HOST A SUCCESSFUL SUMMER BBQ

A CROWD-PLEASING MENU

You don't have to spend hours fussing over a meal. Plan a menu that's F.E.D-Fast, Easy, and Delicious! With these simple dishes, everyone will be happy, including you.

APPETIZER: Start your guests out with this fresh take on salsa and try pairing it with Old Florida Gourmet Tortilla Chips from Publix: https://www.allrecipes.com/recipe/273762/chilean-pebre-sauce/

ENTREE: This easy bbq chicken recipe is always a crowd-pleaser at our house. It's juicy and the skin is crispy. Our favorite go to cut of chicken is the thigh. https://thebetteredblondie.com/grilled-italian-marinated-chicken-thighs/

SIDE PAIRINGS: A colorful and light summer salad makes for a beautiful and yummy accompaniment. Adding fresh fruit and herbs will really brighten up this dish. https://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/ree-drummond/heirloom-tomato-and-watermelon-salad-5423302

Who doesn't enjoy a crusty piece of bread with their meal? Try this summer take on your favorite bread by grilling it: https://www.food.com/recipe/kittencals-easy-grilled-bread-308361

DESSERT: Dessert is the last thing your guests will taste, so leave a lasting impression with this easy and heavenly no-bake pie: https://www.tasteofhome.com/recipes/lime-cheesecake-pie/

PRE-PARTY PREP

It's no fun watching your guests enjoy your bbq while you're running around cutting, cooking, and sweating. You can avoid this and join in on the fun by doing most of the prep work before your guest arrive. The key is to make it look easy! Make sure you've prepared all the necessary ingredients for your appetizer and have it made and ready to go before anyone sets foot in your house. Check to see that you have adequate gas or charcoal for barbecuing. If you're grilling meat, have it marinated or seasoned and ready to throw on the bbq. For salads, ensure you've chopped up all the ingredients and have your dressing prepared before the bbq starts. You can keep the ingredients separated in bags or bowls in the fridge and toss them together at the last minute so your veggies or fruit don't get soggy. And last but certainly not least, make sure your dessert is already put together and ready to go in the refrigerator.

MAKE AHEAD COCKTAILS AND MOCKTAILS

Don't get bogged down at your bbq spending your time making everyone a la carte drinks. Again here, planning is key. You can make ahead a special summer cocktail that everyone can enjoy. Try this festive summer cocktail you can make ahead and store in a pitcher, there's even a frozen version if you please: https://www.simplyrecipes.com/recipes/hemingway_daiquiri/

Want a non-alcoholic option for your guests? Grab some bottles of Simply Limeade from the store, pour them into a pitcher or punch bowl and add fresh mint and sliced limes to it. Voila!

INTERACTIVE ACTIVITIES

Create opportunities for your guests to interact. You can set out a game of cards or a fun board game at an outdoor dining table. You can allow for guests to get up and physically interact with a game of corn hole or ladder ball. Both games are easy to set up and take down and are always a hit at our house!

LIGHT IT UP

If you're planning a later bbq, it's inevitable it will get dark outside. Keep your outdoor space well-lit with decorative outdoor lights, such as string lights. Be sure to have tiki torches filled with citronella or candles placed around the party to keep any pesky bugs out. If it's particularly buggy around your home, you can leave bug spray on your outdoor tables.

BBQ TO THE BEAT

Liven up your bbq with a little music for your guests to enjoy. Consider the audience and make a playlist ahead of time that will cater to your guest's taste. Mix up your playlist with both old and new favorites that will be familiar to all ages.