This post has been sponsored by Brawny. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Last week we finished the deck and patio on our new (old) house. We’ve been in remodeling mode for months, and it was really exciting to feel like one space was finished enough to enjoy it. The backyard has always been a big priority to me, because I love to eat outside and entertain friends. The natural combination means we throw barbecues on a regular basis, and I am so excited to invite over the new neighbors once we move in next month and enjoy some good food and get to know each other better!
Hosting a BBQ is a fun, simple way to share a casual meal without the fuss of a traditional dinner party (which, I should mention, I also love.) Something about being outside, watching kids run around the yard, and the simple menu tends to keep conversations fun and easy, and I have found sharing a meal with new acquaintances to be one of the best ways to become friends. Most people love to be invited over, so I make every effort to invite often, gaining friends and building relationships as I go. 
Over the years, I’ve learned a few things about hosting a BBQ, and I want to share 5 simple tips to help keep your focus on the friends, rather than worrying too much about the details.
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Make a Patio Dining Kit
Having a grab-and-go basket with a few outdoor eating essentials makes the setup for company easier than ever. I like to keep melamine (non-breakable) plates, straws, paper towels, and a set of silverware all ready to go. Alternatively, you could stock yours with simple paper plates and plastic wear, I happen to like a little heartier service wear for at home outdoor dining, but paper supplies would cut down on dishes.
The paper towels come in handy from start to finish on the meal, and these new Brawny® Tear-A-SquareTM paper towels are more useful than ever! They not only are perforated to tear into rectangle pieces, but also into small ¼ sheet squares, perfect for small napkins or little messes and they are super absorbent too. This way you can grab just the size you need, without the waste.
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Prep Veggies and Sides Ahead of Time
I like to make a green salad or some fresh cut veggies ahead of time and keep them in the fridge until it is time to eat. Laying a paper towel over the veggies before chilling absorbs the extra moisture from washing them, and helps keep them from getting soggy while you wait. Other sides can be made ahead, too, like sautéed veggies, cut fruit, or any type of pasta or potato salad.
You can order Brawny Tear-A-Square paper towels and save $4 on Amazon! I loved having them delivered right to my door!
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Grill with Company
Part of the fun of a barbecue is grilling while the friends chat. I like to set out a simple appetizer like chips and salsa, or an easy cheese board, then wait to put on meat until everyone is settled in and hanging out. I find the activity part of making a meal is really a fun bonding time, and people usually love to be involved. You can trade tips for BBQ techniques and favorite recipes.
I also like to vary the menu from traditional burgers and dogs (which all require a bunch of other condiments), and sometimes make a simple lemon pepper salmon, bbq chicken, or seared steak and shrimp. As long as I check ahead about allergies and food preferences, I can get creative with the menu and have fun with it!
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Quick Spray and Wipe
Don’t fuss about a detailed cleaning before company comes. Add those bigger cleaning projects to your monthly maintenance, and plan on a quick spray and wipe just before friends arrive.
No one will notice if the house, yard, and grill look lived-in and well-loved. I always find I feel better about my life when I visit and see that my friends are relatable and happy rather than apologetic and worried about imperfection. For outside cleaning I just use the hose to spray everything down, then wipe it dry with a couple full-sheet Brawny® Tear-A-Square paper towels. Don’t worry about running out by using Amazon to stock up.
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Manage the Flying Critters
The quickest way to ruin a BBQ is the attack of flies, bees, or mosquitos. With a little planning ahead, they can be managed with traps, fans, planting repellents into the yard, or burning a repellent candle. If you know your yard is prone to one type or another, do a little research to discover the best way to manage the annoyance, so when you invite friends over you already have the issue under control!
With these simple tips for hosting a BBQ, I hope to continue to meet and make friends in our new neighborhood as we invite people into our yard. I hope you’ve learned something that will help your own entertaining go smoothly, and I would love to hear your favorite BBQ tips in the comments!
