Planning the Perfect Barbecue

If you’re a perfectionist like me, then the idea of having even a few friends over for a barbecue can be cause for anxiety. There are just so many small details that need to be taken into account if you want the party to be perfect, like what type of music you’ll play, what kind of burgers you want to cook and even who you should invite. Well there’s no need to worry any longer, I’ve compiled a list of must-dos that will give you the best barbecue party on the block this summer.

1. Invite your friends at least a week in advance. In general, barbecues are pretty low key, so you don’t really need to send out fancy invites or anything too elaborate. Give your friends a call or shoot them an email.
2. Start cleaning up your place about three days before the party. Organize your messy cupboards, clean out your dirty bathrooms and of course make your sure your backyard is free of debris and grime. It’s best to start this process early so you aren’t rushing around last minute the day of your party.
3. Start thinking about the kind of food you would like to eat. It’ll probably be easier on you if you stick to traditional barbecue foods. Think burgers, pasta salads, corn, fruit. Also make sure that you’ve got some vegetarian options If you’re inviting close friends or family, ask them to bring something specific like chips or salad, so all of the responsibility doesn’t fall on your shoulders.
4. Once the day before the party rolls around, you should head to the grocery store with a list of items you need for the big day. Get everything in advance and you’ll be less likely to forget items.
5. On the day of the barbecue, get all of your food prep taken care. Whether you need to marinate some chicken, or prepare steak kebabs, get it all ready at least five hours before the party is set to begin. You should even place your appetizers and bread rolls in trays or bowls. Get absolutely everything ready.
6. After you’ve prepared everything, spend the rest of the day relaxing. You don’t have anything to stress about because you’ve taken care of it all and you’ll want to be in a great mood when your guests start to arrive.
7. As guests begin to roll in, set the mood by lighting some candles and putting on some fun music. Then you can grab the bread and appetizers you’ve already prepared and set them out. Just chat and have a good time on your patio furniture. Once the majority of your guests have arrived, it’s time to start cooking.

While planning a barbecue party can seem like a lot of work, you really shouldn’t stress out too much. Just make sure to plan and prepare everything in advance. You never want to be rushing around on the day of your party. It cause you stress and your guest will notice. Outline even the smallest details and it will make for a lot less work overall. You’ll be able to sit back and enjoy your own party for once.