Written by Level Home Staff
Backyard barbecues are a wonderful way to enjoy the warm weather, great food, and good company. The key to a successful BBQ lies in careful planning and preparation to ensure everything runs smoothly so your guests and you can enjoy the cookout.
Creating the perfect setup for your outdoor barbecue will depend on a variety of factors, like where you’re hosting it (backyard? park?), if there’s an occasion (graduation? birthday? just ‘cause?), and what theme you’re going for. A good rule of thumb for all barbecues is to organize different zones for cooking, eating, and relaxing, as well as incorporating details like lighting and a space for entertainment.
Cooking zone: Set up your grill and prep area in a convenient, safe location away from major foot traffic to avoid any mishaps
Eating zone: Arrange tables and chairs to create a comfortable dining area for you and your guests
Relaxing zone: Provide seating areas with shade from trees or umbrellas for guests to relax. Consider placing some lounges poolside if you have a pool, or setting up seating around a firepit for later in the evening
Lighting: Use string lights, lanterns, or LED candles to create an inviting atmosphere and ensure your party doesn’t have to end when the sun goes down
Games and activities: Include lawn games like cornhole, frisbee, or badminton to keep all ages entertained (just be sure the games are set up far enough from the food to avoid any accidental spills)
Who doesn’t love a good checklist? When you’re ready to set up, take one last look to make sure you have all you need to throw the perfect barbecue:
Grill and fuel
Cooking utensils (tongs, spatula, basting brush)
Food and drinks
Tables and chairs
Tableware (plates, cups, cutlery)
Napkins and tablecloths
Trash bags and recycling bins
Outdoor lighting
Insect repellent
Cooler with ice
Games and activities
Music
Creating a stress-free backyard BBQ is all about easy and quick setup ideas. Keep things simple with minimal decor and a streamlined menu.
Prep ahead: Prepare as much food as possible before the day of the BBQ, you can pre-chop vegetables and marinate meats the night before. Consider ordering your groceries ahead of time with services like Walmart+ InHome delivery
Keep it simple: Choose easy-to-prepare dishes that don’t require constant attention, like chips and dip or macaroni salad. You can even ask guests to bring a dish of their own, pot-luck style
Use disposable items: Simplify cleanup with disposable plates, cups, and utensils – try bamboo or compostable tableware for a convenient option that’s also eco-friendly. Just make sure you have trash and recycling receptacles nearby for guests to use
Guest passes: Use your smart lock to set up a guest pass or share a unique keycode for the event so guests can let themselves in when they arrive, and you can continue to man the grill or enjoy a game of baseball
Hosting a BBQ isn’t just fun and games, safety is paramount. Follow these tips to ensure everyone stays safe and has a good time.
Keep the grill away from flammable objects and structures
Never leave the grill unattended
Have a fire extinguisher or a bucket of sand nearby
Use long-handled tools to avoid burns
Keep raw and cooked foods separate
Use a meat thermometer to ensure meats are cooked to safe temperatures
Keep perishable foods chilled until ready to cook or serve
Keep sharp objects and hot items out of reach of children
Ensure pathways are clear to prevent tripping hazards
Only let people into your home/yard that you know and trust so your kids and guests remain safe
Use these methods to keep your barbecue bug-free:
Citronella candles and torches: Place them around your yard in safe locations to repel mosquitoes and other pests. Bonus: these can double as lighting!
Bug zappers: Install them in strategic locations
Food covers: Use mesh covers to protect food from insects
Herbs and plants: Incorporate insect-repellent plants like citronella, lavender, mint, and basil into your garden
Choosing the right start time for your BBQ depends on several factors:
Consider the weather: Afternoon BBQs might be too hot or could be perfect for swimming, while evenings can be cooler but come with more bugs
Guest availability: Consider coordinating with guests to find a time that works for most
Duration: Afternoon start times allow for a longer event, while evening BBQs can have a more relaxed, intimate atmosphere. The theme (if you have one) and whether children are present can also be an important consideration for timing
So you’ve considered the basics, but what about the fun stuff?
Adding a theme can make your BBQ more fun and memorable. Here are some popular themes and what can go along with them, but don’t be afraid to go out-of-the-box:
Hawaiian Luau - tiki torches, pineapples and coconuts, leis, Hawaiian shirts; the possibilities are endless
Classic American BBQ - burgers, hot dogs, macaroni or potato salad; a classic red, white, and blue event
Mexican Fiesta - elote, chips and salsa, grilled meats and seafood for delicious tacos; mouth-watering goodness
Beach Party - pool floaties, swimsuits, sun hats, beach balls; some easygoing fun-in-the-sun
Try setting up a photo booth with themed props or bringing out your Polaroid camera for guests to get some easy keepsakes!
What you decide to serve at your BBQ depends on your theme, what you like and are able to make, and who your guests are (kids will be more thrilled about ice cream sandwiches than deviled eggs or grilled salmon). Here are some ideas to get you started when planning for a cookout:
Appetizers: Chips and salsa, veggie platters, deviled eggs, potato chips and pretzels
Mains: Burgers, hot dogs, grilled chicken or steak, kabobs, ribs, tacos, seafood boil
Sides: Coleslaw, potato salad, corn on the cob or elote, baked beans, grilled pineapple
Desserts: S’mores, fruit salad, ice cream sandwiches or cones, ice pops
Alcoholic drinks: Beer, sangria, margaritas, pina coladas, hard seltzer or lemonade
Non-alcoholic drinks: Lemonade, iced tea, soda, flavored water or seltzer. You can even consider offering non-alcoholic beer, wine, or spirits for sober or underage guests to enjoy
Planning and hosting the perfect backyard BBQ can be enjoyable with the right preparation. Get creative, have fun, and ensure everyone has a great time.
