It’s the first day of summer, and we can’t help but look forward to gathering friends and family for a good old-fashioned barbecue. What’s better than great conversation, good food, and enjoying a few cold ones on a breezy summer day? Barbecues are all about kicking back and enjoying the season, so to make your bbq planning a little easier, we curated a fun collection of summer party decorations. From tropical-inspired to themes that are a little bit country, there’s sure to be a party theme to suit your taste.
Below are six of our favorite summer bbq party themes. Click on each plate to see all of the supplies available!
From the top left, Lazy Days, Happy Dots, Cherry Gingham, Picnic Basket, Juicy Watermelon, Floral Delight
Once you pick your summer bbq party theme, it’s time to iron out the rest of the details. Here are some decor and menu ideas to inspire your barbecue party planning:
Barbecue Decor Ideas
Because barbecues are all about relaxing and having a good time, you don’t need to get too wrapped up in fussy decor. Cover each table with a plastic or vinyl tablecloth. In the center of each table, place a bouquet of in-season flowers in soup can vases. To make a soup can vase, simply clean out an empty soup can, take off the label, and cover the can with a colorful piece of paper, a piece of burlap, or leave it uncovered for a shabby-chic look. Not only do these centerpieces look great, but you’re doing your part to recycle – and you don’t have to worry about glass vases breaking outside!
Barbecue Menu Ideas
You can’t go wrong with a spread of classic bbq foods, such as barbecued chicken, burgers, hot dogs, and brats and metts. However, there are ways to add culinary twists to these basics! Below are our menu ideas to add a little inspiration to your spread:
Appetizers:
- Grill cream cheese-stuffed, bacon-wrapped jalapeno poppers
- Serve a platter of mini lobster rolls — a New England summer favorite
- Ladle out a cold soup, like tomato gazpacho
Main:
- Serve a “signature burger,” like bison burgers topped with bacon, blue cheese, and red onion marmalade
- Instead of regular barbecue chicken, grill up a beer can chicken
- Make grilled pizzas. This is also a great way to appeal to your vegetarian guests
Dessert:
- Make homemade ice cream and serve it with all the fixings. Don’t forget pie or brownies for a la mode treats
- For a lighter and very refreshing option, make homemade lime-basil sorbet
Drinks:
- Serve waters flavored with the season’s fruits, like strawberries and watermelon
- Have a cooler of seasonal summer beers
- Whip up a pitcher of cold, white wine sangria full of in-season fruits
- A fun idea is to serve a signature cocktail. For example, pink grapefruit margaritas
With these ideas, you’re well on your way to hosting a fabulous summertime bbq. Do you love barbecues as much as we do? Share your tips and ideas in the comments below!