How To Get Organized For A BBQ!
Time to get the BBQ’s out and start grilling (if you haven’t already). One of my favorite parts of a BBQ are that they can be a spontaneous, impromptu reason to have people over and have a casual hang out. While spontaneity might be scary, it’s not as bad when you’re organized and know exactly what needs to get done before people show up. Here are some tips for ways to get yourself ready for when the moment arises.
1. Create a grocery list: I always suggest having a shared grocery list in your reminders app or even on Instacart so whoever is going to the grocery store knows exactly what to get and you can virtually add in any extra items that you randomly remember while they’re on their way over to the store.
2. Keep your BBQ tools together! One way to organize/contain your BBQ tools is with this BBQ caddy.
3. If you’re mainly a Summer griller, check your gas tank at the beginning of grilling season (usually Memorial Day weekend) to see if you need a refill. There’s nothing like getting the gang together to then realize you’re out of gas. Womp womp.
4. Create a list of go-to recipes. If you haven’t already heard us rave about the Paprika app, now is the time to check it out. It’s an amazing way to store your recipes digitally and categorize what you have. That way you can refer to that corn salad without any thinking.
5. Grab the extra paper partyware that you in order to minimize clean up. If you have a random set of leftover paper plates and plastic cutlery, now is a great time to use it. The purpose of a BBQ is to be casual so don’t worry about people judging you for using the leftover Sesame Street birthday party cups (recycle and compost as much as you can when you’re done!).
6. Pull out some yard games to keep the kids (and adults!) entertained - ladder ball, corn hole, etc.
7. Don’t be afraid to ask your guests to bring side dishes. It’s a lot to entertain any amount of people. If someone offers to bring a side dish or dessert, let them!
8. Keep an outdoor trash and recycling bucket handy. You don’t want people to leave their food out once they’re done with it as to avoid attracting any bugs, so make it easy for them to dispose of their trash. If you’re separating your trash from your recycling it can be helpful to have a sign on the bin or barrel labeled “Trash” and “Recycling” to make it super clear what belongs where.
9. Have an outdoor caddy or bin handy that has extra sunscreen and bug spray to keep everyone happy and free from burns and bugs.
10. Have fun! BBQ’s can be such a fun event for people of all ages and make sure you take the time to enjoy yourself (especially if you’re the grill master). Let other people help you clean up after all the hard work you put into hosting and kick back and relax at the end of the evening. You deserve it!
Now let’s get cookin’!