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Unlock all the secrets to hosting a SENSATIONAL summer BBQ with your friends, featuring all the must-have summer BBQ essentials.
SUMMER IS FINALLY HERE!!! That means it’s BBQ season, which I may argue is the best season. Long warm nights, sitting outside with friends drinking a cocktail, and being barefoot in the grass are memories we all live for. This year kick it up a notch by inviting over your closest friends and throwing an amazing summer BBQ! Here I’ll teach you everything you need to know about the essentials of a quintessential summer BBQ party that will be a core memory for years to come!
This Post Is All About Summer BBQ Essentials
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Your Ultimate Essentials For A Sensational Summer BBQ With Your Friends
Pop up mesh food covers
These are seriously a must if you want to keep food out. They are great for covering anything from salads, to desserts or even sauces.
Lazy susan for condiments
Not only is this cute, it also marks a designated spot for all of your sauces and condiments so everyone knows exactly where to find them.
DIY Mimosa Station
No summer BBQ is complete in my books without mimosas! Make a fun little DIY mimosa station by putting out a few different juice options. That way people can mix and match juices to create their favorite combo. Besides the go-to’s like orange and cranberry, throw in some fun options such as guava, blueberry or raspberry. It’s always a hit!
Grill Caddy
A grill caddy is a serious summer BBQ essential! This one is one of my personal faves because it works as a paper towel holder as well, which if you know BBQ’s they can get pretty messy! Add your tongs, your oils, salt, pepper, and seasonings and you have a portable grilling caddy. It’s perfect if you grill a lot or just like to sit out and eat in general.
Citronella Candles
Amazon is the ultimate hack for citronella candles, because not only are the color options WAY better on amazon, they are also so much cheaper!! This 3 pack is literally the same price as just one candle at Walmart, and way cuter too! It’s a great way to make your outdoor space look awesome while also keeping away those pesky mosquitos!!
DIY Salad Bar
Salad at a BBQ is a must to cut down all that meat you’re eating. Elevate your BBQ by putting together a salad bar. It doesn’t have to be anything fancy either, just cut up a few veggies, and throw together a couple of dressing options. That way everyone can pick the veggies they love most, it’s especially perfect if you have kids coming to your BBQ since they tend to be a bit more picky when it comes to veggies.
Grill Mats
I JUST discovered these last year and they are literally amazing. Your grill basically doubles as a hot stone which is awesome for grilling buns, cooking veggies or covering up those gross public grills. It’s truly become one of my must have grill items!
Grill Lights
Who says the BBQ has to be over when the sun sets?! Grill lights are an awesome way to transition your party from the daytime to the evening. These clip right on your grill, and are rechargable!
Good sunscreen
This is my ultimate summer go-to sunscreen, perfect for days out on the boat, or grilling in your backyard. Not only is Supergoop a great brand, but this is also a MASSIVE jug that is truly an investment that will last you all summer. This is such a necessity if you are hosting any kind of outdoor event this summer. Just put it outside and have people use it as necessary, trust me, you will get A LOT of thank you’s.
Outdoor games
No BBQ essentials list is complete without outdoor games. I can make a whole entire list of awesome games to play at a BBQ. From bocci ball, twister, or giant Jenga to water guns, literally anything is fun with the right crowd. So pick up a couple of your faves, or check out these lawn game ideas for adults!
Portable Misting System
One options is to spend hundreds of dollars on one of those awesome outdoor misting systems. Another options is to pick up a couple of these cheap little fans, fill them with ice cold water and put them out all over the backyard for people to use as needed! Now, im not saying one option is better than the other, but the second option is about a million times cheaper and works just as well on a budget!!
Cute Decor!!
No party is ever complete without cute decor! At least it’s high up on my summer BBQ essentials list. You can really go as much or as little in this category. There are truly no wrong answers.
Portable cooler cart
Let me tell you, this is for sure an investment. But so so worth it especially if you like your drinks nice and cold. Not only is this cooler portable, it’s also super cute and doubles as a storage cart for extra glasses or items you may need. Throw in some beer and popsicles, and you have yourself a party!
Cute Water Dispenser
Keeping your guests hydrated is super important, especially during the summer. This double drink dispenser is adorable, and you can put any drinks you want in it. Add some fruit and lemons to your water, make a refreshing iced tea, orrrrr throw together a jungle juice and then it’s a real party 
Fire Extinguisher
Safety first people!! Having a fire extinguisher on hand is so so important. Fires can get out of hand faster than you may think, so it’s best to always be prepared by having a fire extinguisher close by especially during the summer season. it’s best to always be prepared!
