Warm weather brings with it the opportunity for outdoor entertaining. Of course, Barbecue is almost standard fare in summer weather. The menu is only the base or beginning. The décor and entertainment you choose is what pulls it all together. The ideas and instructions in this article can help you throw a backyard party that's sure to be a winner.
You will need:
- A grill and grilling utensils (long fork, spatula, apron)
- Water filled spray bottle for flare ups
- Hot dogs, hamburgers, and/or chicken - Drumsticks are inexpensive and easy to handle.
- Chips and snack mix or trail mix
- Condiments and dips
- Beverages and ice
- Eating utensils
- Picnic tables - Old crates make great seating and eating surfaces; boards and patio bricks work well too-just adjust the heights according to need.
- A rope for tug-o-war
- Bubbles and bubble wands
- Small inflatable pool or old washtub for apple bobbing
- Apples
- Water bombs - sponges cut to measure about 2 ½” x 2 ½” will work.
- Two water melons-oblong in shape
- Prizes if desired - Small trinkets and party favors make nice prizes
Set up the grill and “dining area” in one corner of the yard. This will prevent accidents and provide a place for guests to sit out of the way of the action. Checkerboard tablecloths give a bright and cheery appearance .and come in a variety of colors to choose from. If the party is being held in the evening, use some outdoor lanterns. These too come in a variety of styles and colors. Put some citronella candles or mosquito coils in the area to ward off some of those pesky “party crashers.” Be sure to keep them out of the way of the games and the food.
Fill the pool or washtub with water and put the apples in when you're ready to do the apple bobbing. Write a number on each apple-you can cut them into the apple peels with a knife. Have coordinating numbered prizes. Whichever number is on the apple, wins the prize with the matching number.
Save the water in the tub or pool for a “water war” later. Soak the sponges in the water and let them fly.
Use the rope for tug-o-war. Divide everyone into two teams and let the fun begin. If you use an inflatable pool, and no one minds getting wet, place the pool in the center of the tug-o-war. First team to get an opponent into the water wins.
Use the watermelons to play “Watermelon Crawl.” Divide everyone into two teams and get ready, get set, and go. Have half of each team stand at one end of the race course and half at the other. Each team member has to push the water melon to the opposite end of the course on his/her hands and knees (You'll want to make sure the lawn is free and clear of debris). Chill the water melon when the race is over and serve it later.
