Stylish Backyard Barbeque

By Andrea Correale
A Stylish Backyard BBQA Posh Backyard Barbeque

Despite being a staple of American culture, the summer barbeque needs a bit of re-vamping. Believe it or not, this favored American party can be easily reinvented with a few new ideas designed to add fire to more than just the grill.

From chic lighting tips to new twists on traditional barbeque foods, turn your backyard into a posh barbeque destination.

Effective Ambiance
Lights Guiding the WayLuminary Bags Brighten the Path

When having friends over, consider lining the entrance of your home with a path of tiki torches or luminary bags interspersed with plants, as shown.

Not only does this path give your guests an idea of where to go once they arrive, but it also sets an atmospheric mood for barbeque.

For even more interesting ways to decorate and illuminate your backyard, be sure to read Backyard Décor.

Setting the Mood with Music

Be sure to back up your décor with the right music to really spice up the barbeque.

To Update Your Barbeque Parties

  • Create a playlist of music
  • Light up your backyard
  • Decorate with bright colors
  • Add new twists to traditional foods

The easiest way to do this is to visit iTunes where you can download music and customize your own summer playlist that you can save and even use for your next barbeque.

Tip: Select a variety of music representative of your guests' generation for a nostalgic trip of summer memories

Great Summer Music

  • Jimmy Buffet
  • Bob Marley
  • The Beach Boys

Table Décor

Don't hesitate to splurge on the right table linens.

Often with barbeques, we think of the traditionally fun red & white checkered linens on picnic tables. Effective as they are, they are too common.

Summer Colors on the TableOrange Glasses on the Fuschia Table
For an equally as effective alternative, go with true summertime brights: fuschia & orange are irresistible. Add monochromatic bunches of flowers placed in tight bunches in small vases for a nice play on colors.

To make your bunches of flowers something special, do read our Floral Centerpieces article for helpful tips.

If you would prefer a simpler table decor, place a large hurricane vase with a candle on each table or a lantern for a subtler centerpiece.

A Not-So-Common Menu

Your barbeque menu begins with the grill itself -- make sure you use a charcoal grill for nostalgia purposes and rustic flavor.

Add a modern twist to traditional favorites on the barbie:

Spice up burger patties

  1. Add cheddar
  2. Bacon
  3. Caramelized onions
  4. Mozzarella
  5. Sun-dried tomatoes
  6. Roasted Peppers

Marinade Chicken

Prep the chicken in a marinade of:

  1. Bourbon
  2. Brown sugar
  3. Garlic
  4. Scallion marinade

New Hot Dogs

  1. Make with Kobe beef
  2. Serve in mini bite format on skewers.

Greek Potato Salad

  1. Use a creamy Gorgonzola whip instead of mayo.
  2. Roast the potatoes
  3. Add Feta, Calamata olives, and Parsley
  4. Drizzle with extra virgin olive oil, salt and pepper.
    Festive, Colorful FoodFestive, Colorful Food

Modern Grilled Vegetables:

Marinate in a traditional balsamic and olive oil dressing with a dash of sea salt. Tasty veggies to use that are rich in color:

  • Asparagus
  • Portabello Mushroom
  • Yellow Peppers
  • Carrots

To make sure you get the most out of your grilling experience, read our Backyard Barbeque article for grilling tips.

Cooling Down with Ice Cream

Go all out with a vintage ice cream sundae bar with all the trimmings:

  • Oreo Crumble
  • Marachino cherries
  • Wet Walnuts
  • Sprinkles
  • Strawberries
  • Hot caramel and fudge syrups
  • Reddi-Wip® is the best vintage option as it dates back to 1948 and does not contain hydrogenated oils.

For More Ideas and Tips about Backyard Barbeques

Sticks&Spice Poolside Grilling Party

Outdoor Entertaining: Backyard Décor

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