Memorial Day is a time to remember those who’ve served this country and died fighting for it. But it’s also a great way to kick off the summer, and nothing makes that more fun than a great barbecue.
Want this to be a BBQ that everyone raves about later? Here are some tips!
Invite Family and Friends
For your Memorial Day barbecue, spend time with people you want to hang out with. Invite family members, co-workers you genuinely like, and old and new friends alike. You can keep it casual and invite their kids too or keep it adults-only. That’s up to you. If you want the night to go on for a while and plan to serve alcohol, it may be best to keep your event 21 and up.
Plan a Fun Time
The fun you have will be determined by the ages of your guests. Everyone can enjoy games like football or baseball. You can even set up a backyard “theater” on the side of your house or on a white sheet using a projector. Once the sun goes down a bit, put on a favorite movie for everyone. Be very careful if you decide to have fireworks — and make sure you have enough home insurance for any potential fires or injuries.
Pick Your BBQ
What’s your definition of a barbecue? Is it hamburgers and hot dogs cooked on the grill? Or do you picture smoked ribs, chicken, or pork? Either way, go with what makes your mouth water. Keep your grill at least 10 feet away from your home and watch over any open flames carefully. You also want to cook the meat properly to avoid any potential illness later.
Go For Light Sides
You’ve decided on the main course, but what will you have on the side? The weather will be warm so go for cooler, refreshing sides like fresh fruit and a light salad. If you’re pressed for time, chips are an easy way to make a crowd happy. Avoid mayonnaise based foods unless you refrigerate them until everyone sits down to eat. Nothing kills the mood quicker than an upset stomach and spoiled food.
Choose Appropriate Drinks
Every party should have water and non-alcoholic drinks like soda, tea, coffee, or juice. If you have kids at your Memorial Day BBQ, you’ll definitely want plenty of drink options. If you decide to serve alcohol, have a plan to keep guests safe — take keys, limit how much you serve, and call an Uber for anyone who needs it when the fun is over.
You can have an amazing summer and a fun Memorial Day BBQ, but it’s important to consider safety, too. If it’s been a while since you thought about your home insurance policy, talk to your independent insurance agent to make sure you have enough coverage before your party. Ask about your liability limits and what you need to think about if you serve alcohol to guests.
Have questions about your insurance? Contact Charlotte Insurance today! We can make sure you have the right amount of coverage for any gathering you plan this summer.