Here we are; Hosting The Ultimate Post-Pandemic BBQ is an article I have been waiting to write. Just in time for the joys of summer, vaccinations are finally rolling out and immunization is growing every day. What else to do but grab your (vaccinated!) friends and call them for a summer barbeque?
As we know, begin by updating yourself on the guidelines the county is enforcing. These days a “good host” must be adaptable. A safe summer barbeque requires consideration of the layout of your space, collecting contact information, backup plans, and lots of visualization… physically walking through the layout of your space is entirely reasonable when planning for a group. Then, since this is a BBQ, direct your attention to the star of the show. Traditionally, barbeques are made up of communal dishes with serving spoons, large side bowls and shared drinks. For now, family style dining could hold off. Instead I suggest preparing plates and distributing them to your guests to minimize condensed groups. Serving dishes can be even more fun than offering an open table. With plating, the food will be received just as you intended it to be. If you’re guarding the grill, have someone take orders around the group and ask them to serve the barbeque for you.
A few main courses that work exceptionally well for barbeque plating include sandwiches, tacos, burritos, fillets and pizzas topped with your barbequed items. The idea is to choose something that can excite friends as a stand alone dish….maybe without the need for utensils. This saves time, limits contact-items and allows you to focus your awareness onto the gathering itself. Prepare extra servings so the gang is well fed.
On the side, baked veggies like garnished sweet potatoes and grilled zucchini make for simple and colorful additions. Roasted peaches are mind-blowing when charred off the grill and topped with mint, honey, ricotta – whatever you got. Of course watermelon is a timeless BBQ addition and is easily sliced and plated alongside everything else. Have friends bring drinks. Single serving beverages are easy enough to pack along and this will save you time and money.
The location of your barbeque can really influence how you want to go about the gathering. For the BBQ, keep everything outside. If you opt for a park location, more people can safely join the party and find space when needed. In a back or front yard you’ll need to be sure to have a flow of traffic deliberately planned. Tape, frisbees, chairs, ties –– all of those work to guide separated spaces. You have a lot of control over how people congregate based on how you place the seating, how you present the food, even through the music and activities you choose. Remember the vibe you’re looking to create. Loud music, too much drinking and poor planning will quickly lead to a more at-risk environment. This should be fun, not stressful.
Pull together string lights for sundown, have blankets on the ground and around seating areas. Because this is a true celebration, run to the farmer’s market and get your meats, vegetables, fruits and desserts there. Local produce will elevate the quality of everything. Go to a local florist or farm and collect some bouquets and other items like garland to decorate any tables you have. Efforts like this go a long way and make the evening feel even more special.
Take photos, play some games and step back to appreciate the milestone that a gathering like this is. You deserve it!
