Tips for Hosting the Best Backyard BBQ

Posted on May 19, 2021

The weather is warming up, and it’s time to start thinking about outdoor entertaining. Cookouts and barbecues are a great way to gather, enjoying the weather and good company. If you’re looking for some inspiration on how to host the best backyard BBQ this summer, we’ve gathered our favorite tips below. 

Plan Your Backyard BBQ Menu 

It’s not a BBQ without barbecue, so why not whip up your own sauce? There’s a wealth of barbecue sauce recipes out there, and they’re easy to throw together. Decide whether you’re barbecuing pork, chicken, or beef, then decide on some other things to grill, like shrimp, burgers, hot dogs, and vegetarian options.  

Come Up With Some Out-of-the-Box BBQ Food Ideas 

Choose some traditional sides, like coleslaw, potato salad, and keep them free from bugs by putting them in single-serving lidded jars portioned for each guest. Serve up a salad, fresh summer fruits like watermelon and berries, and cut vegetables to serve dip. Don’t forget dessert, perhaps putting a unique spin on s’mores by baking a s’mores cake, pre-scooping ice cream into cupcake liners and freezing until it’s time to serve them, or making an all-berry dessert spread.  

Get Creative with Drinks 

Mint juleps, sparkling rosé mixed with crushed berries, and a tub full of cold beer will kick the party off right. Don’t forget the non-alcoholic beverages, with a pitcher of lemonade, bottled water, and soda, and maybe even a soda float buffet! 

Don’t Shy Away from Expressing Yourself with BBQ Decorating Ideas 

Post your backyard BBQ menu prominently by coating plywood with chalkboard paint to let guests know what you’re serving. Choose melamine plates in beautiful patterns and decorate your table with fresh flowers. Create welcoming place settings with cloth napkins and personalized name cards. Pull out the Christmas lights for a festive atmosphere, and use buckets full of rocks with bamboo poles set in them if you need a great place to hang them. If you’re serving bottled beverages, create unique labels by wrapping them with patterned paper that matches your color scheme, securing the paper with double-sided tape. Set out gift tags and markers, so guests can label their drinks.  

Find Some BBQ Party Games to Entertain Guests of All Ages 

Set out some card games for people to play on the porch and strategically place some lawn games like Frisbees, badminton, and croquet. For the kids, put out balls and bubbles, perhaps using a kiddie pool and a hula hoop to create a giant bubble maker.  

Is your backyard BBQ party ready? When choosing a new home, consider the exterior space as well as the interior. If you’re looking to create your dream home, Landmark Fine Homes has beautiful new and custom-built homes in a variety of sizes and floorplans, many with patios and porches just waiting to become yours. Our homes are energy efficient and built with the most attention to detail. Make your next house the home of your dreams by contacting Landmark Fine Homes today! 

Similar Posts

Custom Building Your Dream Home: Tips & Checklist

Published on October 7, 2025
There’s nothing quite like building a home that’s truly yours—from the layout to the light fixtures, every decision reflects your vision. At Landmark Fine Homes, we believe custom home building should feel exciting, not overwhelming. Whether you’re starting from scratch or personalizing one of our thoughtfully designed floor plans, a little preparation goes a long […]
Read More
New communities Cypress Plains and Monte Vista in Deep Creek and Norman, Oklahoma City

Two New Communities: Cypress Plains & Monte Vista

Published on September 3, 2025
At Landmark Fine Homes, we’re always working to create communities where lifestyle, location, and lasting quality come together seamlessly. That’s why we’re excited to introduce two of our newest upcoming neighborhoods—The Springs at Cypress Plains and Monte Vista. Whether you’re seeking low-maintenance luxury or a spacious retreat for your family, one of these new communities […]
Read More

Understanding HERS Scores: Why Energy Efficiency Matters at Landmark Fine Homes

Published on July 1, 2025
When it comes to building a new home, energy efficiency should never be an afterthought. At Landmark Fine Homes, it’s a top priority. That’s why every home we build comes with a HERS® score—an industry-standard way of measuring a home's energy performance. But what exactly is a HERS score, and why should you care? Let’s […]
Read More

Ready to Take a Tour of One of Our Custom Built Homes?

Contact Form - RED
crossmenu