Whether preparing for a holiday like the Fourth of July or a different celebration, you’ll want to plan ahead. Having everything you need on hand will give you peace of mind, so you can focus on hosting and having a great time. Follow this BBQ checklist of ingredients and other necessities to host a successful get-together with your neighbors, family or friends.
Barbecue Spices and Sauces
When planning a backyard barbecue, you’ll want to make your food flavorful with marinades and spices. Provide various sauces to suit everyone’s preferences. Some must-have condiments include ketchup, mustard, relish and mayonnaise.
Meat and Vegetables
Some popular grilling options include burgers, hot dogs, steak, ribs, chicken, salmon and shrimp. Enjoy making sides such as corn on the cob, bell peppers, zucchini, portobello mushrooms and potatoes. Using skewers to make kabobs is always a party favorite.
Beverage Options
A sunroom or enclosed porch offers the perfect place to store an ice bucket and beverages for your guests. You can create a self-serve station with bottled water, tea, lemonade or soda. If you’d like to offer alcohol, get creative with a themed mixed drink for the occasion or provide wine, wine cooler and beer options.
Utensils and Plates
Giving your guests something to hold their main meal and sides is vital. Prepare by having plates, utensils and napkins readily available at tables or a buffet station. You can also include serving instruments such as tongs to help keep the food options sanitary at a backyard BBQ party with many attendees.
Tables and Seating
Tables and chairs in a sunroom offer a great place to dine in the refreshing shade. When hosting a large gathering, consider investing in portable tables and chairs you can easily grab from storage and set up. If you need more room, lay down some picnic blankets with comfortable poufs or ottomans.
Yard Games
Of course, an epic BBQ checklist has to include entertainment for guests. Cornhole and bocce offer some fun and healthy competition to pass the time. Card games are also an excellent option, providing infinite ways to play.
Create the Perfect Sunroom or Enclosed Porch for BBQs
Want a space where you can host barbecues, celebrations and other gatherings? Contact the experts at Maryland Sunrooms to design your dream sunroom where you can easily relax, dine and entertain. When you don’t have friends or family over, you could use the additional room for enjoying your hobbies.
To learn more and start designing your sunroom, reach out to us today!
Julie Shetter is the Marketing Director at Maryland Sunrooms. She has over a decade of experience in the home improvement and sunroom industry.