Backyard Barbecue Ideas
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Entertaining is one of my love languages and nothing makes me happier than beautiful weather that lends to spending our days outside enjoying the company of family and loved ones. Watching the kids run and play, a yummy meal sizzling on the grill, a beautiful table set up to share a meal together, I’m not sure it gets any better! I’m excited to share these elegant backyard barbecue ideas including a menu and recipes perfect for your upcoming Independence Day Celebration or just a fun gathering enjoyed outdoors!
These backyard barbeque ideas are sponsored by Tyson, Unilever, and Ball Park Buns, however, all opinions are my own. #MasterSummer
Backyard Barbecue Ideas
When planning for an elegant table setting for a backyard barbecue, a few necessities come to mind. Classic white linens, beautiful everyday china, and assorted serving pieces for your menu items. I also love a gorgeous centerpiece of fresh flowers, and hydrangeas or peonies are always great choices. Here I’ve created a mixture of white and blue hydrangeas which give my table a festive appeal that would be perfect for a patriotic celebration. I also used white garden chairs which I love for a backyard event!
For any outdoor meal, my goal is to provide menu options that both kids and adults alike can enjoy. This menu includes a variety of options that are both festive and yummy, and are sure to delight your guests.
Backyard Barbecue Menu
Barbecue Chicken
Beef Franks and Buns
Sweet Corn on the Cob
Fresh Watermelon
Ice Cream Sandwiches
Southern Lemon Ice Tea
Does it get more southern than this menu? I like to write out my menu in advance and head to Sam’s Club where I know I can find everything I need in the quantities I need for feeding a crowd. We turn to Tyson for our chicken breasts, which are perfect for marinating in barbecue sauce and throwing on the grill. My husband marinates the chicken for several hours and then cooks it slowly for 30 minutes (or until done) on the grill so as not to burn the barbecue sauce. They always have the perfect grilled taste and are still tender and juicy!
My kids love hot dogs, so we either throw our Ball Park Beef Franks (and Tailgaters Brat Buns) on the grill, or we like to cook them on the stove too. Add their favorite toppings and they are good to go! Isn’t it nice when you know you’re not going to have to battle dinnertime? This menu is a sure bet in our house!
For sides, I serve a vegetable and a fruit. There are so many options but for this backyard barbecue, I served sweet corn on the cob and fresh watermelon which just screams summer, am I right? And for those summer meals outdoors, I love to mix up a batch of ice tea, sweetened naturally with a good dose of fresh lemon juice.
Summer Dessert
I couldn’t share backyard barbecue ideas without dessert! These ice cream sandwiches are a favorite in our home. They are easy to put together in advance and kept frozen until you are ready to serve. I love that you can choose different toppings for them. You can use mini chocolate chips, chopped nuts, or different colored sprinkles. I’ve chosen red, white and blue sprinkles which are my favorite for serving at a patriotic themed celebration or holiday. With Independence Day coming up, I’ve got the supplies ready to celebrate in style!
Easy Ice Cream Sandwiches
The combination of crunchy chocolate chip cookies with the sweetness of vanilla ice cream. These Ice Cream Sandwiches are quick and easy and make the perfect summer treat!
Ingredients
- 1 Package Chocolate Chip Cookies
- 1 gallon Vanilla Ice Cream
- Garnish of Choice
Instructions
- While Ice Cream is still frozen but just a little softened, scoop a large scoop of Ice Cream onto a cookie, top with a second cookie and mash together, smoothing the sides all the way around.
- Place garnish of choice in a bowl or plate and roll the sides of the sandwich in the topping. Fill in any spaces with additional topping by hand.
- Place immediately back in the freezer (for 30 minutes minimum) until ready to serve.
- Tip: On hot days, place cookies in freezer beforehand so they are cold when preparing your ice cream sandwiches. Do not serve until they are frozen and ready to enjoy!
This post was originally posted in May 2018 and have been updated by Jennifer Maune to included updated recipe and serving ideas.
This tablesetting looks divine! I love backyard bbq’s!
Your setup is so cute! Food looks delicious and and I bet a good time was had by all.
Yes it was, thank you!
Looks like such a fun backyard barbecue! Love all of your ideas!
SO CUTEEEE! Love that signature summer picnic blue. I’m all about an ice cream sandwich. Yours look amazing!
SAFANIYA STEVENSON
BURLY + PUFF CREATIVE
Thank you! Ice cream is always a great idea!!
Ummm…hello gorgeous backyard gathering! Everything looks absolutely fabulous and I cannot wait to make those ice cream sandwiches!
Thank you love!! They are really easy and so yummy!
This all looks fantastic from the table setting to the food! I’m inviting myself over for your next gathering! Lol.
What a beautiful outdoor BBQ! I love entertaining and my family would love that menu!
I so want to do this in my backyard. I absolutely LOVE your pictures. Entertaining outside with family and friends is such a great memory making experience.