I will be the first person to celebrate summer's arrival.
Summer is the perfect time to spruce up the backyard, invite the neighbors over, and throw the best barbecue people have seen in years. And, if you're anything like me, you plan to attend a lot of barbecues this summer. So how do you make yours stand out?
Also, barbecues are a ton of fun, but they are also a lot of work. You need delicious food, refreshing cocktails, and activities for your guests. And how are you going to keep the pesky flies away?
When I saw these perfect barbecue ideas that the members of the Little Things team had found, I knew my summer celebration would be easy to manage and sure to stand out in my friends' minds.
These simple and unique ideas will ensure that you are able to the throw the best barbecue on the block this summer!
Please SHARE if you think these clever barbecue ideas are as amazing as I do.
Need The Perfect Barbecue Dish?
Look no further than this amazing and unique recipe for bacon-wrapped hot dogs!
All you need is your outdoor grill and:
- Hot dogs
- Shredded cheddar cheese
- Bacon
First, empty out the inside of each hot dog and fill them with cheese. Then wrap the hot dogs in bacon and throw them on the grill. Let the cheese-stuffed bacon wrapped dogs grill for about 45 minutes, and your guests will be lining up for more. I bet they’ve never tried these before.
To try another variation on these hot dogs or to see a how-to video, click here.
Need The Perfect Barbecue Condiment Tray?
Grab a simple muffin tin and you're ready to go!
This creative life hack is super simple and will keep all of your barbecue condiments from making a mess.
Simply fill each compartment with a different condiment like ketchup, mustard, relish, mayo, or pickles, and you have the perfect no-mess dispenser that will have your guests talking.
To read more about this cool idea or to see a how-to video, click here.
Need The Perfect Barbecue Cocktail?
Look no further than these delicious summer sangria cocktails!
All you need for this easy cocktail recipe is a mason jar and:
- Dry white wine
- White rum
- Chopped fresh fruit, like strawberries, apples, and lemons
- Lemon lime seltzer
First, put the chopped fruit in the mason jar and fill it up halfway with white wine. Then, add 1 tsp of rum and place the jar in the fridge to chill. After the fruit has chilled and soaked a bit, fill the jar to the top with the seltzer and stir.
It's that easy. This tasty adult summer cocktail is sure to be a hit with all of the neighbors.
To see a how-to video on this simple summer recipe, click here.
Need The Perfect Barbecue Grill?
Transform your regular grill into a backyard fire pit grill!
By stacking tree rings and filling the gap between them with stones, you are creating the perfect home for your ordinary grill. Just place your grill in the middle of the rings and you've got yourself your very own fire pit.
Your grilling skills may already be on point, but your guests won't be able to stop talking about this amazing and unique fire pit grill. And once the sun goes down, everyone can gather around the fire and toast marshmallows.
For even more detailed instructions on how to create such a cool grill, click here.
Need The Perfect Barbecue Bug Repellent?
This simple and inexpensive fly deterrent is all you'll need to keep those pesky pests away!
While it might sound weird, flies are actually scared off by what they think are large bodies of water, and can become confused when they see the reflection of the sunlight. This easy life hack accomplishes both of those things.
Simply place four or five pennies in a resealable Ziplock bag full of water. Hang several of these bags around your porch to scare the flies away.
It may be bizarre, but it will definitely be a conversation starter and I bet your neighbors will be trying this themselves when they go home.
For even more easy and inexpensive fly repellent ideas, click here.
Need The Perfect Barbecue Cooler?
Turn your regular cooler into a refurbished rustic cooler table!
Everyone's jaws will drop when they lift the lid of this table to see what is inside. This unique way to keep your drinks cold will definitely be a standout at your barbecue.
Using less than $30 worth of lumber, you can build yourself a rustic table and place your cooler right inside. Attach a bottle opener to the side in order to make this a one-stop-shop for grabbing a cool beverage.
For detailed instructions on how to create your very own rustic cooler furniture, click here.
Need The Perfect Barbecue Portable Pool Cooler?
This incredible and amazing DIY floating cooler will keep the pool party going and the drinks flowing!
Using only a pool noodle, some waterproof rope and a cheap, medium-sized plastic box, start by cutting the noodle into four pieces, two long and two short. Slip the rope through the center of the noodles to tie them all together in a rectangle. Finally, wedge in the plastic box and you are ready for the pool.
This floating cooler may just steal the show at this year's barbecue. Certainly no one will hesitate to grab a cold beverage as it floats by in the pool.
For more details and photos on this easy and cheap homemade cooler, click here.
Need The Perfect Barbecue Activity?
Look no further than this easy and inexpensive homemade movie screen!
Once the sun goes down, break out your projector and turn on your favorite movie to create the perfect end to your perfect barbecue.
Using half-inch PVC pipes to create an 8×10-foot frame and tying a white tarp (which can be bought on Amazon) to the outside, you can line up the lawn chairs or lay out the picnic blankets to watch movies on your very own big screen.
Make sure to anchor the base so your screen doesn't fall over, and you've got the perfect evening activity that will have the neighbors talking all summer.
To see how to transform your backyard even further, click here.
Need The Perfect Barbecue Lighting?
Impress your guests with these simple and beautiful painted votives!
Keep the party from scattering once the sun goes down by providing ample light with these gorgeous DIY candles. Everyone will want to know where they can buy one.
Simply take a glass votive candle and use various colors of water paints to scribble on the inside. As long as you don't mix too many colors together, you'll end up with something pretty and homemade.
For even more brilliant DIY candle projects that you can use to spice up your barbecue, click here.
Need The Perfect Barbecue Dessert?
Try your hand at some surprising and delicious homemade grilled ice cream!
All you'll need to make this unique dessert are these ingredients:
- 2 1/2 cups flour
- 2/3 cup butter
- 1/4 cup water
- 1 Tbsp sugar
- 1 tsp salt
- 6 egg whites
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- Ice cream
First, mix the flour, butter, water, sugar, and salt in a bowl and knead into dough. After refrigerating the dough, roll it out with a rolling pan, cut it into small circles, place the circles in a muffin tin, and stick the tin in the oven.
Then, beat the egg whites and powdered sugar into a meringue foam. After the mini crusts are done in the oven, fill them with meringue, top with a scoop of ice cream, and cover the ice cream with more meringue. Now they are ready to be grilled.
Don't be surprised if your guests are impressed by what you are grilling up for dessert. This ice-cold tasty treat will be perfect for your summer barbecue.
For a more in-depth look at the recipe, click here.
Please SHARE if you think these clever barbecue ideas are as amazing as I do.