Maggie Gessner How to Host a Memorable BBQ This Summer
Get ready to host the most epic and legendary backyard barbecue that will leave your friends and family in awe! We’ve got all the tips you need to plan a shindig that will go down in history. And guess what? We’re adding a fun twist inspired by the popular TV series “Yellowstone.”

So, let’s kick it up a notch and create an unforgettable BBQ bash together!

First things first, let’s get the pre-party pump-up going. Don’t just send regular invitations, let’s make them fun and exciting! Get creative with cute graphics and catchy phrases like “Grill and chill,” “We’re fired up,” or “Pig out at our cookout.” You know the drill – let those invitations set the tone and ask your guests to dress up in denim and cowboy hats for the full effect!

Now let’s set the stage for this incredible event. When it comes to decorations, think cowboys, ranches, farms, and all things rustic. Grab some gingham tablecloths, bandana napkins, and faux cowhides. Mix in denim, rustic wood, and wildflowers like buckets of daisies and Queen Ann’s Lace. Don’t forget the mason jars, lanterns, and even hay bales if you’re feeling adventurous. And let’s throw in some galvanized metal for that extra touch. Yeehaw!

Music is the heart and soul of any party, so let’s set the perfect tone. If you want that “Yellowstone” vibe, search for a “Yellowstone playlist” online and get inspired by the series’ awesome soundtrack. Add in some country and western favorites that will keep everyone’s boots tapping and hats swaying. From Casey Donahew to Dolly Parton, make sure the playlist is as lively as the party itself!

Now, let’s talk fun and games. You can’t have a backyard BBQ without some exciting activities! Horseshoes and cornhole are must-haves, so make sure to set up a customized cornhole board and beanbags. And why not let the kids pan for “gold” in a kiddie pool filled with sand? It’s a guaranteed hit! Create a checkerboard station using painted stones or a flat stump, or go big with an oversized checkerboard table using painted mason jar lids as checkers. Oh, and don’t forget the Instagram-worthy photo “booth” behind a giant “WANTED” poster frame. Say cheese!

Here are some extra ideas to keep everyone entertained: Wild West themed Trivial Pursuit, croquet, lawn bowling, giant Jenga, water balloon bin, s’mores by the fire pit, and a ring toss using vintage glass bottles on old soda crates. And let’s not forget the 9-hole mini golf course using the natural challenges of your yard. It’s time to get creative and have a blast!

Now, onto the most important part – the food! Be a pitmaster and prepare as much as you can in advance. Marinate those meats and veggies, cut and refrigerate everything, and chill those beverages. Remember to offer vegan options too, like grilled or Buffalo cauliflower wings, vegetable skewers, mushroom BBQ ribs, Portobello mushroom fajitas, and mushroom burgers.

To add some fun to the menu, create signs with playful names that match the BBQ theme. How about a “Grazing Board” for charcuterie or some “Cowboy Caviar”? And don’t forget the “Cheesy Ranch Potatoes” that will have everyone’s taste buds dancing.

Quench everyone’s thirst with a “Watering Hole” beverage station and a “Soda Float Bar” for some refreshing fun. And for an extra cool touch, freeze red and black water-filled balloons and use them as a unique beverage cooler in galvanized metal tubs. Cheers to a good time!

As the party winds down, don’t forget about the party favors. Send your guests off with inexpensive but useful items packed in bandanas, cowboy hats, or other cute containers. Think cheap sunglasses, bug spray, sunscreen, hand wipes, bubbles, hand fans, and sidewalk chalk. They’ll remember your BBQ every time they use these goodies!

Once the festivities are over, store all your reusable decor for the next BBQ bash. And here’s a bonus idea – share the BBQ buzz even after the party! Post flattering pictures of your guests having a blast on social media. Let the good times keep rolling!

So there you have it, your guide to hosting the most unforgettable and fun-filled backyard barbecue. Get ready for a legendary time that will have your friends and family talking about it for years to come. Happy grilling!

Cheers!

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