10 Things to consider before throwing an outdoor BBQ party

1/10
Book your BBQ pit (if you have to)
Okay, this one’s a no-brainer. If you aren’t able to have your gathering at home on your own lawn with your own personal barbecue grill, you will need to consider booking a BBQ station elsewhere. If you live in a condo, you might have BBQ stations on the property grounds. Several parks will also allow you to organise a booking. If you are planning on doing so, be sure to do it well in advance, especially over the weekend. If you’re thinking of throwing a BBQ party, other people are probably thinking of doing the same!
2/10
Take note of the weather — always have a Plan B
It’s always important to have a second plan of action when the weather isn’t ideal on the day of the BBQ, so that when the storm hits, you will still be able to save the day and the party will still be able to go ahead. You can bring along additional food items that don’t require cooking on the grill, or you can plan to have your party location such that there is ample shelter nearby.
3/10
Consider music options
No party is complete without good music! Give one of your guests the opportunity to create a good party playlist. Perhaps someone will be able to bring along a music player with good speakers. These days, you will be able to get incredibly affordable music players that allow you to connect your smartphone. Some are so portable, you can pop them into your tote bag and bring it with you!
4/10
Keep them entertained
Music aside, if there will be kids on the invitation list, you’ll want to be able to keep them busy. Food can only hold their attention for so long! If your BBQ party is by the sea or by the poolside, that’s your entertainment woes solved. If not, you can always bring your own entertainment in the form of musical instruments (an acoustic guitar will do wonders), boardgames, ballgames, card games… even party essentials like everyone’s old-school favourite: Twister! Oh, and kids love a good piñata!
5/10
Go potluck style
Just because you’re throwing the party doesn’t mean you have to do all the work! Get everyone to bring something. Delegate! Instruct your guests to help with the food and drinks. Everything from cutlery to potato chips, guacamole to napkins, soft drinks to salads.
6/10
Keep the types of people in mind
If you’re inviting people of all ages, be sure you are accommodating to each group. Kids can be picky eaters, so prepare some simple snacks like potato chips, sandwiches and little containers filled with the likes of M&Ms, Skittles, Chupa Chups, etc (in case they get peckish). If you have vegans or vegetarians coming along, make sure they have something to eat, too!
7/10
Pick easy recipes
You don’t want to stress yourself out on the day of the barbecue. Give yourself ample time to prepare, and also pick recipes that are easy. Tasty options for the grill include corn on the cob slathered in butter, chicken wings that have been pre-marinated the night before, and jacket potatoes wrapped in foil.
8/10
Don’t just stick to using the grill!
Prepare fresh foods that can be eaten without the use of the grill! Salads, pastas, fried rice, bread, cookies… the list is endless!
9/10
Keep things simple
Don’t try to be too ambitious. At the end of the day, you want to enjoy yourself too! If you need help, don’t be afraid to recruit your friends and family. There will be people who will be more than happy to lend a hand!
10/10
Remember the dessert
There will always be room for dessert, so be sure someone thinks of it! Whether the dessert is store-bought, or someone has decided to make it from scratch, everyone will surely appreciate a post-barbecue sweet treat!

Whether you’re thinking of having a poolside BBQ party with your best friends, or you’re thinking of booking one of the BBQ pits by the beach and inviting all your family members down to have a great time, there is no doubt: it will take quite a bit of planning to get things just the way you want them! Sure, it sounds like it could be fun — the chargrilled meat wafting delicious smells, the kids running about and enjoying themselves, the adults standing by the food table making jokes and reminiscing about the good old days — but, before you get to the exciting part, you’ll have to consider a number of things logistics-wise! And you will definitely have to think about how to accommodate the number of people you plan to invite.

Planning to be the chef for the day, but not sure where to start? No worries, we’ll help you out with a quick and easy checklist to get you started. Head up to the gallery to get yourself acquainted with 10 things you need to know to throw an amazing outdoor BBQ party.

Angela Goh

Photos: Getty Images

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