So, you’ve invited your friends over for a barbeque this coming Saturday, and now you have to figure out how to make it the best cookout of the year. The weather forecast promises clear skies, and you are excited to host everybody for a day of fun and food. Before you begin planning, you need to know that this situation has many moving parts. The vibes have to be perfect, the music needs to be just right, and the food must be yummy. When planning an event this epic, a lot of things could go wrong, but we are here to make sure that you are on top of everything so it goes perfectly! Here are seven things you need to throw the best barbeque ever.
Choose The Right Grilling Apparatus
The first step before you get ahead of yourself is to make sure you have the grill for the barbeque. There are many bad boys on the market, so we will walk you through the good ones. If you are not about the smoke and coughing, you may want to try out an electric grill which is no fuss and easy to clean. Gas grills are also good too because they are easy to start and cook pretty quickly. Finally, your original charcoal grill works best if you are a traditional barbeque master. Charcoal grills are also good because they give your food the smokey flavor that you may miss from the other style of grill. Whatever you decide to go with, make sure you have enough gas or charcoal before the day so you don’t have to run around at the last minute! The next essential will pair perfectly with your barbeque grill!
Use The Correct Utensils
Now that you have the right stand, make sure you have the right tools to go with it. Welcome to Grilling 101. The first tool you will need is your tong, which you will be using to flip and check your meat, so make sure it has a sturdy grip. You will also need a basting brush to keep your meat juicy and moist. As you braai your meat, use the basting brush to apply sauces so that it does not dry out. The final utensil is your spatula, which you can also use to flip your patties and other meats. These three tools are going to be your holy grail, so make sure you hold onto them!
The Right Selection of Meat
You can’t have a barbeque without the main event, the meat! Having a variety for people to choose from is good so that you can cater to everyone’s preferences. We are going to give you the top three crowd winners, but you can add more if your pockets are deep enough. The easiest and safest bet is beef. Beef cooks well on the grill, and there are many cuts that can work for your barbeque. If you want something that cooks quickly, work with the New York Strip. Now, this next meat needs a master griller, so if you are up for the challenge, add chicken to your grocery list. Opt for chicken drumsticks and thighs because they are juicy and easier to cook on the grill! Finally, you can not have a barbeque without sausage! The kiddies will love them, and they are the easiest to grill. Start with these three meats and add more of the ones your guests love! The next essential is the background act for your meat!
A Good Assortment of Salads
The main singer needs to kill the show, but everything is a disaster if the background singers mess up. The sides at your barbeque are like your backup singers, so make sure they complement the meats. Garlic rolls or buns are always a good idea because they can be added to the meat to make the meal more filling. The salads you choose will make or break your party. A potato salad and a colorful coleslaw will never fail you, but a bean salad is also a good idea!
Cold Drinks for a Hot Day
The sun will be scorching, so you need to make sure that your guests do not shrivel away. The selection of drinks at your barbeque will depend on who is coming. If it is an adult party, find out your guest’s alcohol preferences so you can stock your cooler box up in time. For the kiddies, freeze some juice so you can give them some makeshift slushies for the heat. The next essential is going to create the vibe for the party!
Good Sound System and DJ
The meat is ready, and the drinks are flowing, so now you need to set the mood. Make sure you have a speaker that is loud enough for your function but not loud enough to annoy your neighbors the whole afternoon. Have different playlists for different times. When everybody is still talking, have a feel-good playlist, and after the tummies are full, crank up the tunes so everybody can dance off their calories!
Activities For The Kids
This final essential is very important. If you can’t keep the little ones busy, they become the grown-up's problem. It's a hot day, so bring out your inflatable pool so the kids can cool down inside it. You can also plan a mini treasure hunt around the garden so you can keep an eye on them while you get busy at the same time!