Nothing screams summer like enjoying a sunny afternoon with loved ones around a backyard BBQ. Throw in a delicious menu, a lively playlist and some outdoor activities, and you’ve got the recipe for cherished memories! So, if you’re planning a backyard BBQ, keep reading to learn how to take your event to the next level.
Plan + prepare
First things first – take a moment to plan your backyard BBQ for a stress-free, enjoyable event.
Consider:
- Your guest list
- The weather forecast for your desired date
- If you’d like to incorporate a theme (this doesn’t need to be OTT; instead, select a unifying thread to tie your BBQ bash together).
Once you’ve nailed all the details, it’s time to send invites! Easily share invites via SMS – remember to provide details on the timeframe and whether guests should bring anything to contribute to the menu or refreshments.
Just chuck it on the barbie!
When planning your backyard BBQ menu, ensure there are options for carnivores and herbivores alike.
Sure, there’s always the standard snags-and-slice-bread menu to fall back on. However, if you’re looking for something a little different, consider:
- Barbecued paella
- Chargrilled vegetables
- Smoky chicken wings
Head here for more inspiration.
Easy does it
Fill everyone’s plates without wasting your entire day in the kitchen! The golden ticket is a variety of basic and gourmet; picky eaters and passionate foodies should both be left satisfied.
Choose from:
- Smoky miso baba ghanoush
- Potato and fennel salad with chilli yoghurt dressing
- Thai corn fritters
And plenty more here. Short on time or don’t feel up to the prep? Head to your local barbecue chicken shop for ready-made salads and the crowd-favourite hot chips!
All a-beer-d
Level up from the usual convoy of battered Eskies with a designated Drinks Station! Use steel bowls, buckets, bar carts, beer barrows, crates or old furniture to create a unique backyard bar.
Whip up a batch of frozen drinks to help your guests chill out! Make it family-friendly with fruity smoothies, or turn it up a notch with daiquiris, margaritas and piña coladas.
Ready for rain or shine
Australian summers are wrought with freak storms and southerlies! Make sure your backyard BBQ is weatherproof, and ensure you have some back-up sheltered entertaining area, just in case.
Make a splash
If it’s forecast to be a steaming hot day, it can be fun to include some water play. It keeps younger kids’ body temperatures down and the older kids entertained; even adults will get into it! Whether you’re thinking of some good ol’ fashioned super soaker battles or a full-blown pool party, keep safety top of mind.
Keep your cool
If water play isn’t right for your BBQ, there are other ways of beating the heat this summer. Outdoor fans, misters, and plenty of shade are surefire winners. For those who want a quirky touch, try:
- chilled and scented towel rolls
- spritzer bottles with ice water and lavender/peppermint oil
- vintage handheld fans
- hydrating infused water
Have a go!
Cricket at a backyard BBQ…is there anything more iconic?
If you want to mix it up, have a look at other backyard games like bocce, kubb or giant Jenga. If it’s too hot (or you don’t trust your hand-eye coordination), games like Celebrity Heads, Cards Against Humanity (if you’re game), playing cards or old board games are great to have on standby.
Pull up a rug
What’s better than a comfy space to relax with a stomach full of food? Offer a variety of outdoor seating options for your guests; the standard table-and-chair combo is helpful for eating, but can be rather stiff and socially restricting.
Benches, crates, and stools offer casual seating options that allow your guests to flow through different locations. Alternatively, consider outdoor rugs and floor pillows for a bohemian vibe (perfect for families with little ones!).
Outdoor lighting to uplift any backyard BBQ
Create a sense of ambience with strategic outdoor lighting, and take your backyard BBQ from day to night! Never underestimate the power of well-placed lighting – even pathway lighting or old-school tiki torches add a serious flair to your space.
Curate the vibe with a playlist
Make things easier for yourself – choose a specially curated playlist to set the scene for your backyard BBQ. Check out Spotify, Apple Music or YouTube for great playlists that pay tribute to iconic Aussie music. They’ll be pre-mixed, so you can turn it on, let it play and enjoy your day!
Don’t worry about the neighbours – enjoy proven acoustic attenuation with ModularWalls
Nothing dampens a jovial mood faster than a noise complaint from the neighbours. Enjoy peace of mind and a serious sense of serenity with the proven noise reduction of ModularWalls! Don’t just take our word for it, hear what Block winners Jimmy and Tam have to say:
“Designing an entertainers’ delight was a high priority for our backyard. Having ModularWalls as a solid wall makes us feel comfortable when we’re entertaining that we’re not annoying the neighbours.”
A backyard BBQ to remember
It’s clear – a backyard BBQ is more than just a meal; it’s an opportunity to create lasting memories with loved ones! So fire up the grill, gather your friends and family, and make this summer’s BBQ the best one yet. Cheers to good food, great company, and unforgettable moments!
