Best Barbecue Ideas for Enjoying Your Summer

Summer is the season of barbecue. The familiar smell of the grill, the sunny weather, the time with family and friends... nothing beats a barbecue done right. Are you planning a summer get-together and want to make sure it's a hit? Read on for some pointers and ideas for making the most of the BBQ season.

Party Planning Tips

There's no rule that says you have to have a big budget in order to make a big impression on your guests (and we mean that in a good way). Big parties can be thrown on small budgets, small parties can be thrown on big budges - it all comes down to the specifics of the event. One thing that's for sure is that you don't want to find yourself overspending or else you'll be worrying what to do if you've gone over budget for your BBQ, not a nice feeling. 

For everyday budgeting issues, there are places you can go to solve cash flow problems. Payday loans and other short-term online loans can help fill in the blank between paycheques, but this kind of resource isn't available for something like a fun summer gathering. However, you can check out these DIY backyard cleaning tips to help you get going with your party planning!

Parties are a little bit different, so you need to budget properly on your own. To save costs on your cookout, try out these money-saving hosting tips:

• Use simple invitations, go paperless

• Keep décor simple and use budget items 

• Hold off on the caviar and opt for some low-cost eats

• Pick one or two kinds of drinks to provide (instead of supplying a full bar)

• Skip the DJ and go for a streaming app 

• Got a pal or two with some awesome recipes? Ask them to bring their signature dishes to the party!

• Smoke your own brisket (check out this guide on how to master smoking your own brisket)

Burger Bar

What is a barbeque without some burgers? Hamburgers are a summer BBQ staple that can be done in so many different ways, you can make anyone happy. Whether you are preparing beef, bean burgers, veggie burgers, or anything in-between, you can improve your guests' experience with a burger bar where all of the best toppings and condiments are laid out for the picking. 

Make It a Movie Night

Just because the sun is going down doesn't mean that you have to send your guests on their merry ways. If you're throwing a barbecue where there are going to be kids of different ages and adults, too, setting up an outdoor movie night is a great way to keep your company happy into the evening. 

With a projector and a screen, you can set up whatever kind of viewing arrangement you like, but for the best summer barbeque vibes, we suggest some blankets and pillows on the grass where folks can lounge. If you're looking to keep young ones entertained, this is one good way to do it. It also gives the adults a nice little break to chat and help themselves to a second burger or two. 

Find Multi-Purpose Items

Party décor that also works as pool floaties? Fairy lights that you can hold onto until the holidays? Make sure the items that you purchase for your party will have some use to you in the future. Also, try to DIY wherever you can. If you're looking for a way to keep mosquitoes at bay, incorporate citronella candles into your table centerpieces. Get creative! There's a great barbecue for every budget, so have fun with you.