Moving, new schools, friends and a new street address can sometimes feel overwhelming. After moving this past year we knew we needed to branch out and meet a few of our new neighbors. Here in the south we are known for our southern hospitality and awesome BBQ, it only seemed natural to combine the two and host a neighborhood backyard BBQ. With just a few simple party tips you will be hosting your own Backyard BBQ in no time at all. Open the doors, fire up the grill and have the neighborhood over for an evening of fun.
Photo Credit: Simply Sprout
To get the party started, hand deliver invites to our neighbors. You can grab the FREE printables here, as you hand out the invites introduce yourselves to your neighbors. This personal touch goes a long way when you are asking complete strangers to your home. For the backyard decorations keep it simple. A few simple touches can go a long way. We strung a few outdoor lights and white balloons. The macrame backdrop curtain provided a focal point behind the table.
To decorate the table start with some kraft butcher paper ,roll it down the center of your table. This dresses up the table while keeping a casual feel. You can use bamboo garland to run down the center of the table. Layering 2 or 3 of these helps to add some color. Once that is laid add in a few black lanterns. These are great for when the party turns into evening, you can light a few candles and have your table all set. I also added some lemon mason jar flower arrangements and DIY Mosquito Repellent Mason Jars. These are great for keeping the bugs away.
As your neighbors start to join you it's best to keep things sweet and simple. Add a few appetizers and finger foods to an area where it is easy to socialize. Chances are this is the first time all of your neighbors have been together. Light easy to grab finger foods are a safe bet. Spread these out down the center of the table so your guest can easily grab them while they talk and mingle. I used large burlap chargers to dress up the white paper plates for our blackberry caprese appetizers. Custom personalized wood cutting boards are perfect for a charcuterie board, spread out a sampling of your favorite cheese and salami. Add in some square appetizer cups to hold crackers or nuts in.
Be sure to set up a beverage station where guests can drop off drinks into a cooler or ice bucket. I love creating a sweet lemonade to have on hand. Use glass mason jars and add a wedge of fresh lemon. Sprinkle in a few basil leaves and add a bamboo straw, you can have these all set and ready on a galvanized tray. Your party guests can add in their own liquor if desired.
Don't forget to leave a little reminder on your front door to come on in! Just take some white chalk and a cute distressed chalkboard and hang it on your front door.
Give your party guest a little gift with some custom made coozies that they can take back to their backyards and enjoy. Keep the personalization generic enough that everyone will love using them. Your neighbors will think of the fun they had each time they use their coozie.
While everyone loves BBQ they hate the mess it's so hard to eat! When you are at a party you want that great southern taste but without the mess, my favorite way to enjoy this southern treat is a cowboy cocktail. Just take square appetizer cups and fill them up with your favorite baked beans, add in some pulled pork and top with a creamy southern coleslaw. Add in a fork and you are all set to enjoy. These little treats satisfy that BBQ craving while keeping you walking around and socializing.
Just serve the cowboy cocktails up and set them out on display. I used the rustic wood risers to add some interest to our serving table. They allow you to have several levels of serving area to place your food items on. Your neighbors will love the laid back atmosphere of a backyard BBQ, it's a great way to get connected with those around you.
To keep the fun going all night long be sure to have some fun and games planned. Simple yard games like corn hole, Tic-Tac-Toe Bean bag toss, and dominoes are crowd favorites that everyone can play and enjoy. Scatter a few of these around your yard and let the good time roll! Before your guests head out for the evening be sure to end them off with a treat. Homemade chocolate cookies are always a crowd favorite! Cute personalized treat bags can be set out for guests to add their cookies as well. We have the Easy Homemade Chocolate Chip Cookies recipe for this idea. This makes for a nice treat on the walk home.
