Grilling season is finally here!
Obviously, here at Grill Daddy, grilling season is our favorite part of the year. And our goal for you? To help you impress your friends and family with an epic BBQ without the stress.
Ready to kick off the grilling season? Look no further than this definitive guide. There are so many moving pieces to a great BBQ. The food needs to be expertly grilled, you need to have enough food and drinks, entertainment helps and of course decorations can’t hurt.
A little overwhelmed? This post is your secret weapon to impressing your friends and family with your next BBQ. Let’s dive in, shall we?
Start With a Grilling Supplies Checklist
Whether your BBQ is going to be huge or small, you need to make sure you have all the necessary grilling supplies. Plus, they will last you all season. Start by making sure you have everything on this checklist:
- Spatula
- Tongs
- Grill Brush
- Grill fork
- Grill gloves
- Apron
- Gas or charcoal
- Foil
Find the Right Recipes
An epic BBQ is made epic by the food. Sure, hotdogs and burgers are easy. But, consider experimenting with some truly unique and delicious recipes this season.
We’ve actually done the heavy lifting for you when it comes to great grilling recipes. We have a fantastic list that we carefully curated right here.
A Clean Grill is Everything
It’s a new grilling season so don’t you want your grill to cook your food as well as it did when it was brand new?
Before hosting a BBQ, it’s time for a grill deep cleaning. The best clean you’ll get is by using a steam-powered grill brush and you can get yours here. This will ensure your food doesn’t stick to the grill.
Make a Playlist
You have the power to set the vibe for your BBQ and music is key.
When creating your playlist, try to think of upbeat music and try to curate a variety. Everyone has different tastes in music so even though it’s hard, don’t only add your personal favorites.
Preparation is Everything
You don’t want to spend ALL of your time in the kitchen or at your grill so prep as much food as you can ahead of time.
Make your side dishes ahead of time. Try to think of dishes that are good cold like pasta salads and deviled eggs.
Prep and season your meats before guests arrive so you can throw them on the grill in a timely manner. Meat grills better if you set it out at room temperature for 20-30 minutes.
A BBQ Could Be a Disaster Without the Right Condiments
If you grill the best food, your BBQ could be incomplete without the right condiments to pair with your food.
Of course condiments depend on what you’re grilling but here are the staples:
- Ketchup
- Mustard
- Relish
- BBQ sauce
- Hot sauce
- Cheese
- Tomatoes
- Onions
- Lettuce
- Buns
The “Meat of Your BBQ” is the Grilling
What you cook on your grill is going to be the center of your BBQ. No pressure, right?
There are so many grilling tips but our favorites come from One Good Thing and we recommend you check out their tips here.
Potluck Anyone?
Don’t feel lame if you ask guests to bring their favorite side dishes. Many people like to show off their best creations. Not to mention, you’ll be sure to get a good variety.
Potluck is a great option for larger get togethers especially.
Simple Decorations
Add a little ambience to your BBQ with some decorations.
Some go-to options are solar powered string lights and tiki torches. If it’s a birthday party, balloons and streamers are a fun option.
Centerpieces on your tables are a must whether you make them yourself or buy fresh cut flowers.
Have fun with this part!
It’s All About the Snacks
Be sure to put out some simple snacks before the main event. Having pretzels or chips and salsa to snack on will give you more time to spend grilling.
Just be sure to put your snacks on a table away from the grill so you can have the space needed to cook!
Serving the Right Drinks
Having a variety of kid-friendly and adult beverages is key. Some staples include soda, water, juice and beer.
Be sure to set out a cooler or ice bucket to keep the beverages chilled in the warm temperatures. If you make it easy for guests to help themselves, you can spend more time grilling and socializing!
We like Behren’s metal tubs as opposed to coolers because of the aesthetic.
Games Couldn’t Hurt
Backyard games are a great addition to any BBQ, especially if kids are there.
Some popular ones to consider are cornhole, croquet, or horseshoes.
To step it up a notch, offer simple prizes for the winners. A little prize can go a far way for the entertainment factor!
Safety First!
Last but not least, make sure everyone at your BBQ is safe.
Some safety measures to take include keeping a fire extinguisher by your grill and making sure kids stay away from the grill.
A few other things that may sound paranoid but will really help include having a first aid kit, bug spray and sunscreen available for your guests.
Do you have any BBQ hosting tips? We’d love to read all about them in the comments below!