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Hosting the perfect barbeque is an art form that can be difficult to master. As with all types of event hosting, there is a myriad of things to consider when orchestrating the day. While juggling food, ambiance, and refreshments, it can be hard to find time to keep on top of it all; let alone have some time to enjoy yourself.
Here are three tips to consider the next time you decide to open up the grill and have some friends and family over. It can be easy to get caught up in considerations of food and sides- while these are undeniably the heart of a good barbeque, you can’t neglect the other aspects.
- Make sure your area is comfortable for your guests
A barbeque is nothing if the ambiance isn’t right- and a part of that is making sure that your guests are comfortable. If you’ve got a barbeque planned, it’s likely going to be a warm, sunny day- is the area sufficiently shaded? Especially when grills are taken into consideration, heat can sometimes reach considerable heights.
Depending on how many people you’re expecting, make sure there’s enough table and chair room for everyone to have sufficient space. Making a quick stop at a reputable furniture retailer such as National Outdoor Furniture, Inc. might be something to consider depending on your current garden’s capacity.
- Refreshments are vital
A barbeque is nothing without its food- but it’s also nothing without a decent array of refreshments. Cold drinks are a must on a warm sunny day and act as the perfect complement to anything you might be grilling up to serve. Also, yes, they must be cold- there’s nothing sadder than a warm beverage on a scorching hot day.
If you’ve got some time to spare, making some punch or mocktails would elevate your event to the next level. Paired with some aesthetically appealing garnishes (sliced fruit or herbal sprigs work perfectly for this) you’re guaranteed to create something that not only acts as a wonderful accompaniment to your meal but also as a centerpiece for your table.
- Music makes or breaks the vibe
While you don’t want to be drowning out anyone’s conversations, a light undercurrent of music can perfectly help to create a comfortable and hospitable environment for your guests. Pop music is a safe choice, although, as with all things, it’s vital that you think about what your audience would enjoy. If you’re hosting a barbeque for a group notorious for their penchant for classic rock, the latest top 40 from the radio might not go down so well.
A BlueTooth speaker will probably be needed to amplify your playlist sufficiently- luckily, these are available quite cheaply and can have an impressive upper limit for volume. Their portability plus their hardy resilience to water and shock damage make them a reliable choice when catering for large group events. It’s always safer to be cautious.
