Outdoor Entertaining at Your First Summer BBQ: 10 Easy Tips

First time hosting a bbq party guide

Hosting your first ever summer party? We highly recommend that you make it an outdoor bash and make it a backyard BBQ! Why? Outdoor entertaining is less stressful for first-time hosts, as the surroundings need minimal decorating. So you can focus on the food and drinks—mostly make-ahead or store-bought, and in handy single servings with minimal clean-up. And if it’s a BBQ, you can have everyone get in on the grilling fun!

Besides, what a great excuse to shop for the coolest grill tools and supplies (see our product picks below and our related post here). You’ll look and feel like a legit BBQ host—plus these items will be among your entertaining essentials for years to come!

10 Tips for Hosting a Summer BBQ Bash

Backyard summer bbq for first time hosts

Feel free to use our tips below as a “checklist” for planning your outdoor summer BBQ:

Tip #1. Prep your patio by clearing space for the grilling area and the guest seating.

Tip #2. Find the right patio furniture set or set up a picnic table and add an umbrella, if needed.

Tip #3. Position your BBQ grill with a cart or table for the grilling tools.

Tip #4. Prepare lightweight, unbreakable plates and glasses in summery colors.

Tip #5. Assemble the food buffet station with BBQ accompaniments: sauces, salad, corn on the cob, breads and rolls.

Tip #6. Have an appetizer table with finger foods, cold cuts and cheese on toothpicks, and fruit cups.

Tip #7. Offer bowls of assorted snacks such as nuts, chips and dried fruits.

Tip #8. Set up a beverage bar with juices, sodas, fruit-infused water and lots of ice.

Tip #9. Think easy cleanup with disposable partyware, utensils and paper napkins.

Tip #10. Prepare backyard games and family-friendly activities for all to enjoy.

Outdoor Entertaining Essentials for a Summer BBQ

Buying the basics for hosting outdoor events is a decision you won’t regret. They will make home entertaining such a breeze, you’re sure to get good use—and great fun—out of them!

Here are our picks to help you get started as a summer outdoor party host:

BBQ Summer Essentials for first time hosts

from Amazon (*affiliate links)

1 – Weber Original Kettle Charcoal Grill with Thermometer

2 – Grillaholics Grill Set Stainless Steel with Grilling Accessories

3 – Kingsford Charcoal Briquettes, 7.7 pound bag (pack of 2)

6 – Outdoor Solid Teak Tray Table

10 – Oklahoma Joe’s Kansas City BBQ Sauce Deluxe Set

from World Market (*affiliate links)

5 – Denim Chef Style Apron

9 – Lodge Hot Handle Holders (set of 2)

from Pier 1(*affiliate links)

4 – 7’ Marine Blue Aluminum Tilting Umbrella

7 – Carmelo Ocean Melamine Dinnerware

8 – Rhone Blue Acrylic Tumbler

11 – Red Beverage Tub

12 – Outdoor Pillows

This post contains affiliate links. You can find our disclosure statement here.

Doesn’t all this get you excited to try summer outdoor entertaining? If you have any questions or perhaps BBQ party suggestions of your own, let us know in the comments below.

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