As an overview this Article is an introduction to how to throw the ultimate BBQ Party
Below is a check list to help you prepare for the ultimate BBQ party.

1. If you build it, they shall come!

Although barbecues are casual, send your invitations a week or two in advance of the event. Consider presenting start and end times and letting people know when the main meal will be served ("Party from 3 p.m. until late; we'll eat around 6."). You may find that most people RSVP but sometimes people never quite get round to it. It is always worthwhile catering for 5-10 people extra, just in case. Nobody wants to have the embarrassing situation of not enough food!

2. Now is the time to prepare your menu.

Planning your menu does not have to be a boring task.
While traditional barbecue fare tends toward hot dogs, hamburgers, and potato salad, there's no reason you can't grill shrimp brochettes, bell peppers and eggplant, lamb shish kabobs, or cilantro-and-lime-marinated chicken, either.
Do any of your guests have particular dietry needs? Often a vegetarian option is appreciated. Not everyone loves a thick juicy steak!
By chooiing items you can prepare ahead of time with a minimum of fuss you will be free to enjoy the party. Afterall you want to enjoy being outdoors, too.

3. Make sure you have plenty of cool drinks!

Plan your drinks. If it's hot, everyone will be drinking something most of the time.
For nonalcoholic drinks, be sure to have fresh cold water, then consider a variety of sodas, juices, and iced teas. Not everyone is able to drink alcohol and it is a big party pleaser when there are a nice variety of choices. You may like to make non alcoholic versions of your spicer alcohoic punchs.
For alcoholic drinks, beer is standard, but wine and festive punches, such as sangria, are great too. Keep your overstock drinks cool in extra storage ice-chests.
Hot Tip: Always buy more ice then you think you will need. It's cheap and you'd rather have too much rather then too little

4. Have some tasty snacks for when the guests arrive.

Prepare some snacks for guests to eat while waiting for the main meal - nothing too fancy or filling tho, you don't want people too full for the main event! Try homemade salsas or a vegetable platter with garlic mayonnaise (aioli) for dipping. These additions also go well with the main course, allowing your guests to graize the evening away.

5. Nobody loves washing up!

Provide ample party supplies like plates, cups, napkins, utensils and place them where they're easily accessible. People will only notice if these are missing - and then it won't be nice. Paper plates and plastic utensils are cheep with the added bonus of no huge piles of plates needing to be washed up in the morning!
You can never have enough cups and plates, and those that are not used can be stored away easily till your next BBQ.

6. Make sure you have enough seats!

Provide enough picnic tables and chairs for everyone. You'll also want tables for the prepared food, for the drinks, and for the uncooked food and utensils, next to the grill.
You can cover the picnic tables with plastic or cloth tablecloths, This gives a touch of class to your event and has the added bonus of making clean up a snap.
One Idea can be to move the couch from the lounge to the party area. With the simple addition of a sheet covering you have the advantage of the additional seating without the worries of them getting dirty.

7. Know Thy BBQ!

Now is the time to make sure your BBQ is in tip top condition. Do you have enough gas or coal? Is your grill clean and ready to be used?
Once the grill is ready now would be a great time to make a simple time line of how to organize the day. This way you can allocate time to get the coals ready and for the actual grilling. A little preparation now will allow you to have the day timed to perfection with a simple tick the box list meaning you know what is going to need to happen when.

8. Get Ready for Fun!

With simple preparation you can have the day ready to go in simple easy steps. As an additional element of fun you can have some games ready for your guests to enjoy. Many people enjoy volley ball or even horse shoes to get the spirits rising. If children are going to be coming this is a great way to keep them occupied, leaving the parents a wonderful chance to relax and socialize. There's no need to go out and purchase expensive kits, more often a ball and some imagination and the kids are ready for a great afternoon of fun!

I hope that this has been a nice introduction on how to throw a fantastic BBQ,
If you are interested I have a book that is available that can be instantly downloaded right now. It is packed with great tips and ideas for BBQ success.
Whether you are looking for the ultimate BBQ rub or a recipe for a super potato salad this book has everything you need.
Check it out at http://ebook.superbbqsecrets.com

Warm regards

Gef Smith
gefsmith@superbbqsecrets.com
http://www.superbbqsecrets.com