As we bask in anticipation of the summer, there’s one thing running at the back of everyone’s mind -- barbecue. For America’s self-proclaimed grill masters, the summer is the most exciting time of the year. This is the chance you get to roll out your pellet grill, grill up some juicy rib eyes and entertain your neighbors.

However, if you’ve never thrown a BBQ party, you may find the thought quite intimidating. Don’t worry- we’re here to help. Make sure you have the right BBQ supplies at least a week before the party. You don’t want to start running around at the last minute.

Here are five tips to help you throw a successful barbecue party.

1. Prep the Food Before the First Guest Arrives

When throwing a BBQ party, it’s important to prepare as much beforehand. This way, most of the work is done by the time your guests arrive, making the cookout experience more fun and less stressful.

Make sure all the BBQ supplies are ready to go onto your grill when the guests arrive. All the side dishes should also already be assembled and cooked, and if possible, out on display. It would be chaotic if the doorbell starts ringing before you’ve chopped tomatoes or formed burger patties.

2. Make Sure You Have Enough Propane or Charcoal

Triple check your propane tank or charcoal shed to make sure you have enough! No-one wants to run for BBQ supplies or a propane refill in the middle of their backyard party. If you’re unlucky enough for propane to run out before your food is ready, it may not taste as good as it should when you eventually take it off the BBQ grill.

3. You Can Ask Your Guests to Bring Side Dishes

If you’re throwing a large barbecue, it may be a good idea to ask the guests to bring desserts, BBQ hot sauces and side dishes. Many people love it, as it gets them more involved and invested in the party. Besides, it takes a lot of pressure off of you, giving you the time and peace of mind to shop for BBQ supplies and get your home and backyard ready for this party.

4. Put Up Decorative String Lights

If you’re going for a cozy, intimate setting, putting up a string of decorative night lights is the way to go. As the party wears on, it is bound to get dark outside, and it would be a good idea to buy a set of solar-powered string lights from a BBQ store. Most models have an automatic timer and switch on when the sun starts to drop. There’s no doubt about it, these lights will impress your guests.

5. Mix Up Your Game

Everyone can cook hamburgers and hotdogs. Well, not everyone, but you get the point. Don’t bore your guests with a generic and traditional meal. Chances are they ate the same thing at the barbecue party they went to last weekend.

It may be worthwhile to experiment with adventurous and playful burger toppings or to smoke some brisket and pork.

6. Set Up Some Games for the Kids

The only thing adults want to do at a BBQ party is sit around and drink a cold beer. For you, sitting and chatting with your friends is fun in itself, but that might not be the case for the kids. It may be a good idea to put up some outdoor games to keep them occupied. This way, everybody gets to have a good time.

7. Play Some Music

It’s not a party without music. Choosing the right music for a party may be challenging. You want people to have a good time, so try and come up with a playlist that all your friends will enjoy. Music sets the tone for every party, and cool summer songs softly wafting over you and your guests’ heads while you indulge in idle conversation will most definitely create an incredible ambiance. Where else would any of your guests rather be? For the best barbeque equipment, visit Brooksies Patio Propane.