I wanna share with you 7 fantastic backyard bbq buffet tips you never thought about.
Tips that’ll take your event from basic to fabulous.
Summertime and barbequing go hand-in-hand. Ya know ~ having friends and family over for a casual grilling feast. While I’m sure you have the basics down pat, such as the food spread and seating, there are a few often overlooked details that can make a big difference in enhancing your gathering.
When it comes to hosting a casual and enjoyable outdoor gathering, setting up a backyard buffet is ideal.
I’ve got a few tricks up my sleeve that you probably haven’t considered.
So, let’s dive into these backyard BBQ buffet tips that you may have never thought about.
7 Backyard BBQ Buffet Tips You Never Thought About
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1. Create a Separate Table for Condiments
If you’re serving hamburgers, hotdogs, or building your own sandwiches or tacos, You’re gonna want a separate table exclusively for the condiments and toppings.
A condiment table.
Placing condiments like mayo, ketchup, mustard, sauces, and toppings like cheese, lettuce, tomatoes, and onions on a designated table prevents congestion around the main buffet area. It allows guests to customize their food without having to halt the progress of the other guests.
That way the guest that wants only a piece of lettuce won’t need to wait for the guest in front to load up their burger with everything available.
2. Identify Trash and Recycling Bins
Now, I’m sure you know to provide a place for guests to toss their trash. And hopefully, you’re also recycling. But how often do you find food plates tossed in the recycling bin? Or aluminum cans in the trash?
I bet ~ ALL THE FREAK’N TIME!
So, make it easy for your guests to dispose of their waste properly. Clearly mark or make simple signs that say “trash” and “recycling” and adhere them to your bins. Then place separate trash and recycling containers in convenient locations.
Unless your guests are super lazy, this simple step encourages everyone to be mindful of recycling and keeps your backyard tidy throughout the event.
3. Use Food Covers to Deter Pesky Insects
Don’t let pesky insects ruin your backyard barbeque buffet!
Keep those unwelcome guests at bay by using food covers. These handy covers come in various sizes and shapes and effectively protect your dishes from flies, bees, and other unwanted critters.
Plus, they allow your guests to serve themselves without constantly swatting away insects, ensuring a more pleasant dining experience.
4. Plastic Cups with Pens for Drink Identification
Avoid the all-too-common mix-up of drinks by providing plastic cups along with pens or markers for your guests to label their cups. Be sure and put the pens next to the cups.
Encourage your guests to personalize their cups with silly names or fun doodles for an extra touch of creativity.
This simple yet practical idea helps everyone keep track of their beverages. It also prevents any confusion as to whose cup is whose, along with misplacing or losing their drink.
5. Utilize a Napkin Holder
Napkins are a must-have at any buffet, but they tend to scatter and create a mess when left unattended.
Place a napkin holder on your buffet table. One that keeps the napkins secure. Not just in a loose pile. That way it’ll keep your napkins neatly organized and easily accessible.
You can choose a stylish holder that matches your outdoor decor or even get creative and use a repurposed container like a wooden crate or mason jar.
6. Windy Weather ~ Use Tablecloth Weights
On breezy days, tablecloths can quickly become unruly, blowing around and causing frustration.
Prevent this issue by using tablecloth weights. These weights can be as simple as colorful clips or even decorative stones or seashells. By securing the tablecloth, you ensure that it stays in place, maintaining a neat and visually appealing buffet setup.
7. Hot Days ~ Keep Your Food Cool
If you’re serving perishable items, like egg and pasta salads or cold cuts, keep them chilled by using ice-filled trays or larger containers hidden beneath the serving dishes.
Don’t forget to replace the ice occasionally to keep your food fresh and cool.
These 7 buffet entertaining tips will make a big difference in creating a smooth, enjoyable, and stress-free outdoor gathering.
So, remember to implement them at your next gathering and take your backyard bbq buffet to the next level.
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