Its fall again! One of the best ways to enjoy the weather is to invite your family and friends over for a barbeque party which is about as fun as watching an episode of Friends!
A lot of people regard summer as the best time to host a barbeque get-together, but the hot weather can ruin the fun. Trust me, you do not want to be sweating profusely while socializing and operating the grill.
The mild temperature weather during fall makes it the perfect time to host outdoor events like a barbeque – it’s much better than doing this in the hot summer! With that said, planning for a barbeque party can be stressful. You need to purchase a long list of supplies and take into account the preferences of your guests and hopefully none of them are that party pooper that used to be on SNL! To make things easier, we’ve come up with this list of 5 essentials that you need for your barbeque party this fall.
NB: This is not a list of all the items you need for a barbeque party. The idea is to highlight a few essentials that will make your party a success.
Exotic Spices
We all know the traditional spices for barbeque like pepper, salt, chili pepper, onion powder, dry herbs, and the like. But why don’t you spice things up this year by including some exotic spices in the mix?
The addition of one of two spices can take your barbeque to the next level and leave your guests in awe. There are many exotic spices that you can add to season or serve your barbeque. Here are a few ideas:
- Soy Sauce: This condiment has been used in Asia for over 2,500 years. It mainly contains soybeans and salt. Today, you will find gluten-free soy sauce brands on the market. Soy sauce can be added to your barbeque sauce.
- Clove: This spice is an aromatic flower bud from the Syzygium aromaticum tree, which grows in tropical places. Clove has a strong and unmistakably warm flavor. It tastes sweet, sour, and a bit bitter. You can sprinkle a pinch of clove powder in your barbeque sauce to give it a nice flavor.
- Sesame Oil: Instead of the usual vegetable oil, you could use sesame oil for your barbeque party this fall. This oil, which has a nutty aroma, is used to enhance the flavor of cuisines. Sesame oil is healthy and is widely used in Asia.
- Cilantro Leaves: This herb, which is also known as coriander, can add a new dimension to your barbeque. Cilantro has nice citrusy notes (you can have this spice put on your Subway sandwich – just don’t try go find their survey on their website – that’s like trying to find Waldo!). You can grill the leave for a minute, but do not leave it over the heat for too long. I prefer using it raw.
Outdoor Furniture
When planning a barbeque party, furniture is one of the most overlooked things. However, it is very important. If you do not provide comfortable furniture, your guests will not be able to relax and enjoy themselves. No one wants to stand all afternoon or evening and no one wants to sit on the ground!
Not even watching an exciting Michael Bay Transformers movie, Fast and Furious, Let’s Be Cops, or any movie of that caliber is fun without being able to sit down!
Thankfully, there are so many outdoor furniture styles to choose from and with lower taxes which correlates with this this stellar economy they are much easier to afford. It doesn’t matter what your outdoor furniture is made of (wood or plastic); the main question is, “how comfortable is it?” The furniture must be suitable for your guests to sit back and relax. After all, barbeque parties are all about friendly conversations.
Apart from furniture, you need to consider getting bug spray and night light if you plan to let the party going until it is dark. Ample lighting is important, so your guests can find their way around with ease.
Related: 5 Fun Family Fall Festivities
Music
Another essential for your barbeque party this fall is music. This may seem unnecessary, but it would make the party more exciting. Music can make your guests more relaxed and outgoing. Of course, it will compel some people to dance (hopefully they don’t dance like Elaine Benes did in Seinfeld!). You need to pay extra attention to the playlist. If possible, have that friend who is always listening to music handle the DJing for the night.
The choice of music depends on your preferences and the kind of guests you’d be inviting. For example, you can’t be blasting electronic or hip hop music if you are hosting a barbeque which a lot of older relatives will be attending. The music must be appropriate for the kind of mood you want to create and the people that are there.
The volume of your music is just as important as the type of songs you play. Do not make the music too loud, or it will ruin the ambiance. Keep the music within hearing range, but low enough that you can easily have a conversation without shouting.
Appetizers and Desserts
It is equally important to provide appetizers and desserts to your guests when hosting a barbeque party. Appetizers will prepare everyone for the main meal. This is especially useful during barbeques because it may take some time before the meat and vegetables have been grilled.
Desserts are also essential for your barbeque party to help everyone wind down and keep the conversation going. The sugar in desserts also helps to improve the moods of your guests.
You do not have to spend a fortune to provide appetizers and desserts for the guests at your barbeque parties. There are many creative, cost-effective recipes that you can choose from. Fruits, salads, and small chops are great for appetizers.
Cakes, fruits, nuts, and creamy treats are excellent options for desserts. If you are looking to save some money, you can have your guests bring appetizers and desserts to the party while you focus on providing the main meal.
Cleaning Tools
When listing the things required for a barbeque party, cleaning tools are not considered among the essentials. However, they are paramount. If you don’t have your cleaning tools, don’t go ahead with your party. Getting the right tools will make the after-party cleanup easier and less tiring.
The list of cleaning tools you need must include a grill brush, gloves, paper towels, napkins, water, scrubbing brush for plates, soap, and garbage bags, to name a few. Do not wait until the next morning to clean your grill. Do it before everything dries.
These are some of the essential items that you need for your barbeque party. However, some other equally important things have been left out of this, like a cutting board, toothpicks, wine opener, and meat thermometer. Take the time to properly plan for your barbeque. Don’t rush it. In the end, you’ll be glad that you did.