As the temperature rises, it’s only natural to want to be out in the sun. And there’s no better way to be out in the sun than with friends and family, enjoying a BBQ cookout. Especially in these COVID times, small gatherings in the backyard are a great, safe way to enjoy the best summer has to offer.
To plan the best backyard BBQ, you need fresh, fun food and beverages for all ages, along with some fun games for the kiddos, too. The more you can plan in advance, the better.
So get out your string lights, make sure you’re stocked up on propane or charcoal, and let’s jump into some tips for a safe and fun BBQ season.
BBQ Planning
BBQs are best when they’re relaxed affairs, and it’s much easier to relax when you’ve done all the important prep work early.
Namely, that means planning out your menu beforehand, and having all the ingredients prepared and ready to go before your guests arrive. Make sure you have a clean cooler on hand, and enough seating for everyone. And set up a trash and recycling station somewhere accessible.
The more you can get this BBQ planning and prep done before the party, the more you and your guests will be able to enjoy yourselves.
It’s also good to have some safety equipment on hand (think a fire extinguisher and first aid kit), along with some extra sunscreen for anyone who forgot theirs. Some citronella candles or bug spray can also be nice if you expect your gathering to extend well into the evening.
And don’t forget that you’ll want to keep the children entertained while the adults chat. Outdoor games like horseshoes and Twister are fun for all ages - set up a fun enough game station and maybe some adults will want to join in.
Single-Serve Snacks
While BBQs are a great option to meet and mingle in the safety of the outdoors, there are still important considerations due to the pandemic. Communal chips and dips and shared sides may be the staples of BBQs gone by. For now, it’s best to stick to single-serve options.
So when you’re thinking about sides, think baked potatoes instead of potato salad. Or, if you still want salads and sides, try pre-portioning them, so that your guests aren’t required to use the same serving spoons.
And when you’re thinking about snacks, you can’t go wrong with FruitPops and Freezies! Even the oldest among us enjoy a cool, fruity treat on a hot day.
Our FruitPops are organic, non-GMO, gluten-free, dairy-free, vegan and kosher parve, making them a delicious, guilt-free treat for everyone at your BBQ.
Or pick up some SuperFruit Feezies (now available at Walmart and Walmart Canada!), which have no added sugars, artificial flavours, colours or preservatives. Keep them in your cooler and, bonus: as they start to melt, you can turn them into fun slushies!
Fun Drinks For Everyone
Of course, it’s important to stay hydrated in the heat, so be sure to have lots of cool water and kid-friendly drinks on hand.
And don’t forget about those slushies! Blend a melting Freezie with some water and ice, and you’ve got a delicious drink for everyone. And add in something a little stronger, and you’ve got a delicious treat for the grownups.
Remember that our SuperFruit Freezies come in three flavours, all made with real fruit ingredients and no added sugar. In Canada, enjoy a Tropical, Strawberry or Grape margarita. Or in the US, mix it up with Blueberry Pomegranate, Strawberry or Mango Orange. The Mango Orange makes an especially delicious frozen cocktail!
If you’d like to keep your drinks looking pretty, you might want to stick to one flavour to keep the nice bright colours. Or get a little daring and mix and match. They’re all fruity and free of the top 8 allergens (peanuts, tree nuts, milk, eggs, fish, shellfish, soy, sesame and wheat), so you really can’t go wrong.
And when you raise your slushie up for a toast, be sure to raise it to summer gatherings and reconnecting with loved ones.
