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Keep It Simple
Whether you’re a master griller or not, cook what you know you can, without needing to spend hours doing it, and try to cook everything before your guests arrive so that you get a chance to actually enjoy time with each other as you eat, drink, and catch up. Consider the same when thinking of the sides you want to pair with your meats. Just like a restaurant, you don’t really need more than a few sides to complete the meal. Once everything is cooked, place your meats on a fun serving platter, and your sides in colorful, easy to serve containers.
Serve Sweet, Summer Desserts
Fruit is always a hit at any summer bbq and can easily be scooped into disposable cups. But it’s always nice to have some chocolate or a more substantive dessert to top off a good meal. Consider making or buying cookies, brownies, or any other dessert bites that don’t require utensils to eat, and nest them in fun cupcake baking cups for easy carry.
Set Up a BBQ Buffet
Once everything is cooked and plated, strategically place your main course, drinks, and desserts so that the buffet flows easily.
Don’t forget to include serving utensils.
Elevate the Disposables
It’s a summer bbq so there’s no need to bust out the fine china and break your back cleaning up. Disposable plates, napkins, utensils and cups are perfectly acceptable and expected. I know I had no trouble finding the perfect ones for me during my last Big Lots visit. I not only found all the party supplies used, with this fun colorful cooler, but I was also able to pick up almost everything else, but the produce, meat, and flowers. Score!
Plus now a days disposable products are available in so many colors, designs, and textures that it’s easy to find the perfect ones to match your summer decor. Add a fun, utilitarian napkin fold and you’ve just elevated your disposables, while making your guests feel like you really went out of the way to make them feel special.
Here’s how easy it is to make a silverware pouch out of a paper napkin.
And here’s a quick video showing the same process.
Keep Bugs Away
Place covers over the food and drinks to keep bugs out, and strategically place bug spray and citronella candles on and near where you’re guest will be sitting and eating. Make sure you also keep the trash covered and away from the area where your guest will be chillin’.
And there you have it. A pretty easy to follow guide to encourage stress free summer bbq entertaining. So sit back, relax, and enjoy your summer with family and friends!
What are your favorite Big Lots finds for making summer bbq entertaining easy?
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