(BBQ) party to celebrate a graduation, birthday, or just for fun. Whether you're a seasoned backyard griller or just getting started, there are so many ways to personalize your BBQ and throw the ultimate backyard bash.
Check out our 22 Summer BBQ ideas to plan a party that will impress all your guests.
Must-Have Grilling Essentials
Let's start with the heart of your grilling setup — the perfect grill.
1. The Perfect Grill
Choosing the right grill is crucial for the best grilling experience. There are three main types of grills: gas, charcoal, and electric.
Gas grills are great for quick and convenient grilling, as they provide consistent heat and are easy to clean. They run on propane or natural gas, so you don't have to worry about purchasing charcoal.
Charcoal grills are classic, and many professional chefs prefer them for their ability to provide that smoky flavor to foods. They require more hands-on attention because you need to manually control the heat using the vents. But these grills add a smoky flavor to your meat and veggies that guests will devour.
Electric grills are perfect for those with limited outdoor space and provide an even cooking surface. However, these grills add less of a smoky flavor than charcoal.
2. Grilling Accessories and Tools
You'll also need some grilling tools to prepare you to feed everyone. Get a good pair of grill tongs and invest in a grill brush to keep the grill clean as you cook. You'll also want a sturdy pair of grill gloves to protect your hands from the heat. Remember to have a meat platter close by where you can place the food when it's ready to be served.
3. Grilling Fuels and Flavors
Experimenting with different grilling fuels and flavors adds exciting flavors to your food. Here are some ideas:
Charcoal: Lump charcoal and briquettes are the go-to options for charcoal grills, and add that smoky BBQ flavor to meat and veggies.
Wood Chips: Soaked wood chips added to your charcoal grill also infuse your food with smoky flavors, and come in options like hickory and cherry to give you flavors to play with.
Propane or Natural Gas: While gas grilling may not offer the same smoky flavor as charcoal, you can use a smoker box with wood chips to achieve a similar effect.
BBQ Recipes
With your grilling essentials sorted, let's dive into some BBQ recipes that cater to everyone's tastes, from burger lovers to seafood aficionados.
4. Burger Varities (Beef, Chicken, or Veggie)
To make sure everyone at your party is going to have something they like to eat, consider making a few different types of burgers, such as:
Beef: Try a classic juicy beef burger with quality ground beef seasoned with salt and pepper and cooked to medium. Add toppings like lettuce, tomato, cheese, and bacon for flavor.
Chicken: Marinate boneless, skinless chicken breasts in a mix of lemon juice, olive oil, and your choice of seasonings, then grill until cooked. Serve with avocado, lettuce, and tomato for a fresh twist.
Veggie: Veggie burgers made with grilled portobello mushrooms, black bean patties, or chickpea burgers are perfect for non-meat eaters.
5. Options for Meat Lovers (Steak, Ribs, and Chicken)
For meat lovers, grilling offers tons of options:
Steak: Cook rib-eye or sirloin steaks seasoned with salt, pepper, and garlic powder, searing each side on high heat and finishing on a cooler part of the grill.
Ribs: BBQ ribs are always a crowd-pleaser. Dry-rubbed or marinated, cook them low and slow on the grill until tender. Finish them with a brush of BBQ sauce before serving.
6. Seafood (Shrimp, Fish, and Lobster)
Seafood is a light and delicious grilling option for a warm summer day:
Shrimp: Skewered, marinated shrimp is a quick and tasty option. Try a simple lemon, garlic, and olive oil marinade, grilling them just long enough to turn pink and opaque.
Fish: Grilled fish filets or whole fish like red snapper, trout, or salmon can be seasoned with salt, pepper, and olive oil. Cook them gently, turning once, for excellent flavor.
Lobster: Split whole lobster tails down the middle and brush with seasoned melted butter before grilling for a tasty BBQ dish.
7. BBQ Staples with a Twist (Sausages, Hot Dogs, and Kebabs)
Enhance your BBQ experience with these popular staples:
Sausages and Hot Dogs: Choose high-quality sausages or hot dogs, grilled as-is or with toppings like sauerkraut, onions, jalapenos, or chili.
Kebabs: Create kebabs with ready-to-grill skewers of marinated meats, veggies, or fruits. Try cooking cubes of steak with mango and bell pepper for a fresh summer taste.
Veggie and Side Dish Options
Now it's time to add veggies and side dishes as the perfect pairing for your grilled meats.
8. Grilled Vegetables
Vegetables gain a smoky, charred flavor on the grill that can't be replicated in the kitchen. Some popular options include:
Asparagus
Bell peppers
Eggplant
Grilled corn
Tip: Brush your veggies with a light coat of oil to prevent sticking, then season them with your favorite herbs and spices before putting them on the grill.
9. Classic BBQ Sides
Don't underestimate the power of BBQ sides to round out your meal. Serve potato salad by mixing boiled potatoes, hard-boiled eggs, mayo, mustard, pickles, and fresh herbs. Or, whip up coleslaw using shredded cabbage, carrots, and your choice of vinegar-based or creamy dressing. You can also serve baked beans, macaroni salad, and fresh rolls with butter.
10. Refreshing Summer Salads and Fruits
Give guests some lighter options by serving a salad or fruity dish, such as:
Cucumber and dill salad
Caprese salad with fresh tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil
Watermelon and feta salad with arugula
Fruit salad with a mix of seasonal fruits
BBQ Sauces, Rubs, and Marinades
bring out the best flavors in your meats. These mixtures enhance the taste of your food and help the meat hold its moisture while grilling.
11. Homemade BBQ Sauce Recipes (Sweet, Tangy, or Spicy)
Why settle for store-bought sauces when you can whip up your own? Here are some tried-and-true favorites:
Sweet BBQ Sauce: Combine ketchup, brown sugar, honey, Worcestershire sauce, and a dash of apple cider vinegar.
Tangy BBQ Sauce: Mix yellow mustard, apple cider vinegar, brown sugar, and spices such as garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika.
Spicy BBQ Sauce: Start with a ketchup base, then add hot sauce, chipotle peppers, or crushed red pepper flakes for heat. Balance the spice with sweetness, such as honey or molasses.
12. Flavorful Dry Rubs for Your Grilled Masterpieces
Create memorable dishes by seasoning your meats with a homemade dry rub before grilling. Popular ingredients include:
Salt and pepper
Brown sugar
Paprika or smoked paprika
Garlic powder
Ground coriander
13. Marinades for Various Grilled Meats
Marinades do more than just add flavor; they also help tenderize your meats. Some examples of marinades include:
Classic Steak Marinade: Mix olive oil, balsamic vinegar, soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, garlic, and fresh herbs.
Lemon Garlic Chicken Marinade: Combine lemon juice, olive oil, minced garlic, fresh herbs, and seasonings.
Asian-Inspired Pork Marinade: Blend soy sauce, hoisin sauce, garlic, ginger, honey, and sesame oil.
Citrus and Chili Fish Marinade: Whisk together lime juice, orange juice, olive oil, chili powder, cumin, and fresh cilantro.
Remember to marinate your meats for several hours (or overnight) so the flavor absorbs.
Beverages and Cocktails
In addition to fresh food, you also need drinks to keep your guests refreshed. Let's explore some beverage options to complement your BBQ.
14. Non-Alcoholic Options for Guests of All Ages
Here are some non-alcoholic options everybody can enjoy:
Freshly squeezed lemonade: A classic summer favorite, homemade lemonade is refreshing and easy to make. Add fresh herbs, such as mint or basil, for a unique twist.
Iced tea: Brew your own iced tea using black, green, or herbal teas. Fruit-infused iced tea options, like peach or raspberry, add an extra burst of flavor.
Fruit-infused water: Add fresh berries, citrus fruits, or cucumber slices to your water.
15. Summer Cocktails to Pair with Your BBQ Fare
Serve up these classic cocktails to kick your BBQ up a notch:
Margaritas: Margaritas are a summertime favorite for summer evenings. Rim the glasses with salt and serve them in a festive cocktail cup.
Mojitos: This cocktail combines muddled mint, lime, sugar, and white rum. The cool mint and zesty lime are a great pairing for BBQ food.
Beer cocktails: Offer a beer-based cocktail like Michelada, made with Mexican lager, tomato juice, lime, and spices. This drink pairs well with grilled meats and spicy dishes.
To enhance the BBQ experience, serve drinks in festive cups with colorful straws!
16. The Perfect Beer and Wine Pairings for Your Grilled Dishes
You can also serve beer and wine with grilled dishes. Light beers pair well with light dishes like chicken kebabs and grilled veggies, while heavier beers (like IPAs) are great for spicy foods. For wine options, serve red wine with smoky grilled meats, and try white wine for lighter dishes like grilled fish.
BBQ Setup and Decor
To create a memorable BBQ party, pay attention to the details, like choosing the perfect location, lighting, and decorations.
17. Choosing the Ideal Location and Seating
Choose a BBQ spot with both sun and shade to keep your guests cool on a hot summer day. Make sure you have plenty of comfortable seating, like picnic tables, lounge chairs, or even comfy cushions on the grass.
18. Lighting and Atmosphere
As the sun sets, you'll want good lighting to keep the BBQ going! Try stringing fairy lights around seating areas or on tree branches, or start a backyard fire pit for warmth and brightness.
19. Themed Decorations and Table Settings
Want to add a twist to your BBQ? Stick to a summer theme when it comes to your decor, such as:
Choose a color scheme, like tropical hues or a classic red, white, and blue palette, and use these colors for tableware and linens.
Opt for a fun theme, like a Hawaiian luau, a nautical seaside retreat, or a country picnic, and choose matching decorations like pineapple centerpieces, seashells, or checkered tablecloths.
Create a DIY centerpiece by arranging fresh flowers, greenery, or seasonal fruits in a crate or galvanized bucket.
Fun and Interactive BBQ Party Ideas
The final touch for your BBQ is entertainment! Here are some ideas to keep the party going.
20. DIY Food Stations
One way to engage your guests is by setting up DIY food stations. These stations let your guests customize their dishes with different ingredients and toppings. For example, set up a burger bar with meat and veggie options, cheese, and fresh toppings. You can even offer different buns, wraps, and tasty condiments like ketchup and BBQ sauce.
To keep guests cool, you can add a DIY sundae station where everyone can build their own tasty dessert! Provide toppings like chocolate chips, gummy bears, and fudge. Just remember to keep ice cream in a cooler so it doesn't melt.
21. BBQ Party Games and Activities
You'll also want to set up games and activities, like classic lawn games. Set out cornhole, bocce hall, or horseshoes for friendly competition.
If you want to customize your party, create a DIY photo booth with props and a background (like a plain white sheet) for people to take pictures. You can use a smartphone or set up a digital camera. At the end of the party, you'll have photos you can share with all your guests so they can remember the celebration.
22. Music and Entertainment Options for Your BBQ Event
Keep the energy up with music that fits the mood of your party, whether it's classic rock, country, or a playlist of your favorite hits. Another entertainment option is to end the night with a movie screening by projecting a film onto an outdoor screen. Grab your movie night supplies, like popcorn and cozy chairs, and wind down with your guests!
Discover How Party City Can Help Your Party
Party City has everything you need to make your summer BBQ a hit. From gingham tableware to themed balloons, we can help you throw the ultimate summer bash. Our party supplies include summer-theme favorites, like picnic-theme supplies and tiki-theme decor.
Shop our products today to find your summer party supplies, or visit us at a store near you.
Frequently asked questions
What foods are best for a summer BBQ?
Grilling classics such as hamburgers, hot dogs, and sausages are always a hit. You can also try meats like chicken, ribs, or salmon. Add side dishes, including salads, coleslaw, grilled corn, and fruit platters.
How can I enhance my BBQ's flavor profile?
Experiment with various marinades, dry rubs, and sauces to give your grilled dishes unique and exciting flavors. Try new combinations or use spices and ingredients from different cuisines to create a diverse flavor experience.
