Autumn is just around the corner, but that doesn't mean you will have to pack up your barbecue. In fact, throwing an autumn barbecue is arguably better than a summer barbecue. The air is cooler, which makes the outdoors more relaxing and comfortable. Not to mention, there are endless ways to decorate your BBQ party, and the food options are always fun and tasty.
But as with many things, preparation is the secret to ensuring that your autumn BBQ runs smoothly. That's why we've made this handy BBQ checklist that covers all you need when hosting your barbeque party this fall!
Your Audience & Theme
Let's start with your audience and theme. How many people are attending? What kind of party is it going to be? Below are some of the best fall party themes that you can throw right in your backyard (and if you've got a fire pit, that's even better):
1) Backyard Campfire Party
Campfires are perfect for providing the ideal ambiance for a backyard party. There's nothing like the warmth and the fun of sitting around the fire to turn the autumn evening into a memorable night with the ones you love. Bring on the s' mores!
2) Backyard Movie Night
BBQ food with a movie outdoors, what's not to love? Invite friends to experience the magic of a film under the stars in your own backyard.
3) Apple Pie Bake Off
Celebrate the season with an apple pie bake-off. Homemade apple pies are the perfect fall treat for family and friend get-togethers during a cozy fall weekend in the backyard.
4) Host a Friendsgiving
The only thing that's better than a Thanksgiving dinner is a BBQ Thanksgiving with friends. Ideally, all guests will bring a dish, but if you're hosting, we suggest that you supply the main dish and let your friends fill the gaps.
Go wild with your Fall ornaments!
From Halloween decorations to Thanksgiving cornucopias – nothing is off-limits. The scents and colors of autumn are rustic and varied, and you can include all of them in your barbecue preparation.
Tips:
Autumn Inventory
Check your barbeque/grill, and accessories and ask yourself:
Always check your propane tank for leaks and keep your grill protected when not in use!
Autumn BBQ Shopping List
Now is the time to make your shopping list. Autumn is a season of spices, so be sure to bring some of that flavour to your barbeque. Grilled pumpkin, turkey, sweet potatoes, etc. are traditional fall barbecue foods, but that's not all! Use your imagination to serve up those special fall sweets and meats to please your guests.
Steaks, chicken and hot dogs land exclusively on the summer barbecue favourites list. Instead, use meats and vegetables that go well with fall spices, like lamb or goat. Lean cut pork chops work well too.
Don't forget the extras!
Fall menus are the perfect opportunity to enjoy some pumpkin beer and warm, cozy treats like pumpkin or apple pie. Check out our article 16 dessert recipes that prove fall is the best bbq season for some of our favorite sweet autumn recipes.
Pre-BBQ Food Prep
Establish a prep timeline. It's always best to prepare whatever you can in the morning or night before. These simple food prep tips will give you more time to sit back and relax in the evening:
BBQ Attire
Always make sure that you wear clothes that are suitable for grilling. Don't forget your gloves when you're dealing with anything hot. And if you're going to handle a lot of raw meat, we'd recommend gloves as well, because changing your gloves is easier than washing your hands outdoors. Also, avoid wearing long sleeves clothing because it could be a fire hazard.
BBQ Supplies
Layout all your utensils neatly in front of you for easy access. When you're cooking outside, you always want to keep food safety at the forefront. A simple device like a meat thermometer will give you that extra layer of assurance that your meat is being cooked all the way through.
Some other items to add to your bbq checklist include:
Food Storage
Forgetting to store meat safely is dangerous. Investing in cool bags or using ice packs combined with a cool bag to cool your food works great. You can't go wrong with lots of Tupperware and kitchen foil, either. These two simple, but must have items will help to preserve freshness, reduce contamination risks and store unwanted garbage.
Cleaning Items
The below items can be used to give your equipment a quick clean and soak, or just to generally keep things clean as you go. You'll be thankful when it's time to wash up or put them in the dishwasher later!
BBQ Food Hygiene
Here are some other important BBQ safety tips to make sure your food is perfect:
These BBQ guidelines may seem obvious, but they are easy to forget in the heat of the moment (pun intended). That's why taking a second to plan ahead, prepare early and making sure that the items you need are within reach, are all steps you can take to ensure your autumn barbecue goes smoothly.
Don't Let Your Barbecue Get Lonely And Dusty This Autumn!
When was the last time someone you knew had a fall themed barbecue? Exactly. It's not as common as we'd like it to be, and oftentimes, the barbecue is forgotten until the summer days roll around again. Instead of leaving your barbecue to get lonely and dusty, keep it out and plan ahead for your fall barbecue. Your friends are going to love the autumn vibes, and the possibilities you have to create for your menu will be endless.