{"id":2139462,"date":"2025-05-06T15:51:06","date_gmt":"2025-05-06T20:51:06","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.tasteofhome.com\/?p=2139462"},"modified":"2025-05-06T17:18:18","modified_gmt":"2025-05-06T22:18:18","slug":"how-to-host-backyard-barbecue","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.tasteofhome.com\/article\/how-to-host-backyard-barbecue\/","title":{"rendered":"How to Host a Stress-Free Backyard Barbecue"},"content":{"rendered":"\"Toh\r\n\r\nThe beauty of entertaining outdoors is that you can do it anywhere. Small patio? Easy. Picnic<\/a> in the park? Excellent. Pool party<\/a>? Send me the invite. But a true backyard barbecue\u2014grassy yard, trees, twinkle lights, and room for everyone to spread out\u2014is one of the joys of summer.\r\n\r\nFollow our tips and tricks for throwing a backyard bash without a hitch\u2014from keeping the bugs at bay to knowing how much food to make and where to put the drinks station. Read on for suggestions and a helpful planning timeline for hosting a summer party where everyone (yes, including you!) will have a fantastic time.\r\n

The Set Up<\/h2>\r\n\"a\r\n\r\nWhen it comes to setting up a backyard barbecue, you need a space with good flow, tables and seats for people to comfortably eat and drink. If you don't have enough tables and chairs, consider borrowing some from friends and neighbors. People won't be sitting down simultaneously (unless you're doing a seated party), but it's nice to have more options than not enough.\r\n\r\nCreate a drink station with plenty of room\u2014people tend to congregate there\u2014and have lots of ice and coolers<\/a> ready. Think about how you'll keep your food cool and safe, where to put the plates and utensils, and add a couple of trash cans and recycling bins for easy tossing. If there are lots of kids, plan on having some great backyard games<\/a> to keep them entertained.\r\n

How to keep your backyard barbecue bug-free<\/h3>\r\nWasps, mosquitoes and flies are the nemeses of outdoor entertaining. They\u2019re a nuisance anyway you shake it, and spraying chemicals isn\u2019t the best idea with all that food around. Instead, keep bugs away from your backyard barbecue<\/a> with natural\u2014and super easy\u2014tactics like using mesh covers for food, keeping trash cans away from the party, and using yellow lights at night.\r\n

The Menu<\/h2>\r\n\"3\/4th\r\n\r\nFood is essential for any backyard barbecue, whether serving a few friends or extended family. Summer party menus can include dips, crudit\u00e9 platters, charcuterie boards<\/a> for snacking, salads, grilled specialties for the main event, fruity desserts, and cool and refreshing drinks to round out the day (and night). Plan accordingly, and everyone will think you\u2019re the host with the most.\r\n

How much food should you make for a party?<\/h3>\r\nNothing puts a kibosh on a backyard barbecue like not having enough to eat and drink. Knowing how much food to make for a party<\/a> starts with planning. While the time of day and length of event will dictate what you\u2019ll serve, the guest list is the most important factor. And not just how many people will be there, but also who\u2014kids and adults or adults only?\r\n\r\nOnce you nail down the guest list, plan how many appetizers, side dishes, meats or main courses, and desserts to make. For instance, for around 10 people, you\u2019ll need about 60 servings of appetizers, 20 to 30 pieces of chicken, 2-1\/2 pounds of potato salad and at least one sheet cake<\/a> for dessert.\r\n

Keep food cold<\/h3>\r\n\"a\r\n\r\nSummer is all about enjoying cold foods on a hot day, but serving food outdoors when the temps rise means taking precautions to keep everything in the safety zone. You don\u2019t want to get anyone sick!\r\n\r\nAccording to the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), the main rule is: Don\u2019t leave food out for longer than two hours without refrigeration. While that might seem difficult outdoors, there are several ways to keep cold food fresh all day long<\/a>. Storing food in the shade, setting dishes over ice, and serving food in insulated bowls are just a few recommendations.\r\n

Set up an outdoor drink station<\/h3>\r\n\"Drink\r\n\r\nWhile food fuels a great backyard barbecue, beverages keep everyone hydrated and happy. Knowing how to set up an outdoor drink station<\/a> is key. First, decide what to serve and how much to have on hand. If you\u2019re going the cocktail route, you can opt for a self-serve bar or a few signature cocktails. Batch cocktails<\/a> are super easy for parties of any size, and you can customize them with seasonal ingredients, colors and themes. Beer, wine, canned cocktails<\/a> and nonalcoholic canned cocktails<\/a> are other great options. Never forget the mocktails!\r\n

Backyard barbecue recipes<\/h3>\r\nNow to the main event: The menu. For an effortless get-together, make some things from scratch and add a few premade items. Keep it low-key with easy barbecue recipes<\/a> for your cookout, like grilled kabobs, burgers and corn. Store-bought potato salad<\/a> is an easy side dish<\/a>, or make your favorite coleslaw recipe<\/a>. For backyard barbecue desserts<\/a>, consider something fresh and fruity like raspberry crumble bars or a lemon-strawberry trifle.\r\n

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