Nothing says summer like a long day at the beach, but next time you gather the crew, up the ante by throwing an epic beach barbecue.
It doesn’t get much better than a beach day. Sun, sand, surf, bikinis – plus a side of good food and drinks? We’ll take it. And now that we’re coming to the last few (official) weeks of summer, there’s no better time to throw a beach party. It doesn’t have to be complicated, but it will need a little forethought.
The key to throwing a good beach barbecue is to plan ahead and cover all eventualities. Anyone can put together a little picnic, but to put together a next-level beach barbecue requires the kind of forethought that goes into a military campaign. Do your research – you don’t want to get to the beach and find out you’re not allowed to barbecue; create the right setting with appropriate “furnishings” and music; then go gourmet with your food and drink.
Pick the Right Location
First things first: you’ll need the right beach for your barbecue – this is not just about finding a decent strip of sand. Check out a few possibilities to see if they have barbecue and bonfire pits (and if you need reservations or permits); figure out if you’re allowed alcohol and glass containers; and if you’re going to swim, see if it’s actually safe. You might want to start researching a few
Consider the Practicalities
Put a little thought into what kind of setup your party needs – and what you might need if things go wrong. Think about providing blankets or beach chairs so your guests can chill in comfort; decide if you might need some folding tables for the food and drinks; have some beach umbrellas (and sunscreen) on hand in case the sun gets too hot. And if your chosen beach doesn’t have barbecue pits, make sure to bring your own portable version.
Figure out a Menu
This is a barbecue, so food should be at the top of your list of concerns. People are going to arrive
Unfortunately, there are a few “plant-based” eaters out there, so you may need to cater for that with veggie burgers and the like. Or, you could make it easy on yourself (always a good choice) and just ask people to bring whatever they want to throw on the barbie. Don’t forget some sides – potato salad is always a winner – and if you get a bonfire going, s
Prepare the Drinks
You’ll want to have a good selection of drinks on hand to keep the party going. You could go simple with beers, wines and those canned mixed drinks you see everywhere, or you could go all out by setting up a do-it-yourself wet bar with all the above plus a few spirits, mixers and ice. Another option: whip up some signature drinks for the event – think sangria or gimlets – and have them ready to be poured out as needed. Of course, you’re a responsible host, so you’ll have a few “soft” choices, too – think water, sodas and juices. Don’t forget to fill a few eskies with ice so your drinks stay cool.
Get the Right Tableware
Part of the fun of a barbecue is eating with your hands, but there are certain cases where a little more might be required. Make sure to have cups, cutlery, plates and napkins on standby for anyone that needs them. And since you’ve got an environmental conscience, try and get sustainable/recyclable types (bamboo is a good choice) – plus if they’re disposable, the after-party clean-up will be a lot easier.
Make the Right Playlist
The right music can make or break an event, so choose wisely. The key is to pick easy-listening, feel-good tunes: this is definitely the wrong moment to unleash your penchant for heavy metal or gangsta rap. If you’re stumped for ideas, just pick a good Spotify playlist. A good portable (and waterproof) speaker will be useful, too.
Gather Decorations
We’re not saying you have to go fancy, but sprucing up your beach area just a little will go a long way with impressing your guests. Throw a few coverings and shells on the tables; or put some lights out if the party’s going to run late.
Arrange Activities
Just because you’re done with the main event (the barbecue) doesn’t mean the fun has to end. Keep the party going by providing the right equipment for some fun activities. It could be a football or frisbee, or you might even start a beachy game of beer pong.
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