As iconically American as apple pie and baseball, backyard barbecues combine some of the best things about summer: warm weather, grilled goodies, ice cold drinks and casual fun with friends. Whether planning a classic, no-fuss bash with burgers and brats or a more elegant affair, outdoor entertaining should be as effortless as it is enjoyable.
- Create memorable guest favors. For kiddos, stuff Mason jars with soap bubbles, sidewalk chalk and glow sticks. Send adults home with a decorative citronella candle and a can or two of Schlafly Yakima Wheat Ale, perfect for cooling off on a hot summer night.
- Ask guests to bring a bottle of their favorite barbecue sauce and hold a taste test! Cover a long table with butcher paper and set out the bottles, along with a handful of pens. Let guests cast their votes directly on the paper.
- What’s more fun than watching a movie under the stars or while lounging in the pool? Funflicks.com provides inflatable movie screens of various sizes and all the equipment needed. They have service areas around St. Louis that provide delivery and set-up.
[the savories]
- Carefully plan a mixture of grilled and pre-made foods to make entertaining a snap.
- For a twist on the traditional backyard shindig, grill mini beef, lamb and portobello sliders so guests can mix and match. Offer grilled corn, pasta salad and caprese skewers drizzled with balsamic vinegar as sides.
- Consider treating guests to an old-fashioned crawfish boil. Bust out that turkey fryer to boil Cajun-seasoned potatoes, corn, sausage, crawfish and shrimp.
- For a sweet ending, grill slices of pineapple and place over pound cake or vanilla ice cream.
- While beer is never unwelcome, mix it up by making your own shandy, a refreshing mixture of beer and lemonade.
- Popsicles aren’t just for kids! Serve boozy frozen treats—there are endless recipes online for popsicles in every flavor, from lime margarita to the elegant French 75 made with champagne, gin, simple syrup and lemon juice.
[the scene]
- Create a warm glow with candles placed in glass hurricanes and tea lights. Up the wow factor with string lights in classic white, or go bold with brightly colored paper lanterns. Plenty of options are available at World Market and other home stores.
- Tiki is coming back in style! For a fun, Polynesian twist, decorate with Tiki torches and leis, and serve drinks in classic Tiki cups. Taha’a Twisted Tiki in The Grove sells a variety of Tiki glassware.
- To keep guests comfortable during daytime get-togethers, set up a summer fun supply station with sunscreen, hats or visors, and bug spray.