May marks the beginning of barbecue season as the weather warms up enough for you to spend the weekend outdoors with friends and family until early evening. We have gathered some tips to help you create the perfect atmosphere for a BBQ party, prepare delicious snacks, and make these occasions unforgettable.
1. Proper tools are more important than you think.
The grill is an indispensable accessory for a BBQ party, so choose one that burns with charcoal. Buy the right amount of charcoal in time and prepare the bowls, plates, and metal trays for marinating and serving. Have several long-handled forks, spatulas, and tongs on hand: with the right tools, you can easily place the grilled goodies on the plates. Don’t forget about the special apron for the grill master!
2. Make time for pre arrangements.
Prepare the ingredients beforehand on the morning of the barbecue: marinate the meat, and prepare the garnishes, salads, and sauces you will need. The grill grate should be hot, and the coals should be evenly lit to ensure the best possible result. Remember to light the grill before guests arrive so you can start cooking as soon as possible.
3. The right quantity and quality of drinks for everyone.
Hydration is always key, and if you’re planning an outdoor party with lots of movement, have plenty of still water on hand, as this is the best way to quench your guests’ thirst. For a wider variety of drinks, stock up on a couple of bottles of mineral water. If children and young people are invited, make at least two types of lemonade! Try to avoid sweetened and fizzy drinks! Besides the people who will drink alcoholic beverages, remember the designated drivers, and have non-alcoholic beer on hand.
4. Grilled mushrooms are a must.
Vegan and vegetarian diets are becoming more common in any friend group. Be prepared, as grilled mushrooms and vegetables can become the stars of the party as many of your guests, some out of curiosity, won’t be able to resist these mouth-watering, yummy flavors. Here’s how to prepare perfect mushrooms on the grill, and remember: the mushrooms don’t need to be fried and over-dried. If marinated beforehand, they’re ready in 10-15 minutes! For grilled mushrooms, use tongs instead of forks; another good tip is to brush the mushroom pieces with olive oil to prevent them from sticking to the grill. Don’t forget to try this easy-to-make, delicious garlic and lemon mushroom recipe! And here are three more grilled mushroom recipes to make your BBQ menu even more colorful.
5. Have fun and insightful board games on hand.
A barbecue can last from midday to early evening, and you almost certainly won’t be cooking and eating all day. Have a few packs of cards, footballs, badminton rackets, and a chessboard prepared. If children are present, have other age-appropriate board games ready, as there are bound to be breaks between frolicking, running around, or playing hide-and-seek. A family barbecue is also a nice opportunity for children to learn through play. Grilling bacon, turning mushrooms and vegetables, or slicing meat on the grill doesn’t have to be done by one person. Younger children can be involved in preparing and cooking if they can already look after their physical safety. Cleaning the grill, however, should be left to adults.
Have a blast with your barbecues in 2023!
