Transformation Tuesday: How to Host a Labor Day BBQ Like a Boss
- By US Casehouse
- Sep 7, 2015
You’ve invited your guests and now it’s time to plan all the details to make your Labor Day backyard BBQ a success. This can be accomplished in a few easy steps:
[STEP 1] Plan your cookout menu and purchase needed food, drink, and snack items:
Popular cookout items include:
- hot dogs (and rolls), hamburgers (and rolls), steaks, chops, ribs, chicken, fish, and veggie burgers (for any vegetarian guests)
- seasoning, condiments (BBQ sauce, ketchup, mustard, mayo, etc.), salad dressing, cheese slices
- vegetables, lettuce for salads and burgers, fresh fruit (melons and berries), chips, pretzels, potato salad, pasta salad, layered cold salads, deviled eggs, corn on the cob (don’t forget butter), baked beans
- water, soda, juice, alcoholic drinks
- desserts (festive and delicious cookies, cupcakes, brownies, cake, ice cream).
Don’t forget to buy ice for your coolers/drink tubs! Or you can make it yourself and store it in these ice bags.
[STEP 2] Stock up on disposable party supplies:
- disposable cutlery (forks, knives, spoons)
- disposable cups (don’t forget the party cups! Jello shots anyone?)
- skewers (for grilled shrimp, pieces of boneless chicken, or veggies – or even for desserts – our favorite is fruit kabobs: blueberries, strawberries, banana slices (or marshmallows) on skewers lined up on a plate to look like the American flag)
The best part is these items never expire and any extras can be used everyday, for game watches or tailgating, or you can save them for your next party!
[STEP 3] Plan outdoor activities and games. Ideas for kids include hula hoops, water balloons, outdoor bowling, a bean bag or ring toss, tic-tac-toe, potato sack races, and bubbles. Ideas for older kids and adults include bocce ball, horseshoes, ping-pong, and card games.
[STEP 4] Clean your outdoor furniture. And don’t forget to clean the kids’ outdoor toys!
[STEP 5] Make sure you have enough: (1) shade for your guests (umbrellas, tents), (2) toilet paper, and (3) lighting (if your BBQ continues into the evening) – like torches and Christmas lights on deck or balcony rails for added ambiance.
[STEP 6] Plan your music playlist and make sure your speakers are ready.
[STEP 7] Make sure you have bug spray, citronella candles, and sunscreen on hand.
[STEP 8] Have a plan for if it rains. Options include moving the party to your garage, under a party tent, to your kitchen, or to an alternate date/location. It’s a good idea to have board games and decks of cards on hand as inside entertainment (Twister anyone?).
[STEP 9] Don’t forget to clean your grill!
[STEP 10] Prepare sides and marinate the meat the day before the BBQ.
[STEP 11] Fire up the grill! Eat, drink, and be merry! Relax and enjoy your well-planned BBQ!
[STEP 12] Send guests home with some leftovers (like a potluck in reverse…which is the best kind of potluck if you ask us).
Have a great holiday weekend!
What are your tips for cooking out on Labor Day?
