Barbecue season is here, and there’s nothing better than enjoying the long, warm evenings outside, surrounded by friends and loved ones while enjoying delicious food!
If you dream of hosting an intimate gathering of your closest family and friends but feel overwhelmed by the thought of organizing it, we’ve got you covered. Below, we’ve gathered our top 5 BBQ organizing tips to ensure your summer get-together goes off without a hitch!
BBQ Organizing Made Easy: Make it a Potluck
For even easier BBQ hosting, make your next event a potluck! People love to share food and discover new dishes at potlucks. Create a simple Google sheet and send it to your guests with their invite. Your guests can add what they are bringing and see what is already being brought to ensure you don’t end up with chips as your only side!
Create Zones
Before you even start thinking about what food to serve, take a look at your outdoor space and think about how to best arrange it. To make the best of the day and to ensure you and your guests have a stress-free BBQ, make sure it: flows well; there’s a comfortable area for everyone to mingle; that it’s organized; and, that your guests have everything they need!
You can accomplish this by creating a:
Central Command Zone
Set up a folding table or cart near your grilling station, and stock it with all the essentials: grilling tools, paper towels, seasonings, aluminum foil, etc.
Plating Area
Think of the way all buffets are organized, with a long table that can be accessed from both sides, plates, cutlery and napkins at the head of the table, all food along the sides, and condiments at the end. This area could be set up to lead toward your BBQ area so that your guests can fix their plates with their sides, prepare their buns with condiments, then stop by the grill to be topped with their burger or smokie before heading off to the seating area.
Seating Area
The seating area is a space where your guests will gather to eat their meals, socialize, and relax. Place comfortable patio furniture, outdoor cushions, light blankets, and small side tables. Consider setting up some solar-powered lights to enhance your space once the sun starts to set. You could also add a propane fire pit if your space permits!
Cooler Zone
Create a cooler zone in an area that is easy to access, but doesn’t cause congestion around the food or seating area. Store alcoholic beverages separately from non-alcoholic beverages and clearly label the coolers. If you can, add a small table with disposable cups, straws and an ice bucket.
Garbage and Recycling Station
Having a clearly marked, easy-to-access garbage and recycling station will keep your outdoor space tidy, and ensure you don’t need to spend hours doing cleanup or separating recycling from garbage later.
Use a Checklist
Use a handy checklist so you don’t forget anything. Planning ahead will ensure your BBQ is stress-free!
Labels, labels, labels!
We’ve said it before, and we’ll say it again – labels are lifesaving! While it may take a little extra time during set-up, labelling everything (coolers, bins, platters, condiments, etc) will help keep your BBQ stress-free, and allow your guests to enjoy themselves even more! These chalkboard labels are a great-looking, inexpensive option.
Bins and Caddies
Check your local dollar store or look around your home for bins and caddies that can be used to keep each of your zones tidy and organized.
If you love the thought of hosting a fun BBQ but still aren’t sure where to start, give us a shout! Our team of professional organizers would be more than happy to help you set up and organize for an incredible summer of outdoor entertaining!
We offer free phone or video call consultations, or a 30-minute in-person consultation for $50+tax.
Alternatively, you can send us videos of the areas you need help with via WhatsApp at 604-446-3939, and we would be happy to provide you with an estimate. Contact us today.
