When planning a BBQ Event- whether that entails a formal celebratory occasion such as a Graduation, Engagement or Anniversary Party, A Family Reunion or just a run-of-the-mill casual gathering, each and every small detail matters. For BBQ Events, choosing “A THEME” enables you as the Host, the capability to create a memorable experience for your guests. Having a specific theme also allows you, as The Host, to reduce your own level of stress in regard to the multitude of factors required to fulfill and complete your “TO DO LIST” because each theme provides an outline for you.
For example, if you are planning a Graduation Celebration BBQ you can utilize mortar boards and tassels, school mascots and specific school colors as décor. Framed baby pictures of your graduate are a nostalgic and delightful touch of ornamentation as well as hanging especially favorite photos from a rope, string, fishing wire or twine and clipping up the photos with colorful and decorative clothespins, around your venue= be it a tent, backyard fence, garage, or front porch. Selecting the perfect hanging décor, props, tablescaping paraphernalia, table settings, chargers, glassware, napkins and tablecloths as well as china, dishes and cutlery is made much more feasible by following a theme. Anniversary and Engagement BBQ Events can be enhanced using heart shaped ice sculptures at your bar area, photos of the Bride and Groom may be featured in your tablescaping, toothpicks, hand towels and napkins with “Mr. & Mrs.” Emblazoned upon them add a personalized touch to your BBQ Party. Additionally, using the Bride and Groom’s favorite flowers and color schemes in your centerpieces is an excellent way to accentuate your theme. Flameless LED candles are exceptionally versatile to employ as outdoor BBQ accents to craft an unforgettable tablescape. These types of candles are inherently safer than an open flame on your tablecloths or picnic tables and can be “Dressed Up” by putting them atop fanciful glass or ceramic candle holders or “Dressed Down” by placing them in mason jars. Glass beads, papier-mâché and colored tulle combine with LED candles for a stunning table setting presentation.
Consider Seasonal Themes for Your Parties
Lemons and Lemonade- have an old fashioned lemonade stand at your bar area, including Limoncello and Tito’s Vodka as additions for adult beverages; lemon decorations are in abundance and easy to find at party stores or online, including lemon paper goods, decorated straws, cocktail napkins, oven mitts for the Master of the Grill, kitchen towels, and mini lemon trees, just to name a few options. Large glass jars filled with fresh lemons add pops of sunshiny yellow and most assuredly brighten your festive décor. “Lemon and Lemonade” as your theme can apply to an elegant lemon dessert table. Lemon patterned linens, table runners, place mats, drink stirrers, mini drink umbrellas and ceramic serving bowls and platters add panache to your BBQ. The goal, as a host, is to have all of your Thematic elements cohesively collaborated; ie, Lemon Zest Foaming Hand Soaps in each bathroom along with Lemon patterned Guest Towels, Lemon scented Wallflower Plug-Ins throughout your venue, Sparkling Lemon Water served at your Bar Area, etc. The “Lemon” theme is a perfect accent to your BBQ Events since its versatility pairs well with a multitude of side dishes for ALL of your BBQ Meats menu; lemon pasta, lemon risotto, lemon enhanced grilled vegetables, lemon and caper sauces, lemon and white wine chicken dishes, lemon and olive oil grilled fish dishes, etc.—evoking sensations of mouth-watering tastings of the Amalfi Coast of Italy or of the idyllic Greek Islands combined with Good Old Fashioned Red, White and Blue AMERICANA—That makes for ONE SPLENDID BBQ!
Similarly, Watermelon as theme for props and color scheme are readily available and a huge fresh watermelon cut in half and used as a serving bowl for fresh fruit salad is always a crowd pleaser. Other Summer Seasonal Themes easy to apply and locate goods for are: Beach, Palm Trees, Coconuts, Beach Chairs, Sea and Ocean and Waves Décor, Starfish, Seashells, Lobsters, Pineapples, Flamingos, Tropical Drinks Décor ….
The possibilities are innumerable. Whatever THEME you chose, 2 Basic yet important elements to include are:
- A Standing Chalkboard and Colored Chalkboard Markers to write down your MENU and place it at the ENTRY POINT prior to your Guests Arrival and Mini Chalkboards to place next to each dish identifying what you have prepared for your Guests.
- In my humble opinion- JUST AS IMPORTANT AS THE BBQ FOOD ITSELF, IS TO CURATE A KILLER PLAYLIST. MUSIC ABSOLUTELY SETS THE TONE, PREPARES THE WAY, AND ESTABLISHES THE MOOD OF YOUR BBQ EVENT. A Killer Playlist ENHANCES all of Life’s Joyful, Pinnacle, Capstone Glory Days.
Whether acknowledging a major life milestone, celebrating an extraordinary occasion, gathering together for an exceptional holiday, or hosting friends for either an elaborate BBQ or a quaint and notable evening of fellowship, FOOD AND MUSIC are paramount roles in how we commemorate and observe these moments. The creation of a delicious BBQ meal will bring family and friends together around any table EVERY. SINGLE. TIME.
Author’s Note
I shall address the VITAL IMPORTANCE OF Cocktails and Mixology AT BBQ EVENTS in future articles. THEY RESOUNDINGLY AND ENTIRELY DESERVE THEIR OWN ACCREDITATION.
Additionally— “If Music Be The Food Of Love, Play On.” Music fuels my SOUL, (Dare I say, even more than BBQ?) so further elaborations *may also* (meaning, DEFINITELY WILL) be included in upcoming Articles.
