Consider These 7 Easy Ways To Elevate Your Backyard BBQ

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The art of hosting the BBQ is all in the balancing act. You have to focus on getting the food out on time, tasting well, of course, keeping guests comfortable, and maintaining your status as a gracious host.

While the laidback version of a barbecue that we are all familiar with is perfect for certain times and places, other times you want something else.

Whether you’re hosting an elegant backyard event or want to elevate the barbecue experience just because, it can, in fact, be done.

The key to elevating any event is not to start from scratch. Build your barbecue from what you already know well, and it will be an easy transition.

No matter the event I am hosting, everything begins with a vibe and a checklist. I always decide how laidback or elevated I want the affair and then use my party planning checklist to stay on track.

1. Preparation is key

Like any well-hosted event, the key is in the preparation. While a backyard barbecue might not require much in the way of decorations, you do need to ensure you are prepared for the style of cooking, the space, and maintaining the atmosphere.

Any food that can be prepared ahead of time should be to save time and keep you from having to be away from guests. For the food, consider these:

• Chop vegetables
• Marinate meats
• Make sauces and dips

Don’t forget to prepare your space. Here are some things you can do:

• Pre-arrange furniture
• Clean outdoor space
• Clean the grill
• Clean brushes and thermometers
• Obtain food covers and warmers

2. Keep your guests’ comfort in mind

Always keep your guests’ comfort in the front of your mind. Outdoor hosting creates a unique set of circumstances to be aware of, so you have to prioritize the comfort of your guests.

For a full guide on hosting outdoor events, this post goes in depth, but here are a few things to keep in mind:

• Enough seating
• Walkways or ideas for dealing with grass
• Fans or heaters

3. Ambiance is for more than dinner parties

Outdoor settings often get overlooked when it comes to setting the tone and vibe for more casual events. There is, however, a nice middle ground between the backyard wedding and another day in the backyard. Elements to focus on to curate the ambiance you want are:

• Lighting the backyard
• Lighting the tabletop
• Playing a vibey playlist
• Low-effort but engaging activities and games

Apply the same thinking you use when hosting dinner parties, brunches, etc., to your backyard hosting for an elevated result.

4. Bring your indoor decor outside

Don’t be afraid to elevate your decor and serving materials by bringing some of your heartier decor items outside. Items such as silver trays, candlesticks, and waterproof linens and drapings can all make for a gorgeous tablescape or atmospheric decor.

Small touches like these will take your backyard from a casual Saturday to a curated backyard hosting experience.

5. Elevate your barbecue menu

Take your barbecue to the next level by leveling up the actual menu. Barbecue does not mean burgers and hot dogs exclusively, but if you want to go with those, consider adding some flair or spins on the usual, like a hot dog topping station with creative toppings like elote, kimchi, or sun-dried tomatoes.

You can also add familiar favorites with a new flair to the menu with something like BBQ chicken recipes with a spin.

Don’t forget the drinks! Create an outdoor cocktail station or self-serve bar instead of the cooler full of beers.

For some quality barbecue menu inspiration, click here or keep scrolling.

6. Create ways to engage

One of the more underrated skills of hosting is cooking and engaging at the same time. If you’re hosting a barbecue and you are the designated grill master, you have to find ways to engage with guests without burning the food.

Ways to engage while you are grilling:

• Invite guests to add to the playlist
• Place yard/outdoor games in your line of sight so you can watch and provide commentary
• Have a cigar station and share a cigar with guests

Ways to stay engaged throughout the event:

• Pose a fun, engaging question that everyone must answer
• Serve food and drinks for opportunities to speak to everyone

7. Have A Backup Plan

Always have a contingency plan when hosting outdoors. Even if you live somewhere where the weather is clear, sunny skies 364 days of the year, the day you decide to host outdoors will be the one day it rains.

Backup plans include:

• Having your kitchen or dining space ready to receive guests
• Having another location close by and available for use
• Large patio coverings or tents with sidewalls that guests can retreat to
• Large umbrellas to take cover while the bad weather passes

A Better Barbecue Menu Ideas

1. Gourmet Hot Dogs

Craft a toppings bar or offer up premade hot dog recipes that elevate your grilled hot dogs.

Unique Hot Dog Ideas

1. ELOTE HOT DOG-Elote, Chopped Onion, Cilantro, Chipotle Aioli
2. HAWAIIAN HOT DOG-Pineapple, Red Onion, Cilantro, Spicy Mayo
3. DOUBLE BBQ-Shredded Smoked Brisket, Grilled Poblano Pepper, Pickled Red Onion, BBQ Sauce
4. ITALIAN- Sun-Dried Tomatoes, Crumbled Feta, Pesto, Chopped Olives
5. KIMCHI DOG-Kimchi, Korean BBQ Sauce, Mustard

2. Bourbon peach BBQ Chicken

Swap your normal BBQ chicken recipe for this version that has a more complex flavor with some depth.

3. Steak and Gorgonzola Chip Nachos

Use freshly grilled steak to create this creative take on nachos. these nacos opt for a few swaps for a savory and aromatic take on the comfort food.

4. Filipino BBQ Pork Skewers

Bring some bright and tangy flavors to the menu with these pork skewers that are sweet and tangy bites you will love.

5. BBQ Grilled Prawns

Consider adding in some lesser-used proteins for your menu; these grilled prawns are a deliciously easy addition.

6. DIY cocktail bar

Set up a cocktail bar complete with ingredients and recipes to provide good drinks and an interactive element.

7. Premade Shaker Cocktails on Ice

For a more convenient option, you can premake cocktails in mini shakers and have guests just add ice when they are ready for a cocktail. It takes away the need for creating a recipe and allows you better control of how much alcohol is being used