How to throw the ultimate backyard BBQ and cocktail party.

There’s no better time for a party than summertime, and summer is the perfect season for backyard barbeques and festive cocktail parties centered around the grill and packed with your favorite people. Summer parties are best when casual, laid-back, and relaxed, but that doesn’t mean you can skimp on planning if you’re the host!

Here are a few tips on throwing the ultimate summer backyard barbecue that’s  healthy, festive, and fun! 

Create a Beautiful Table with Fun Accessories

Sure, you could toss an old red and white checkered tablecloth over your buffet table and call it done, but where’s the fun in that? If you want to throw the ultimate backyard party, you’re going to need some amazing décor that looks like it came straight off of Pinterest!

Get creative with your buffet table by using containers in different sizes to store chips and veggies. And if you want to be extra unique don’t use any old table…

Don’t skimp on the plants for your party, but rather surround your space with green leaves and brightly colored flowers in unique baskets and pots. Don’t forget candles! Set the mood for your night time gathering.

To keep everyone hydrated and refreshed, set up a lemonade station with homemade lemonade in a tap dispenser on an antique table and surround it with colorful lemons, oranges, and limes.

If you’re setting up a backyard bar, arrange your drink ingredients together in wire baskets for your favorite cocktail recipes to make it easy for your bartender or self-service.

Serve Festive Summer Cocktails

Summer cocktails are refreshing and full of flavor to awaken the senses and celebrate the season. This is one of our all-time favorite summer cocktail recipes.

Classic Hurricane Cocktail

INGREDIENTS:
2 oz. white rum
2 oz. dark rum
2 oz. passion fruit juice
1 oz. fresh squeezed lemon juice
1 oz. fresh squeezed lime juice
¾ oz. simple syrup
½ oz. Real grenadine

DIRECTIONS:
1. Mix all ingredients in a Boston shaker.
2. Add ice and shake.
3. Strain into a tropical drinks glass.
4. Garnish with ½ moon orange wheel wrapped around a cocktail cherry.

Last but not least – don’t forget the grill! Nothing taste as good as it does off a wood pellet smoker grill!

Visit Patio Pleasures Pools Madison or Sun Prairie showroom for a fun selection of outdoor casual living accessories. Make the most of your summer BBQ!

Best wishes for a great backyard BBQ!  ~ Adrianne & the Patio Pleasures Team