Memorial Day represents those who sacrificed their lives for freedom, home, and country. May we honor our husbands, wives, sons, and daughters who have fallen during the performance of their military service to provide us the luxuries of which we have the privilege of experiencing today.
One of the biggest American traditions to celebrate Memorial Day is to be together with friends and family for an outdoor Memorial Day Barbeque. Along with the amazing food, games, companionship and fun, this Memorial Day cookout also symbolizes the beginning of summer.
From a quality grill to menu ideas to décor, you will want to have the best time and be the best host no matter the size of your party. So put on your shorts, sunglasses, and apron. Let’s dive in and get ready to have a barbeque and party!
First thing to decide is the type of outdoor grill or portable grill that will fit your needs. I always find creating a checklist will help your decisions every step of the way.
Some of the things to consider when purchasing a barbeque grill are.
-Quality. It is worth it to spend a little extra for a quality grill with durable stainless steel (which will not rust) or porcelain (which is proven to retain heat well) and thick sturdy grates with reliable components. Choosing a proper grill will cook better tasting food and bring value to your summers for many years.
-Size. Knowing how many people you would be cooking for on average along with the size of your backyard will help determine the size you need. Looking at the grills BTU details in correlation with the surface measurements will provide you some insight on the size of the grill and its food capacity. The BTU measures the energy produced which usually translates to the size of the grill. Some brands market higher BTU to compensate for quality therefore It’s important to correlate the surface sizes during your shopping research to ensure the grill fits your size requirements. I recommend a gas grill for cooking in high volume as they are available with multiple burners, wider surface areas, shelfing, and makes cooking more time efficient.
-Type of grill. Gas, electric, and charcoal grills have their differences. The biggest difference everyone talks about is taste. Although electric grills come with the greatest convenience, you will not get the delicious authentic smoky flavor that you only can get with charcoal grills. I have met people that prefer not to have that smoky flavor and if that’s your choice, you cannot beat the ease of using an electric grill. Its literally flipping on a switch, and you’re about ready to begin your cooking. If you’re looking to be able to throw something on the grill to eat for faster cooking with little effort, a gas or electric grill is for you. If you’re the kind of person who tends to add a bit more passion and love into your food and grilling, a charcoal grill is the way to go. A charcoal grill also takes a bit longer to prepare it for cooking. Either choice is great for spending your summer weekends outdoor grilling with a beverage and socializing with your friends and family. Space is also a safety factor as a charcoal grill requires more open space due to flare ups and heavier smoke when preparing the grill or during cooking.
One item I highly recommend and will provide much needed convenience during your Memorial Day barbeque, or if you host BBQ’s or parties often, is an ice maker. Nothing is worse than warm drinks on a summer day at an outdoor BBQ or party. Make the days of running out of ice a thing of the past. The last thing you want to do during a party is having to leave or send someone to go buy a bag of ice. This is one convenience that is well worth it and has value beyond parties (storing/transporting foods, injury that needs ice, etc. and can be used indoors as well).
You will need to lock down your menu. Food is a major talking point at any party. Be prepared and write down your food ideas for your Memorial Day BBQ in advance. Try out your recipes beforehand if you have the time. Your food will be better, you will gain experience with your grill, and you will feel more comfortable cooking. Some American classic choices everyone knows are chicken, burgers, and hot dogs, but pizza is also a very popular dish. There are some amazing outdoor portable pizza ovens that are fun for pizza lovers and will impress your guests. A wide assortment of side dishes and beverages are essential to maintaining the lifeline of the party (along with music and friends). Keep in mind some menu items for kids too, like pizza, mac n’ cheese or tater tots and fries as side options. Try to make the food fun with Memorial Day theme and colors. For a smaller more intimate Memorial Day grilling experience, imagine having a Memorial Day dinner instead. A nice cut of steak or grilled chicken with grilled vegetables replaces the burgers and dogs. If you time it right, you can enjoy an intimate sunset or relax sitting around a fire pit with your loved ones after dinner. Beverages, songs, and stories included.
Add outdoor games and activities to the party. Keeping people active and feeling alive is crucial. Know your crowd. There are many great ideas for providing fun to all age groups and types of attendees. Some of the classic Memorial Day activities are simple things like throwing around the football, cornhole, potato sack races, badminton, and musical chairs. If your backyard permits it, a giant trampoline or inflatable bounce house will keep all the kids happy for hours. Add a Memorial Day theme to your game ideas. For example, if you choose to play ring toss, use small American flags as the targets. Make a red, white, and blue team for a game of tag. Decorate.
Style your party area correctly. Erect an American flag and add Memorial Day décor as much as you would like. There are so many patriotic ideas from your outfit to the tablecloth and plates you choose. Play American bands and patriotic music to add to the Memorial Day vibe. If you’re hosting people or children who like to craft, incorporate some patriotic decorative crafting activities to create for fun and then to display. You can even make a contest with judges awarding the best designs.
Most importantly, have fun and enjoy yourself. Properly preparing will help alleviate any pressure you may feel. You will have a great BBQ, and everyone will have laugh, eat and be happy. Appreciate the company and fresh air around you. Be grateful for what we have. Remember what our fallen heroes have given for us and honor them by enhancing the Memorial Day spirit. Happy Memorial Day.
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