Please ensure Javascript is enabled for purposes of website accessibility
An ice bucket filled with bottles and cans of AVA Grace wines at a summer backyard BBQ.

How to Throw the Perfect Backyard BBQ

Cooking & Recipes

There’s no denying that summer vacation looks a bit different this year. Fortunately, there are still many fun and safe ways to enjoy some of your favorite summer traditions, including a classic backyard BBQ.

With a bit of planning and prep work, plus plenty of tasty food and refreshing beverages, your next BBQ may very well be the bash of the summer – even if your invitees consist only of your immediate family and the people you live with.

Hosting the Perfect Backyard BBQ

Food

Grilling is arguably the main event at a BBQ, but certainly not the only one. Reinvent favorite side dishes with a fresh, modern, and slightly unexpected twist. Think elotes (Mexican street corn) in place of corn on the cob or zucchini “fries” instead of a standard potato side dish.

Drinks

Seasonal beers or bottles of liquor are perennial favorites at BBQs, but why not round the bar out with some refreshing, summer-perfect wine? Consider adding some cans of Rosé or Pinot Grigio to the mix in the beverage tub or, even better, whip up a batch (or two!) of wine spritzer punch, wine slushies, or sangria. Pro tip: Make your cocktails ahead of time to avoid spending a bunch of time measuring and mixing during the party.

Entertainment  

In between eating, drinking, and being merry, you’ll want something to do. Create a playlist on your favorite streaming service to ensure you have several hours of music playing and have a few games or activities set up. Choose games that are easy to pick up on, like cornhole or horseshoes. If any children will be attending, have at least one or two age-appropriate games set out for them, too.

A big part of summer get-togethers is staying cool, but it’s no sweat if you don’t have an actual pool. Great alternatives include a slip n’ slide, water guns or balloons, or adding a misting system to your patio or umbrellas.

Being the hostess with the most-est

If the host is having a great time, chances are, so will the guests. However, hosts often spend most of their time at the party cooking and running around. To avoid that and actually enjoy your backyard BBQ, plan ahead and anticipate needs.

  • Prep whatever you can beforehand so you don’t have to do it during the BBQ.
  • Be sure you have plenty of food, drinks, ice, and propane. Don’t be afraid to go overboard on food – you can always send leftovers home with guests. To make things as easy as possible when it comes to keeping beverages well-stocked, you can even order AVA Grace Pinot Grigio and Rosé cans online.
  • Create a hospitality station with everything guests may want or need. Depending on the type of BBQ you’re hosting, it could include towels, sunscreen, bug spray, and hair elastics.

 


 

January 11, 2021
Ava Grace Vineyards AVA Grace Vineyards, Livermore, CA
Ava Grace Vineyards

Sign up for updates from Ava Grace

Sign Up