Nothing says summertime quite like a barbecue. From time spent out in the yard soaking up some sun to the scent of something delicious being cooked on the grill, a barbecue a great way to celebrate summer birthdays and warm weather holidays like the Easter Bank Holiday and August Bank Holiday. In this planning you’ll find ideas for BBQ party invitations, decorations, party games, and more!

Planning & Invitations

What Do I Need For the Party? In addition to basic party supplies such as plates, napkins, cups, cutlery, table covers, streamers, balloons, and a grill, consider buying, renting, or borrowing the following items:

• Outdoor games and activities
• Water guns and other water toys
• Themed candy
• A potato sack race game
• A pinata
• Insect repellent

To help with your shopping, take a look at our Supply List. While you may not need everything on the list, it’ll help you to figure out the items that you do need for your occasion.  If you want to send fun and unique invitations that have been custom created just for your event, here are a few ideas of how to do so in a themed way:

• Attach a card-style invitation to one of our personalized BBQ party supplies with curling ribbon by punching a hole in one corner of the BBQ invitation.
• Design the card to resemble the grill you’ll be cooking on.
• Include a sticker or temporary tattoo and some confetti with each BBQ party invitation and seal the envelope with a personalized BBQ party sticker.
• Use paper with a red gingham border to create your invitations.
• Print your invitations on colored cardstock, and include clip art images of a barbecue grill, picnic table, etc.

Alternatively, you can choose ready-made invites that have been customized for your event.

BBQ Party Food Ideas One of the most important parts of any barbecue-themed bash is the food. Here are some suggestions of classic BBQ grub to serve at your event:

• Grilled hamburgers, hot dogs, and chicken drumsticks
• Grilled vegetable slices
• Cole slaw, potato salad, sliced fruit, deviled eggs, baked beans, and small pieces of corn on the cob
• Water, lemonade and other drinks that will keep kids hydrated in the warm weather. Use silly straws for some added cookout party fun!
• Provide the ingredients for s’mores and let the kids roast their own marshmallows.
• Popsicles or an ice cream sundae bar are a sure hit with kids when it comes to dessert. Set up a table with ice cream and a variety of toppings in serving bowls, and then let the guests choose their own toppings.

Party Favor Ideas

BBQ Party Favors Choose fun, summertime party favors to encourage guests to continue spending time outdoors even after the party comes to an end, like:

• Kites
• Jump ropes
• Sidewalk Chalk
• Sunglasses
• Beach balls
• Bounce putty
• Water Toys