8 Ways To Step Up Your Backyard BBQ Game

The sun is shining, the grill is sizzling, and your backyard is full of good company. These are the ingredients for an incredible BBQ party. Whether you’re hosting a small get together or a huge summer bash, a few thoughtful touches are all you need to take your BBQ to the next level. If you need some guidance on how to host a BBQ, these tips will help you cover all the essentials.

1. Take Care of Prep Work

Getting your ducks in a row before party day makes it easier for you to actually enjoy the BBQ you’re hosting. Create a checklist of all the essentials and take care of as much as you can before your backyard BBQ arrives. Make sure you have:

• Enough seating: Like with any backyard party, it’s important to make sure your guests have a comfortable place to eat and visit with other guests.
• A ready-to-go grill: Clean your grill the day before your party, so there’s no delay in serving the food. Nobody wants to wait!
• Sun protection: Patio umbrellas or tents allow your guests to enjoy the outdoor vibe in the shade. Also, don’t forget to stock up on extra sunscreen.
• Bug deterrent: Don’t let any unwanted guests crash your party. Grab some citronella candles or bug spray.
• Single-use tableware: Paper plates and single-use napkins are made for occasions like this. Skip the hassle with high-quality disposable dinnerware. 

2. Choose A Theme

Your grill master skills aren’t the only thing you want to show off. Flaunt your hosting expertise with the right decor. Landing on one theme helps you get creative with the details while keeping everything looking polished and consistent. 

Going for a tropical tone? Serve snacks in coconut shells and adorn your backyard in bright blue, green, and yellow color combos. Prefer a more rustic feel? Use mason jar glasses and wrap cutlery in napkins tied with twine. 

3. Put Your Own Twist On Classic Fare

The classics are classics for a reason. Grill-friendly, easy to serve favorites like burgers, hot dogs, chicken kabobs, and veggie skewers are easy to deliver throughout your BBQ. But you don't have to keep the burgers plain or use the same old marinade on the chicken. Use your BBQ to show off that you're the host and chef with the most.

Once you decide on the star of the show, you can figure out which side dishes will play supporting roles. You can find creative twists on these backyard BBQ faves, too. Instead of plain corn on the cob with butter, why not try an elote corn on the cob recipe with mayo, lime, and Tajin? 

(No matter the recipes you choose, don’t forget about extra snacks, like chips or sliced watermelon, so guests have something to munch on before you start the grill.)

4. Set Up Self-Serve Stations

Buffet-style is the way to go when it comes to backyard BBQs. Make it easy for guests to enjoy all food and beverages at their leisure. Think about traffic flow when setting everything up. For instance, add a condiment bar at the end of your food table. That way, guests can customize their mains without getting in the way of others trying to load up on pasta salad. 

It’s also smart to create space for a self-serve drink station. Make a large batch of one signature cocktail, so all you need is one or two large drink dispensers and a stack of disposable cups. You can always fill up a cooler with sodas, seltzers, and other canned beverages next to your drink table, so guests have a few beverage options. 

Don't forget about dessert! A serve-yourself ice cream bar is an awesome way to wrap up an amazing evening hanging out in the sunshine. Just don't forget to put the pints on ice --- and to keep plenty of extra napkins on hand to catch any spills.

5. Organize Your Grill Supplies

You don’t want to light the grill only to realize your favorite spatula is nowhere to be found. Keep your grill tools orderly and together, so you’re not scrambling when it’s time to start cooking. Double check that you’ve got all the utensils and serving dishes ready. If you’re grilling food in stages, make a plan for timing, so everything is out of the fridge when you need it and not left sitting out for too long. 

6. Create the Perfect Soundtrack

Every BBQ needs good background music. Curate a playlist that will elevate your party’s mood. Pop hits are the secret ingredient to a BBQ dance party, or keep the tone relaxed and laid back with mellow acoustic favorites. Just make sure to keep the volume low enough that guests can chat and the neighbors aren’t bothered. 

7. Plan Something Fun To Do Outdoors

Games make every party better. They’re a great icebreaker for guests who’ve just met and the perfect way to keep the kids occupied. Classic lawn games like cornhole and bocce never fail, or you can set up a fun outdoor friendly craft. Even just putting out a few bubble wands offers low-effort, delightful entertainment. 

8. Make Cleanup a Breeze with Single Use Tablecloths

If you make it easy for guests to clean up after themselves during the party, you’ll have much less work to do when it’s time for everyone to go home. Put out trash and recycling bins that are clearly labeled and easy to access so nothing piles up. 

After everyone’s gone home and it’s time to clear everything away, you’ll also be glad you went with disposable tablecloths. You can even use any leftover single-use napkins to wipe down your tables. If you go with a high-quality brand like Bloomingoods, paper napkins are just as absorbent as paper towels. 

Throw Your BBQ Bash with the Help of Naptec

BBQ parties are meant to be fun, and that includes for the person hosting. With the right planning, hosting a BBQ can be stress free. All you need is good food, a relaxed setup, and tools that make hosting nice and easy, like Naptec’s single-use linens. 

Our high-quality, American-made products are just what you need to kick off summer in style. Crafted from premium materials, our products look and feel just like real linen, without the burden of laundry when your party’s over. With napkins and tablecloths available in more than 25 colors, we have whatever you need to match your decor. So fire up the grill, invite your favorite people, and let Naptec help you host a backyard bash that’s as easy to clean up (and keep ketchup off faces and hands!) as it is to enjoy.