Planning an Easy, Breezy Summer BBQ

The official start of summer is just days away, but we can’t help daydreaming about sitting poolside, sipping cool drinks, and hosting a casual backyard bbq. Family, friends, food, and fun may be on the menu, but the time to plan and prepare for a get-together may be missing. Here are a few helpful tips to ensure you have a stress-free summer soiree to kick off the season.

Get the invite out ASAP. Try to get an estimate for who’s coming at least a week before. Depending on availability, this number may change, but at least you’ll have a good starting point as you plan for food, seating, games, etc. And while you are at it, check the weather. If rain or extreme heat is in the forecast, you’ll want to ensure you can accommodate your guests inside your house if things get uncomfortable.

What’s on the grill? Once you have a rough guess of how many people to expect, you can begin planning your menu. Your friends and family may be coming to see your lovely face but let’s face it, they're also there for the food. So you’ll want to make it worth their while. You’ll need a few mains, a few classic sides, and a few options for dessert. Don’t forget the condiments, cold beverages, and alternatives for those with dietary restrictions.

Prep work. As you get closer to the date of your bbq, you’ll want to prep as much as possible so that you aren’t stressing out the day of. Get all your outdoor pruning and priming done as soon as possible. Mow the lawn, trim trees, remove the trash, and protect the area from pesky bugs, especially if you plan to take your event into the evening. As far as food, make it easier on yourself by prepping items like salads, sauces, or marinades to save time.

BBQ time! It's the day of the event! Spend a little time in the morning to ensure you’ve checked off all the pre-work before your gathering. If you’ve missed something - don’t worry. With it being so early, you should have a little time to take care of those forgotten tasks yourself or reach out for some assistance. Once that’s complete, get yourself a nice, cold cocktail or beverage, fire up the grill, and settle in for a good time.

We want your summer bbq to be as easy and breezy as possible. So if you need a little help shopping for groceries, doing some light yard work to beautify your space, or a little post-party clean-up - we've got you covered. Visit our services page to book a Panda today. Happy Summer!