Disclaimer: This is a sponsored post written by me on behalf of HONEY MAID Grahams, HERSHEY’S Milk Chocolate and JET-PUFFED Marshmallows. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
It’s summer which means it’s that time of year to lather on the sunscreen and spend as much time as we can in the great outdoors. My husband, kids, and I love going for walks, playing with sidewalk chalk, running through the sprinkler, going to the park, eating ice cream, playing catch, gardening … pretty much anything that we can do outside as a family.
Now that we have a screened in porch, a pergola area, a fire pit, and an expansive fenced in yard, we spend a majority of our time at our house in the backyard, especially when entertaining backyard barbecue guests. One of our favorite spots in our backyard is our new fire pit.
Even though days during the warmer months can be quite toasty, we love spending the evenings around the fire pit as we roast marshmallows and chat the night away. There’s just something about spending time around a fire pit, especially with friends and their children that screams fun and creates lasting memories.
5 Tips for the Best Backyard Barbecue
Since my husband and I love grilling, playing with our kids in the backyard, and sitting around the fire pit with family and friends as we roast marshmallows, we’ve learned a few things when it comes to a backyard barbecue. The following are some of our favorite tips for the best backyard barbecue.
1.) Be a Grill Master
You don’t need a big, fancy, expensive grill to be a grill master. Simply know your grill. No matter if the weather forecast calls for rain, snow, or sunshine, my husband is all about grilling. While I prepare the side dishes at the stove, he heads out to the grill to do one of the things he loves most. Is it strange that we don’t have a “grilling season” in our house since every day can be a grilling day for us? But, let’s face it. Grilling season is upon us. After spending some time grilling food, you’ll grow to become really familiar with your grill. Take note on what sides are super hot, what sides take a bit longer to cook, etc.
2.) Plan a Family-Friendly Menu
During your backyard barbecue, you want to be sure your guests are enjoying the food. After the barbecue, you want your guests to leave feeling full. When guests arrive, it’s always nice to offer appetizers. From charcuterie to cheese, setting out a few trays of easy-to-eat food will be a nice welcome to your guests.
When it comes to dinner, keep the menu simple. Also, feel free to prepare what you can in advance (even the day before if that works for you and the dish). Think traditional barbecue menu items. Most likely your guests know that they are attending a backyard barbecue so they are geared up to enjoy classic barbecue foods.
If you decide to embrace #1 and be a grill master, know that grilling food during a backyard barbecue will help keep the event relaxed and casual. Since the event is casual, serve food on large platters family-style.
Additionally, don’t forget about the dessert. Nothing says summer more than a backyard barbecue. But, after the meal is served and the conversations wind down, only coming together to experience the magic of S’mores can keep the gathering going. That’s why adding S’mores to the menu is a no-brainer. And, let’s face it, S’mores is definitely the ‘Official Dessert of the BBQ.’ (more on this later).
3.) Provide Entertainment
From music to games, make sure you have entertainment for your guests. We have a music player in our house that we love to have turned on when we’re entertaining guests during a summer barbecue. Even you don’t have a music player that automatically plays your favorite type of music, then be sure to create a playlist of your favorite music or download an app that can play automatically music from your phone.
You’ll also want to be sure you have games to keep the kids and adults entertained. For the kids, you can have balls, sidewalk chalk, bubble blowers, water tables, etc. For the adults, think about badminton, cornhole, horseshoes, etc. You don’t need a ton of games to keep everyone entertained. Plus, some adults won’t feel like playing a game during the barbecue. So, keep the options available but don’t go overboard with the options.
4.) Offer Beverages
From cocktails to mocktails, be sure that you have enough options to keep your guests feeling refreshed throughout the backyard barbecue. Also, be sure to have beverage options for the kids. You’ll want your guests to feel at home during the backyard barbecue so be sure you make it easy for guests to help themselves throughout the event.
5.) Spend Time Around the Fire Pit
Once appetizers are enjoyed, dinner is usually served either inside the home or out on the porch. After dinner, head out to the fire pit area to continue the conversation, share stories, roast marshmallows, and gaze at the stars.
Speaking of roasting marshmallows, the quintessential S’mores brand trio, HONEY MAID Grahams, HERSHEY’S Milk Chocolate and JET-PUFFED Marshmallows, have joined together to make sure the easiest – and tastiest – part of your backyard gathering is the grand finale.
Did you know that 71 percent of those hosting everyday summer gatherings think that gooey S’mores are a great fit for the summer backyard barbecue?* S’mores are delicious and easy-to-make, making them the perfect finale to the barbecue that people will want to experience over and over again.
* S’mores Deep Dive, Murphy Research Aug 2015
Whether you’re using sticks over a coal grill, a backyard fire pit or other safe, contained flame or heat sources, there are plenty of ways to enjoy this classic backyard barbecue dessert.
To learn more, visit Facebook.com/lovesmores. If you love S’mores, be sure to share the S’mores love using #ShareSmore on your social media accounts.
Just be sure to have extra napkins on hand … the kiddos will get messy when making S’mores!
What’s your favorite backyard barbecue tip?
Disclaimer: This is a sponsored post written by me on behalf of HONEY MAID Grahams, HERSHEY’S Milk Chocolate and JET-PUFFED Marshmallows. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
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