Hosting a BBQ or informal outdoor party? Guidelines for your success!

By : Tracey | 2 Comments | On : June 10, 2018 | Category : barbeque, Blog, weekend

It’s that time of year when so many of us are enjoying an informal outdoor barbecue or outdoor party.  If you’re hosting that get-together, here are a few suggestions to gauge how much food you’ll need.  Generally each adult will consume 1 pound of food total; children, about 1/2 pound.  The more options you have, the less you need of each; decrease the main course portion sizes by 1 to 2 ounces if served on a buffet.  Guests will always eat -and drink -more at night than during the day.

• Cocktails: You can either stock your bar with mixed drinks served punch-style or a do it yourself array of alcohol and mixers.  One 1-liter bottle of alcohol will make 22 mixed drinks. If you have guests that prefer wine, allow for, 1 bottle of wine per 8 guests.  Generally speaking, white wine is more popular in the summer months than red wine.   You can have a selection of beer -always best to have foreign and domestic beer on hand. Don’t forget your ice and garnishes.  Buy 2 pounds of ice per guest and a large amount of lemons and limes.
• Hors D’ oeuvres and Appetizers:  If you’ll be serving appetizers for your guests, assume each person will eat 4 to 6 bites per hour.  For a cocktail hour preceding a larger meal, 6 bites per person is a total safe estimate.  Err on the side of variety, that will ensure happy guests.
• Main entrée: Plan on serving each adult 6 to 8 ounces of meat or seafood for main course.  If you’re purchasing a store-bought hamburger patty -that is about 6 ounces.  Smaller grill staples like hot dogs, ribs chicken legs and thighs each run 1 1/2 to 4 ounces each.
• Side Dishes:  It’s always a good idea to incorporate a slew of side dishes to your main entrée for your guests. No need to go overboard on portion sizes.  Pasta salad, baked beans, coleslaw and potatoes can feed a large crowd.  Consider leafy greens and salads as well. Grilling vegetables like:  Zucchini squash, red bell peppers, Portabella mushrooms and even watermelon go great with any summer time cook-out.
• Condiments:  No cook-out is complete without mayo, mustard, ketchup, barbecue sauce and relish.
• Desserts:  Consider baking cookies, watermelon slices, fresh fruit bowls or ice cream (4 ounces per guest) in cups.  Cakes can be good too, but pre-slice it for your guests so it is less messy.

Now, you are party ready with these helpful tips.

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