How-To Host The Perfect Summer BBQ

3717 Carondelet Street, Listed by Jamie Hughes

Here in New Orleans, we have many loves, but our love for gathering with family and friends while enjoying delicious food is at the top of the list. Summertime and BBQs, or cookouts as we call them, go hand and hand. We can’t imagine the summer without enjoying a great time filled with music, food, and fun in our backyards. If you’re looking to take your backyard bbq to the next level this summer, we’ve got you covered! Check our tips for hosting the perfect summer BBQ below.

Turn Your Cookout Into An Experience Your Guests Will Never Forget

Don’t just host a gathering for your family and friends, create an experience for them! Everyone loves a good theme. Minor tweaks such as adding a few colorful decorations to your yard or asking your guests to wear a particular color will take your party from a gathering to a full-on event, all while creating memories of a lifetime.

Add A Few Unexpected Dishes To The Menu

When you think of a BBQ, you automatically think of hamburgers, hotdogs, and ribs. Surprise your guests by adding a few unexpected items to your menu list. We recommend adding grilled sweet potato skewers or mushroom burgers to your list of dishes. Your vegan partygoers will thank you, and everyone else will be delighted by these twists on their favorite summertime dishes. 

Allow Your Guests To Make The Playlist

Music at a Summer BBQ is a must. You can’t have a party without adding good tunes to the mix. Unless you’re a certified DJ, curating a playlist that everyone enjoys can be a tad challenging. Remedy this by asking your guests to add a few of their favorite songs to the playlist. Doing so will allow guests to add their personal touch to the event, which they’ll love. 

Make An Outdoor Hand Washing Station 

The only downside to hosting an event is the constant flux of guests going in and out of your home. Minimize foot traffic by setting up an outdoor hand washing station. All you need is a small table and a water cooler, then place soap and paper towels nearby. Your guests will adore the cute station, and you’ll have less to clean once the party is over. 

We hope you have enjoyed these tips! Wishing you a summer filled with cookout fun! 

For more fun tips, visit our Rêve blog!

*Written by Deveney Marshall of Mara Creative Agency