How to Plan a Barbecue Party
It is too hot to be outside in the summer months and a good way to enjoy the outdoors on a cool evening is to organise a barbecue party at night.
Decide the Venue
A good location for a barbecue party is a garden or terrace. The latter is a good option in the summer months as it allows a clear view of the summer starlit sky.
Comfortable Seating Arrangements
Whether the party is in the garden or on the terrace, comfortable seating is a necessary element. Garden and deck chairs can be used for this purpose. However, on the terrace, large cushions or mats can also be used (especially as a barbecue is an informal form of getting together with friends).
Managing the Food
Generally, barbecued food takes a long time to cook as it is a slow process. To speed this up for a party, pre-cook the barbecue items so that lesser time is required for it to cook on the barbecue itself. For example, meats can be pre-cooked on the gas/microwave to a 50 -75% level and the balance on the barbecue. Vegetables can be steamed and kept ready so that they are just about browned and heated on the barbecue. Accompanying dishes like rice, bread and salads can be prepared before and kept ready to serve.
Decorations
The garden/terrace can be made prettier with the use of lanterns and candles spread around. Floral arrangements and fragranced candles can be added to the terrace venue.
Deciding on Cutlery and Crockery
Keep away the fancy china plates! A barbecue is completely informal and basic plates and cutlery is required. Cloth napkins, too, can remain in the linen cupboard and nice paper napkins can be used. Barbecue means finger food and hands are bound to get dirty many times. Hence, it is best to provide paper napkins.
Beverage Bar
The beverage bar can be placed across from the barbeque unit and should be well-stocked with cooling drinks. A nice complement to a barbecue is a fruit punch which can be pre-made in large quantities.
