With the unofficial end of summer just around the corner, it’s hard to believe it’s almost time to hang up the BBQ tools. Before you do, though, here are some sizzlin’ ideas to help make your last BBQ of the season an epic blowout this Labor Day.
1. Go whole hog.
On almost every Grill Master’s bucket list is the dream of roasting a whole hog. And what would be more epic than greeting guests with a full-size pig on the picnic table? Or in a pit, on a spit, on the grill or even in a Cajun Microwave. Never roasted a whole pig before? Check out YouTube or your favorite search engine for ways to make guests swoon over a swine with all the fixins’ that fits your budget and space.
2. Make it a competitive grill-off.
Invite friends to bring their own grill and favorite food to cook on it. Have guests vote on best chicken, ribs, kabobs, steak, fish, or burger. Add some awesome sauce with a homemade BBQ sauce contest. Keep your food costs down by inviting everyone to get involved with the menu. Vote on best beans or other side dishes, too. (Don’t forget dessert!) Award prizes for each category you come up with.
3. Let the games begin!
You don’t need an epic budget to have an epic time with summertime standards like slip and slide, beer pong (use soda for the kids), horseshoes, cornhole, badminton, or volleyball to keep everyone well entertained. If there’s enough room in your budget and backyard, consider renting an inflatable bounce house or water slide. Working with a western theme? You could even rent a mechanical bull. Yeehaw!
4. Get the kids involved.
Give kids their own junior chef hat and apron along with some kid-size grilling utensils. For those too small to cook their own hot dogs on the grill, let them help make pigs-in-a-blanket. (Great idea, BTW, for the little piggies who may not be able to down a full-size dog.) S’mores are another fun BBQ food your littles can put together themselves.
5. Pick a poppin’ playlist.
Nothing gets people in the mood to party like music. Check out your favorite music app for “Best BBQ Songs” to get ideas or select a preset list and just hit play. When you’re done flippin’ burgers, pick up a mic and make your own music with a home karaoke set.
6. Chill and chat.
Expecting a large crowd on a hot day? Don’t sweat it. Consider renting a portable mister to keep guests cool or have some simple hand fans on hand. Set up conversation areas so guests can easily mix and mingle. Break out beach and camp chairs here and there. Throw up a portable shade tent and fill a kiddie pool to cool the tootsies while you chat. (You can also fill one with ice for an easy-access cooler.) Spread blankets, beach towels and floor pillows on the grass when it’s time to siesta after you’re stuffed.
An end-of-summer BBQ is a great idea, too, for an open house if you’re selling your home. (Why not head out to a friend’s barbeque and just relax while your agent hosts it? ) It’s a great way to help potential buyers imagine what living and entertaining in their next home would feel like. Your agent could even have it catered by a favorite local BBQ place to give home seekers a real taste of the neighborhood.
Whether it’s buying or selling a home, or tips on throwing an epic end-of-summer BBQ, Offerpad can help you do literally (almost) everything. We make it easy, so you can do less ‘real estat-ing’ and more living. Find out more at www.offerpad.com.
