Kick off the summer season with a fun and memorable barbecue party with family and friends! Organizing a barbecue is always fun and is the perfect excuse to organize an outdoor party. If you are in the mood to plan a memorable experiencefesta do super bowlor needparty ideasFor a larger-than-life barbecue, gathering fun and creative barbecue ideas will help you have the best barbecue of the year! Use these barbecue party ideas to set the bar for summer.
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- how to plan barbecues
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how to plan barbecues
Ensuring a barbecue goes off without a hitch and keeping guests happy and relaxed, it all comes down to planning. Check out the guide below to find out how to plan your ultimate barbecue party.
- Choose a party theme. Choosing the perfect barbecue theme is an important first step. Decide on your invitations, decorations, and general food options. For inspiration, check out our theme ideas in the next section.
- Decide on a date and location. It's important to decide the date and location in advance, as this helps to avoid future headaches. It's also critical to include this information in your party invitations.
- Make a guest list. Once you have your list of friends and family, send out invitations well in advance.
- Send party invitations. Be sure to send anyparty invitationsplan to ship at least three weeks in advance. And if you want help writing your invitations, you can visit our resource atparty invitation quote.
- Choose decorations. Find your decorations at least a week in advance. Waiting until the last minute will only cause you stress.
- Set a day in advance. That way, you'll have time to deal with any last-minute things that might come up.
- Enjoy!
Themes and ideas for barbacoa parties
Choose a theme for your barbecue party idea to start your party plans. Your food and decor should be on one page if you want to create a complete experience for family and friends. Simply avoid barbecue party mistakes by staying true to a theme and ultimately making it your own. These themes are fun, memorable and easy to run.
1. Traditional Country Barbecue
Host a classic, traditional country barbecue this summer! These barbecues never disappoint and you can put your own spin on this classic theme by taking a traditional decor and making it your own. When planning your party layout, stick to picnic-inspired decor like plaid tablecloths, mason jars, daisies, centerpieces, and lanterns. You can also create small areas around your backyard party area or a playpen with cozy pillows and blankets to add a warm touch.
The best part of a country barbecue is simply the delicious food. BBQ staples like hamburgers, hot dogs, sausage, chicken, potato salad, pasta salad, and corn on the cob are a must. However, this year you can sweeten things up by offering guests a decadent ice cream bar with some of your favorite old-fashioned ice creams, decorated ice cream cones and assorted toppings. Adults and children will not be left out. From himbarbecue invitationsit should have a grille on the front or picnic-inspired graphics to set the tone.
2. Western barbecue
Plan a good old-fashioned Western barbecue to spice things up and introduce your guests to what they've been missing. This theme is inspired by Texas barbecue, which means you can really try more slow-cooked meats like brisket. Spice up your traditional burgers and hot dogs by using smoked apple or hickory barbecue chips to add a little flavor to your grill. After deciding on the menu, you can set up a special table filled with different flavors of barbecue sauce to give your meal a special touch.
When it comes to decorations, you can turn your summer party into a wild west party by incorporating simple wild west signs, hay, cacti, and barn-like decor to finish off the party setup. Take your party to the next level by building a custom "Watering Hole" bar with traditional drinks like Texas tea. Your western party invitation should have colors like red, brown or beige to match your theme. Finally, greet guests with cowboy hats and bandanas as they walk through the door to make everyone feel welcome.
3. Party by the sea
Organizing a summer barbecue doesn't mean you have to limit yourself to red meat or chicken. Exercise your seafood side with a 'By The Sea' grill feast featuring some of your favorites such as grilled shrimp, scallops, salmon, seafood kebabs and kebabs or grilled halibut. You can also grill corn and cook a variety of pastas to complement your off-the-grid theme, delighting your guests with recipes like lobster macaroni and cheese or seafood linguine. Decorations for this theme should make guests feel like they are at the beach. Add sand and seashells to your bar area and use lots of navy blue decor to create an airy, fresh atmosphere. Play island-inspired music and prepare a Mai Tai to refresh guests. Give guests a glimpse of things to come with a beautiful blue party invitation.
4. Backyard Barbecue Dinner
If you want to create an intimate and elegant setting for your guests, you might want to have a fun backyard dinner in the early evening! you can send in styledinner invitationsand use your invitation color palette to design your entire party. Keep your menu simple for a small barbecue dinner by choosing just two meats to grill, like salmon and steak. The main focus of an outdoor dinner is always the table and backyard decor. A charming, coordinating tablescape, along with room decorations that complement each other, will leave guests in awe.
When it comes to table arrangements, use a long table and wooden benches to add a rustic picnic vibe to your summer dinner party. Once you've finished grilling all the food ahead of time, you can use Christmas lights, fresh flowers, candles, linen tablecloths, table runners, and pretty custom glassware to set the outdoor mood. Add a designated bar area with two or three specialty cocktails, along with a refreshing water bar, to take this party to the next level.
5. Labor Day Party
Labor Day parties typically take place in late summer, where guests traditionally dress in white, making it the perfect theme for your barbecue! This is one of the few themes where guests can pre-purchase an all-white outfit and feel like they're a central part of your plans. The decor for this party should follow the main color of the theme exactly, with lots of white tablecloths, flowers, white paper lanterns, and white furniture. You can give your party an edge by using succulent plants as decor and seasonal greenery in your table decorations. Stick to traditional barbecue like hamburgers and hot dogs, as most guests will be on a mission to keep their whites clean. Set up an all-white candy buffet and let guests fill their goodie bags before they leave.
6. Barbecue Beer Tasting
Few things go together like beer and barbecue, forming abeer tasting partyone last barbecue theme. Stock up on your favorite beer or make a selection of different craft beers to sample during the party (and don't forget thebarware and glassware). Include scorecards for guests to pick their favorite and plenty of beer snacks to complement the drink menu. Whether your main barbecue menu is stuffed with ribs, burgers or kabobs, you're sure to have plenty of drinks to go with it.
7. Outdoor barbecue marathon
Do you want to spend a relaxing evening with friends and family watching your favorite movies? If so, consider hosting an outdoor movie marathon with a barbecue menu. With a list of the best movies and your favorite foods, you're sure to have a fun night out under the stars. Decorations can include movie posters, bags of popcorn and boxes of candy. End the night with your favorite brand of hot dog and a game or movie trivia.
8. From farm to table
Organize a barbecue with a healthy and sustainable touch! It features meats and cheeses from local farms and ranches. Include vegetables, fruits and herbs from your own garden. Feel free to ask guests to bring food from their own gardens and do it potluck style. This guilt-free barbecue isn't just for you, it's also a great opportunity to teach your kids about sustainable eating and healthy food choices.
9. Cords and branches
A "Twine & Twigs" theme means including lots of rustic decor in your family-style barbecue. Tie plaid table napkins and tie candles for a homey feel. Consider summer wreaths made from twigs and campfire stacks or sparklers to help tie the whole theme together. Not only will it be a perfect party, but guests are sure to be talking about it for years to come.
10. S'mores Camp Party
Barbecues are the perfect opportunity to enjoy other summer favorites: S'mores and campfires. Plan your barbecue later in the evening in a safe fire pit location. After the barbecue starter is ready, bring out the s'more supplies and invite everyone to sit by the fireplace. Between the conversations by the fireplace and the pampering, no one will want to leave the party.
11. Lawn Games Party
Whether you're a bocce ball or croquet fan, including a set of lawn games at your barbecue is sure to keep everyone entertained. You'll want a location with a large yard and plenty of outdoor lighting if the game lasts until dark. Fun lawn games can include horseshoes, ladder run, cornhole, ultimate frisbee, badminton or spikeball. Just make sure there's enough food and drink to keep guests going until the end.
12. Tema Old Time Soda Fountain
Make your party a blast from the past by including plenty of old-fashioned themed decor. Include a retro “soda fountain” filled with glass bottle sodas and vintage labels. Use 1950's plates and cups and ask everyone to come in 1950's costumes. This theme will make for great photos and give you an excuse to dig up old family recipes to add to the barbecue menu.
Resources related to barbecue party ideas
Whatever theme you choose, plan ahead as barbecue parties often require many days of cooking and grilling. Barbecues are perfect for celebrating summer vacations, birthdays, baby showers and graduations. Take advantage of the beautiful summer weather to have the best barbecue of the year. And if you are looking for additional resources related to barbecue party ideas, check out the content below:
- Summer party ideas
- Pool party ideas
- party games
- General party ideas
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FAQs
How do you make a BBQ party fun? ›
- Set-up smart. Serve everything buffet style, with one area for dishing up food and another for sitting down and eating. ...
- Make a toppings station. ...
- Jazz up your burgers. ...
- Cool down in style. ...
- Don't skip the sides. ...
- Get the games out. ...
- Be prepared. ...
- Don't forget dessert.
- Keep it Simple. The key to a great barbecue is to keep it casual. ...
- Take a Seat. ...
- Get Groovin' ...
- Avoid a Condiment Catastrophe. ...
- Stock the Bar. ...
- Entertain the Masses. ...
- Bugger Off. ...
- Two Words: Sundae Bar.
- Backyard BBQ Party. Host a classic backyard BBQ party for friends and family with traditional picnic food. ...
- Beach or Pool Party. ...
- Backyard Dinner Party. ...
- Tex-Mex Summer Fiesta. ...
- Lemonade Party. ...
- Luau. ...
- Summer Camp Party. ...
- Carnival.
- Create an Enticing Invitation. Your invitations must make an impact! ...
- Invite an Interesting Group of Guests. ...
- Use Festive Décor. ...
- Lighting is Super Important. ...
- Create a Lively Playlist. ...
- Incorporate Thoughtful Details. ...
- Offer Mouthwatering Food. ...
- Serve a Mix of Cocktails.
- Halloween Party.
- Pirate Party/ Treasure Island.
- Hollywood.
- Fancy Dress (anything goes)
- Wild West.
- Under the Sea/ Nautical.
- Famous Dead People.
- Heroes vs Villains.
- Fresh Fruit Platter. ...
- Tasty Skewers With Fresh Veggies & Produce. ...
- Margarita Pitchers. ...
- Desserts From Yours Truly. ...
- Quebrada Corn Muffins. ...
- A Refreshing Salad (with or without pasta)
Beef is the favourite food for barbecues
Generally, a more tender piece requires less cooking and can be cooked at a higher temperature, while a harder working muscle requires a longer, lower heat to break down and tenderise. Cuts with more marbling tend to be juicer, but may not be as tender.
- Preparing for your BBQ Party Snacks.
- # 1. Guacamole Salsa.
- # 2. Muffin.
- # 3. Pasta.
- # 4. Empanada.
- # 5. Cake in a Jar.
- # 6. Calamari.
- # 7. Sandwich.
- Go with a theme. Sticking with a theme is an easy way to ensure your party packs a punch. ...
- Pick the perfect menu. ...
- Scent your charcoal. ...
- Serve refreshing drinks. ...
- Create conversation pits. ...
- Set up games. ...
- Light up the night. ...
- Set the mood with music.
- Build a water blob or a slip 'n slide. ...
- Build an obstacle course in the backyard. ...
- Climb trees together. ...
- Fly a kite. ...
- Go fishing. ...
- Have a bubble gum bubble blowing contest. ...
- Have a water balloon baseball game. ...
- Have a water gun race.
What are 3 themes in all summer in a day? ›
Jealousy, Bullying, and Isolation.
How do you make a party not boring? ›- Don't Be Afraid to Invite a Circus. ...
- Upend the Party Formula. ...
- Give Your Guests Something To Do. ...
- The Music Matters. ...
- Embrace Wretched Excess. ...
- Disregard the Last Tip. ...
- Plan Your Bar. ...
- Know Your Guests and Seat Them Properly.
- Create a Guest List. ...
- Remember to Send Invites to the Guests. ...
- Decide on a theme in advance. ...
- Make Proper Arrangements. ...
- Order Your drinks in advance. ...
- Make a Checklist. ...
- Plan a budget and Follow it. ...
- Choose a Food Menu.
- 01 of 20. Have a Themed Dance-Off. ...
- 02 of 20. Plan an At-Home Trivia Night. ...
- 03 of 20. Opt for Board Games. ...
- 04 of 20. Turn Your Place Into a Casino. ...
- 05 of 20. On a Budget? ...
- 06 of 20. Put on a Scavenger Hunt. ...
- 07 of 20. Throw a Pizza- or Cheeseboard-Making Party. ...
- 08 of 20.
- #1 Life on Mars. By 2028, a Mars-themed party could have a very different meaning. ...
- #2 Galaxy. ...
- #3 Alien Invasion. ...
- #4 NASA/Space. ...
- #5 Night at the Oscars. ...
- #6 Classic Hollywood. ...
- #7 Space Jam. ...
- #8 Alice in Wonderland.
Games are good; basically, you want to create everyone something comfortable and friendly together. Classic, ageless party games include trivia and charades—they never get older because they're entertaining! You don't have to be corny, but adding to your evening an element of competitiveness will make things happen.
How do I plan a small BBQ party? ›- Prepare your grill. Clean the caked-on grease off your grill before guests arrive. ...
- Plan the menu. ...
- Craft a signature cocktail. ...
- Keep bugs at bay. ...
- Plan to play. ...
- Embellish with festive lights. ...
- Don't forget dessert. ...
- Cultivate a relaxed atmosphere.
- Cowboy Beans. ...
- Easy Orzo Salad. ...
- Grilled Corn on the Cob with BBQ Butter. ...
- Southern-style Potato Salad. ...
- Quick and Easy New England-style Baked Beans. ...
- Fusilli Pasta Salad with Artichokes. ...
- Slaw with Lime Vinaigrette and Tortilla Strips. ...
- Texas Caviar.
- Beef kebabs. The cooking time for perfectly grilled kebabs is approximately 12–15 minutes; this makes it a low-effort, delicious dish to serve up for a larger crowd. ...
- Chicken. ...
- Turkey. ...
- Pork chops. ...
- Enjoy the season with the easiest meat to grill.
Texas is the best state for BBQ. It's home to three of the top 12 best BBQ cities in America: San Antonio, Austin, and Dallas. Americans are passionate about their BBQ foods, with conversations around the grill often sparking fiery debates over which is best: North Carolina style vs. Kansas City style, wet rub vs.
What are the 4 types of BBQ? ›
What Are the 4 Types of BBQ? In the American tradition, there are four prominent BBQ regions: Kansas City, Carolina, Memphis, and Texas. These four barbeque styles represent the most recognized regional renditions of smoked meat.
What can I cook for a large group in summer? ›- recipeJools' simple beef stew.
- recipeSicilian cauliflower & chickpea stew with fluffy couscous.
- recipeQuiche lorraine with carrot & parsley salad.
- recipeVeggie korma.
- recipeKerryann's chilli con veggie.
- recipeDIY party combos - prawns and Marie Rose sauce.
- recipeRoasted beetroot toast.
- Biscuits.
- Green Beans.
- Pea Salad.
- Mac and Cheese.
- Potato Wedges.
- Cornbread.
- Jalapeno Poppers.
- Fruit Salad.
- Drinks Are Key. There is a strong case to be made that having a range of drinks is just as important as having different dishes at a BBQ. ...
- Make Your Own BBQ Sauce. ...
- Don't Turn Down Help. ...
- Create the Right Atmosphere. ...
- Make Sure You Have Enough Meat & Charcoal.
- Ice Cream.
- Chicken Tenders.
- Soft Drinks/Soda.
- Pizza.
- Oreo Cookies.
- French Fries.
- Hot Dogs.
- Hamburgers.
- Put a Pizza on the Grill. 1/20. The grill's intense heat is a lot like a restaurant pizza oven. ...
- Skewered Fish. 2/20. ...
- Grill-Worthy Veggies. 3/20. ...
- Grill Fruit for a Delicious Dessert. 4/20. ...
- Kebabs for Kids. 5/20. ...
- Better Burgers. 6/20. ...
- Fish That Can Take the Heat. 7/20. ...
- Slimmed-Down Dogs. 8/20.
- Celery Sticks with Peanut Butter. Celery is a great choice because it's low in calories and high in fiber. ...
- Hummus with Raw Veggies or Whole Grain Crackers. ...
- String Cheese and Fruit. ...
- Greek Yogurt Green Smoothie. ...
- Avocado Toast. ...
- Hard-boiled Egg and Granola Bar.
7 course meal: A 7 course dinner menu includes an hors d'oeuvre, soup, appetizer, salad, main course, dessert, and mignardise.
What are good menu items? ›- Chicken pot pie.
- Mashed potatoes.
- Fried chicken.
- Burgers (with an option to add cheese/ bacon)
- Chicken soup.
- Meatloaf.
- Lasagna.
- Spaghetti with meatballs.
The five types of menus most commonly used are a la carte menus, static menus, du jour menus, cycle menus, and fixed menus.
What games can you play at a barbecue? ›
- Bean Bag Buckets. Bean bag buckets are a fun way to test out your bean bag toss skills at a higher level than cornhole. ...
- Beat That. ...
- Bocce Ball. ...
- Corn Hole. ...
- Croquet. ...
- Cross Net. ...
- Finska. ...
- Giant Checkers.
...
Without further ado, here are the best barbecue foods, ranked.
- Sauce. Image via Yelp/Don H.
- Brisket. ...
- Pork (chopped or pulled) ...
- Spare ribs. ...
- Chicken. ...
- Sausages. ...
- Cole slaw. ...
- Potato salad. ...
- Giant Jenga. Jenga is everyone's favorite game. ...
- Jumbo Chess and Checkers. Continuing with the theme of giant games, this set comes oversized. ...
- Scavenger Hunt. ...
- Human Pinata. ...
- Human Ring Toss. ...
- Life-Size Foosball Table. ...
- Capture the Flag. ...
- War.
Some must-have ingredients include store-bought chips, dips and fruit platters, homemade barbecue sauce and of course, meats and fish to grill such as pork ribs, sausage, shrimp, salmon, beef spare ribs and chicken drumsticks.