your guests.
Casual barbecues usually call for a refreshing beer but that does not mean you should just stock up on alcoholic beverages. Some of your guests might have health restrictions or just don’t prefer alcoholic beverages. That is why you should also have some soda and the safest bet—bottled water.
Besides the drinks, also include paper cups and a few bottle openers on your shopping list.
6. Tackling Side Dishes
You can’t have just a couple of hotdogs or steaks for a meal, to make it outstanding you will also need good side dishes to go with your main meal as well. However, when you are working hard to organize a great barbecue, you might want to serve more than just a salad.
Ask your friends and family to bring side dishes to the party, this will not only help the host, but it will bring a diverse set of delicious dishes on your table.
Furthermore, your party will also be more fun for your guests as they won’t just be eating and leaving. Their contribution to the preparation of the meal as well as exchanging compliments and recipes with each other will leave your guests with a sense of fulfillment and happiness.
However, if you plan to make the side dishes yourself, aim to make dishes or salads that include cucumbers and have a selection of fruits such as watermelon. These foods are hydrating and will be refreshing selections for your guests.
7. Party Games
What else can you do at a barbecue besides talking and eating? Well, party games of course! It will help you especially if all your guests do not know each other this can serve as an ice-breaking session.
If it is just a party for your buddies, you can include some drinking games. If there are going to be kids, try to include family-friendly games such as water bottle bowling or an egg race.
Wrapping Up
Barbecues are the best opportunity to show off your cooking and hosting skills and the sense of fulfillment after seeing everyone having a good time is the best feeling. That is why you should give your best effort in creating a great experience for you and your guests.
We hope you have a memorable time with your loved ones and avoid party disaster after using these tips and tricks.
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