Barbecue With Me :: Backyard Barbecue Party Articles :: Planning A Backyard Barbecue Party

Planning A Backyard Barbecue Party

Most of my Backyard Barbecue Party recipes will be for 12 people I think that is enough people to keep it interesting and at the same time enjoyable for the hosts as well. There are quite a few things to consider in planning for your backyard barbecue party such as:

Invitations, should you call and invite them, e-mail the invitation, or send an actual invitation through the mail? I think all three until you get a yes or no would probably be a good idea unless it is short notice then you should call and e-mail.
I know some people do not look at their e-mail every day, some people like me let their mail pile up until they know there must be a bill in there to be paid! I am sure some do not check their telephone messages every day.

Entertainment, if you are planning on your backyard barbecue party to be an all day event you will need games to play you can find a whole array of games for adults and children to have fun together.




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What should you serve? If your budget will cover chicken breasts but not New York steaks you will of simplified the planning for the party by only needing to find a good marinade recipe for barbecue chicken. Consider the people you are inviting and their particular diets, if two of your guests are vegetarians, then have them bring a casserole that can be nuked in the microwave and every thing else you have will most likely work for them.

Ice storage (you need a real freezer to keep the extra ice frozen) or at least 2 large coolers with one not accessible till you have run out of ice in the other cooler. If you allow people to be opening both coolers simultaneously your ice may melt.

Beverages, if you do not drink alcoholic beverages and do not care if others do, simply state on your invite BYOB! You should provide non alcoholic beverages for everyone so that they do not imbibe too much. Sun tea is a cheap beverage to make and although the name implies it is made in the sun it can be made in the fridge overnight. Start saving your gallon milk jugs and just put 4 tea bags of the tea of your choice in each jug the night before. Tea and lemonade combined makes a very refreshing beverage for everyone. Just make the lemonade up from frozen as needed. If you are using paper cups paint their name on the cups with nail polish when you serve them their first drink, they should get the idea and you may not go through so many!

Seating, plan on enough tables for at least two and a half feet between each person. You can beg, borrow or rent outdoor seating and chairs fairly easy and cheaply if it is the last choice. You can either make one long table or if the children are able to fend for themselves let them sit at their own table.

If this will be one of many backyard barbecue parties seating is one of the most important equipment to own. Plan on purchasing tables and chairs that are easily stored.

Make a list of other items that you think would make your parties run smoother and buy them as your budget allows. If you do not have enough shade purchase a canopy. It will also provide shelter if your party ends up getting rained on.

The week before the backyard barbecue party get your yard ready by mowing, weeding and removing anything that does not belong in the yard (it's a good time to get rid of the old mower that does not work etc...). Pick up and clean all the common areas of your home that people may use so that all that is involved is spot cleaning them the day before the party.

 

 


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