Entertaining on a Budget: Have a Bring Your Own Meat BBQ

Everyone is cutting back these days. Though money may be an issue, you don’t have to let that keep you from spending time with friends and family. You can still invite all the people you love spending time with over for a great meal. Host a Bring Your Own Meat BBQ, and turn your event into a backyard cooking party. Everyone will have a great time sharing the workspace and the food, and you won’t get stuck with flipping all those burgers and steaks, or the cost. So, send out the invites, and let everyone know this is a backyard grilling party. They’re responsible for bringing their own meat, cooking it, and bringing a dish to share as well.

To keep everything running smoothly, provide an ample supply of BBQ utensils, seasonings and sauces for everyone to use. You’ll also need a table near the grill where your guests can prepare the meat for grilling, and plates close by for a quick transfer from the grill. Additionally, you’ll need a buffet table for the side dishes and desserts people will be bringing, and ice buckets or coolers for drinks. Don’t forget plates, bowls, silverware, steak knives, napkins and cups. If you don’t plan on cooking until later in the day, you should provide a cooler to keep meats at a safe temperature. Make sure you have plenty of fuel for your gas grill, or plenty of charcoal on hand to keep the fire going.

On the day of your party, and shortly before your guests begin arriving, light the grill and you’ll be ready to go. This is the easiest dinner party you’ll ever host. So sit back, enjoy good food, good drinks, good times and great friends.