How to Host a Backyard Barbecue: Easy Entertaining Tips from a Local Expert
Simple ways to turn a casual cookout into a memorable gathering
A successful backyard barbecue isn’t about having the fanciest grill or an over-the-top menu. It’s about creating an atmosphere where friends and family can relax, connect and enjoy great food together. According to local entertaining expert Carrie Hirsch, the secret is keeping things simple while focusing on the details that make guests feel comfortable from the moment they arrive.
Keep the menu easy.
Skip the temptation to overcomplicate things. Choose two or three main proteins, and pair them with simple, crowd-pleasing sides. Burgers, barbecue chicken and grilled vegetables are always dependable choices, while classics like coleslaw, pasta salad, baked beans, chips and fresh watermelon help round out the spread. To make hosting easier, prep ahead by forming burger patties, marinating meats and chopping toppings the day before. One important summer reminder: any mayonnaise-based side dish should stay chilled in a bowl or tray of ice to prevent spoilage in the heat.
Create comfortable gathering spaces.
Guests naturally gravitate toward spaces where they feel comfortable, so make sure there’s plenty of seating and adequate shade. Arrange serving tables, coolers and food stations where people can move easily, and don’t overlook entertainment. Lawn games like cornhole, bocce, badminton and ring toss help keep guests of all ages engaged. Hirsch also recommends setting out a small basket with sunscreen and bug spray, a thoughtful touch guests always appreciate.
Set up a self-serve drink station.
A dedicated beverage station keeps guests from crowding the kitchen and allows everyone to help themselves throughout the party. Fill a decorative tub or cooler with ice, water, soft drinks and other beverages, then keep a second cooler nearby stocked with extras for easy refills. The less time you spend playing bartender, the more time you spend enjoying the party.
Master the grill.
Before cooking, clean and lightly oil the grill grates to prevent sticking. Create two heat zones: one hotter side for searing and a cooler side for finishing thicker cuts more gently. Cook chicken first, followed by burgers, and toast buns just before serving. A meat thermometer is one of the best grilling tools you can own. Chicken should reach 165 degrees, while burgers should reach 160 degrees. For extra insurance against dry or undercooked chicken, Hirsch recommends partially cooking chicken in the oven for about 20 minutes before finishing it on the grill.
Set the mood.
Sometimes the smallest details leave the biggest impression. Build a playlist filled with summer favorites, hang string lights for evening ambiance, and place battery-operated candles around seating areas. As the sun begins to set, those simple touches help transform an ordinary cookout into something far more memorable.
Focus on what matters most.
The biggest hosting secret has nothing to do with recipes or decorations. “Spend time with your guests instead of trying to make everything perfect,” Hirsch says. The best barbecues aren’t necessarily the most elaborate. They’re the ones where everyone — including the host — gets a chance to relax, enjoy good food and simply have fun.
Watermelon & feta bites
Ingredients
Ingredients (base)
- 72 watermelon pieces cut into 1-inch squares, 1/2-inch thick
- 8- ounce package feta cheese cut into 1-inch squares, 1/2-inch thick
- 1/2- ounce package mint leaves stems removed and finely minced
- 3 tablespoons honey
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
- 1/2 teaspoon lemon zest
Ingredients (garnish)
- Honey for drizzling
- 6 mint leaves finely chopped
Instructions
- To make the pesto, combine honey, lemon juice and lemon zest in a small bowl, and mix until well incorporated.
- Arrange 36 watermelon squares on a serving platter. Place a small dollop of pesto on each watermelon square, then top each with a feta square. Add another small dollop of pesto on top of the feta, then finish with the remaining watermelon squares. Cover and refrigerate until ready to serve.
- Just before serving, drizzle with honey, sprinkle with chopped mint, and spear each stack with a toothpick.
