How to plan the perfect summer BBQ
Summer is here, and what better way to celebrate the warm weather than by hosting a delightful backyard barbecue?
Gathering your friends and family for a sizzling outdoor feast can create lasting memories. Like any dinner party, in order to ensure a successful event, careful planning and attention to detail are crucial.
From selecting the ideal date and time to curating a mouthwatering menu, arranging entertainment, and creating a welcoming atmosphere, each aspect contributes to a memorable event. This summer, we have curated two BBQ menus, The Burger Bar and the Down South Feast.
Here are a few tips on how to plan that perfect summer BBQ
Pick a date first
The first step in planning a successful summer BBQ is selecting the perfect date and time. Consider weekends or public holidays when most people are likely to be available. Ensure the date you choose is one where you know your schedule will be free of any major commitments so you can focus on your guests. Be sure to send invitations well in advance to ensure your guests can mark their calendars.
The Menu
The centrepiece of any BBQ is, of course, the food. Ensure you gather all dietary restrictions from your guests so that there are no surprises, or medical emergencies on the day of. Knowing what your guests can and cannot eat also makes menu planning a lot easier.
Summertime brings with it a lot of nostalgic food memories. Including some of your favourites in the menu adds a personal touch to your event.
Give your meal a little edge with new flavours
For some new ideas, our Executive Chef Jasmin Porcic suggests a flavourful spice rub on your meats, and pre-marinating them with olive oil and fresh herbs to lock moisture in. Partially cooking them in the oven, and finishing on the grill is a winning combination, along with grilling freshly picked seasonal vegetables, served on a decorative platter. Salads and grazing platters are great dishes you can prepare in advance. It’s hot out there! So remember to ensure your food is kept chilled until it is time to enjoy.
For dessert, a light but summery sweet that is reminiscent of the season offsets some of the heavier dishes of the main course. Fresh berries with gelato, lemon tarts, and other fruit-forward desserts are light and fresh, perfect for warm summer nights.
Stay hydrated
It is important to stay hydrated throughout the summer, especially if you or your guests will be drinking alcohol. Ensure that you are balancing alcohol with non-alcoholic selections. Instead of sugary sodas, offer a refreshing beverage dispenser filled with iced teas or lemonades. Fruit-infused water is a perfect, colourful choice to offer as well. Kombucha is another great option for non-alcoholic options, there are also some great mocktails available on the market as well.
Have fun with drink options
As our followers know, we recently became official partners with Lavish Liquid. As our exclusive bartending and management company, Lavish Liquid are brilliant bartenders, creating exceptional experiences. This week we connected with them and they had some awesome pointers to share!
“There is a cocktail for every occasion.
We recommend light, refreshing drinks with flavours that pack a punch. BBQ food is rich, and smokey, meaning that cocktails with citrus fruits will help cut the meal and make the pairing between food and beverage more enjoyable. Spices and sweet aromas also pair nicely with BBQ.”
Lavish Liquids’ top cocktail picks
Lionsgate Mule
Vodka, fresh ginger, mango, lime, cane syrup, cardamom bitters, soda
Cedar Sour
Rye, cedar and thyme syrup, lemon
Spirit Trail
Bourbon, chai syrup, lemon peach, aromatic bitters and orange bitters
Have fun in the sun, and in the shade
While soaking up the summer rays, ensure to provide ample seating in the shade. In the event of rain, you can always move the party indoors. Whether your table is indoors or outdoors, bring the summer feel with some fun touches such as bright linen tablecloths and napkins, playful flatware, and colourful florals freshly picked from your garden.
Don’t forget about the kids
If you have children attending, be sure to have kid-friendly fun snacks and good to keep them (and the adults) happy. Don’t forget about lawn games to keep them occupied as well. Set up a volleyball net, play some backyard sports, or organize a friendly cornhole tournament.
Hire Help
If this all seems like too much work or you want to fully enjoy the day with your guests, connect with the events team at Edge Catering and check out the summer BBQ menu for incredible food and a memorable experience.
Photography by: Angela Ruscheinski
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