How to Plan and Host a BBQ

Co-authored by Natasha Miller

Last Updated: February 3, 2023 References

Summer is a perfect time to host a BBQ get-together. Whether it be a big family reunion or even just having a few friends around. However you want it, this wikiHow article is a simple guide to follow to have an unforgettable BBQ.

Steps

1
Choose the right day. Barbecues are best hosted outdoors under the sunny weather. Avoid picking a day that is raining, cold or windy. You want the perfect summer weather when you have a barbecue with friends/family!^{[1]
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2
Plan your guest list. Consider whether you want friends over or family (or maybe both). Remember not to invite too many people because you'll have to cater for them all.^{[2]
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3
Plan where you'll have the BBQ. Usually one is held on the garden/patio/porch. Make sure there are places for people to sit such as benches and rugs. Decorate the area with lanterns for a magical evening BBQ or just a nice rustic venue.
- Some parks or venues offer free barbecues to heat up and use on their lot. Consider having a barbecue out in a public park for something different.
4
Plan the food and drink. Think of your guests. Are they children? Vegetarians? Make sure there is something for everyone. Burgers, sausages, ribs and kebabs are popular. Make sure there are some side dishes like potato salad, salad, couscous, watermelon, etc. Have drinks such as lemonade, beer, smoothies or even just water!^{[3]
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- You want most foods that are able to go on a grill since you'll be barbecuing them. Salads just be made before-hand to give yourself more time ahead.
5
Plan some games/activities. Go and plan fun games you used to play as a kid! Maybe a game of rounders! Remind your guests to wear suitable footwear.^{[4]
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- Remember to choose suitable games for children if you have families attending. Perhaps even setting up an above-ground pool will be satisfactory.
6
Have someone to look after the BBQ. Make sure that someone or even yourself is at the BBQ at all times when food is cooking on it!
- On the day of the BBQ, prepare all your side dishes in advance, either the morning before the BBQ or the night before. Display the food outside on a table like a buffet so your guests can choose what they would like.^{[5]
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7
Enjoy your BBQ and eat as much as you want!

Community Q&A

Question

What is rounders? Also, what should I do if I'm inviting five sixth-graders? Is that too many people or not enough?

X_aliceofield_x

Community Answer

Rounders is basically a British game that is similar to baseball/softball. If you're inviting younger people, make sure there is plenty of food for them to choose from and also that you have lots of games and entertainment planned.
Question

Does it help to have a pool?

X_aliceofield_x

Community Answer

A pool would be a good attraction to have at a BBQ as it could be the central area and people can either sunbathe around the edge or splash around in the pool. So, yes it could help but there are many other ways of entertainment like playing rounders, badminton, or ping pong.
Question

What do I do if something goes wrong (e.g. I forgot to prepare the pork chops)?

X_aliceofield_x

Community Answer

Do what you can to correct the situation, but do not stress too much. Most people are understanding when something does not go as planned. To make everything run as smoothly as possible, however, plan to cook things that are easy and require little preparation, like hot dogs or sausage and cook what you can ahead of time. Check if any guests have allergies so you don't serve the anything that will give them an allergic reaction. Try to keep everyone involved too and if you have planned an activity, get everyone to join in.