Tips for the Perfect BBQ party and a Playlist too!

The long awaited BBQ season is upon us now. Great food, cold drinks, close friends and family around the table – a little planning ahead makes this the perfect recipe for a great outdoor evening.

Tips

Master the grill – start with a clean, oiled grill. Simply preheat the grill, give it a good scrub with a grill brush and then brush on vegetable oil – this will keep your foods from sticking. Place your food on the grill and avoid flipping it frequently – one flip is all you need. Once your food is cooked, place it on a plate, tent it with foil and let it rest for a few minutes before serving.
Do you have a theme in mind? – The theme can help narrow down a menu and plan for any décor – Hawaiian luau, clambake, surf and turf. Have fun with it!
Guests – when preparing an invite, ensure you are clear about the basics, time location and theme. This also gives you an opportunity to ask about allergies and what side dishes others can bring.
Décor – why not? Choose your tablecloths to suit the theme. This also gives you a chance to add some bold colour to the party. If you are outdoors into the later evening hours, you will need some lighting and citronella candles to keep your guests comfortable and sociable.
Menu and side dishes – while the star of the BBQ is usually the meat, the sides are important too and can cater to any vegetarian guests that may be in attendance. Take advantage of the fresh fruits and vegetables available at the market and try some of these great salads; watermelon salad, summer tomato salad, grilled veggie skewers.
Drinks – punch up any lemonade with some fresh cut watermelon, add cucumber and blueberries to your water pitchers and a sangria made ahead is a great option for the adults.
Don’t forget the music…

Nothing puts me more in the mood for a leisurely backyard BBQ than the soulful Summertime belted out by none other than the great Lady Day herself, Billie Holiday. Never underestimate the power of a great song. Have your music line-up ready, consider your audience when you select the songs – then simply put it on shuffle, press play and then enjoy yourself. Here a few classics to consider;

I Can’t Go For That – Hall & Oates
The Message – Grandmaster Flash
Fun, Fun, Fun – The Beach Boys
Nadine – Chuck Berry
Groovin’ – Aretha Franklin
(Sittin’ On) The Dock Of The Bay – Otis Redding

For more songs, and how to put it all together, check out this article from The Globe and Mail. For more great BBQ ideas, recipes and tips for your perfect outdoor event, why not check out Pinterest. It really only takes a few minutes to plan things ahead of time, but it can save you time on the day of – and that will make a big difference for you and your guests. Cheers!