Summer's Almost Over: 4 Steps To Throw The Perfect End-Of-Summer BBQ

Labor Day is just around the corner. Time to plan the last big party of the summer. If your BBQ has gotten a serious workout this summer, it might be time to give it a break, especially if you've decided to go all-out and make it a huge blowout party. Here are four steps to throw a killer neighborhood block party.

Make It a Catered Affair

You want to invite the whole neighborhood, but you don't want to cook for everyone. That's where the caterer comes in. Hire a caterer to come in and take care of all main course. Hiring a caterer will allow you to provide delicious burgers, hot dogs, chicken and even ribs. The best part is that you'll never have to lift a pair of tongs. Your guests will be well-fed and you'll get to eat right along with them. Once the parties over, the caterer will pack up and take the dirty BBQ with them. If you're interested in BBQ catering, companies like Grumpy's Bar B Que Roadhouse may be able to help.

Advertise the Menu

Your guests are going to want to know what's on the menu. When you use this easy-to-make menu board, you'll be able to advertise the menu in one convenient location. Simply paint a 4'x8' piece of plywood with black chalkboard paint. Once the plywood is dry, use chalk to write out the menu options for your guests. Prior to the BBQ, prop the menu board up against a tree. Your guests will be able to read the menu while they wait for the BBQ to get ready.

Label the Condiments

If you want to add a bit of flair to your condiment table, toss the plastic bottles. Instead, use baby food jars and tongue depressors to serve your condiments. Empty your baby jars and wash them out thoroughly. Fill the jars with ketchup, mustard, relish, and any other condiments you wish to serve. Use a permanent marker to write the name of each condiment on the top of each of your tongue depressors. Place the tongue depressors in the corresponding condiment jars. Your guests will be able to use the tongue depressors to apply their condiments and you won't have to have plastic bottles on your table.

Utilize the Coffee Filters

If you want to lend a carnival atmosphere to your neighborhood BBQ, bring out the coffee filters. When the kids line up to grab their hot dogs, serve them in the coffee filters. Paper plates can be difficult for little hands to carry around. The coffee filters will give little ones something fun to hold their hot dogs in.

If you're planning one last big BBQ for the end of summer, make sure it goes off without a hitch. The tips provided here will help you throw the perfect end-of-summer BBQ.