6 Easy Tips To Throw An Unforgettable Barbecue (Without Breaking The Bank)

The Jet Savings Squad tackles BBQs on a Budget

Thinking about hosting your family and a few friends for a little summer grilling and sipping? We’ve rounded up six tips for throwing the barbecue party of the summer — without breaking the bank.

1. Ask Guests to Bring a Side Dish, Beverage or Dessert

First,it’s 100% okay to ask guests to bring food for the festivities. As a host, it’s customary to provide the main dish. For sides, desserts, and beverages, send your guests an email with a list of suggestions.

Even better, use a free online tool to plan who’s bringing what. Use a free tool like Google Docs or Perfect Potluck.

2. Liven Up Libations for Less

Your guests are bringing the drinks. It’s your job to make them fun.

The night before the BBQ, prepare a bowl of lemon and lime slices. Then freeze them with water inside ice cube trays. The next day you’ll have a fabulous way to keep the beverages cool, without watering them down. The frozen lemons and limes are great for fruit punch and other non-alcoholic drinks as well.

Need a cherry on top? Here’s more ways to make those drinks more fun:

• Use mason jars instead of plastic cups. You can get a pack of 12 jars for around 20 bucks!
• Buy a pack of colorful straws and mini umbrellas — never fails.
• Having a pool party? Set up a floating bar at the edge of the pool. Then recruit a guest to act as “celebrity bartender.” (Bonus points if he or she serves drinks while actually impersonating a celebrity.)

Finally, if you really want to impress, order a set of custom koozies, then hand them out as a take-home gift. For a few dollars each, this is a guaranteed way to keep people talking about your BBQ for months to come.

Because…are you really going to throw away a custom koozie from your friend’s BBQ? We doubt it.

3. Save On Spray and Blow The Bugs Away

Barbecue buzz kill: mosquitos. Killing insects might not be as exciting as the rest of your party-planning, but it’s essential if you want guests to have a good time.

Make sure you’re prepared with bug spray, insect-repellent bracelets, and Citronella candle. Or, for spray-free alternative that actually works, set up a fan to keep the critters away (yes, really).

While you’re at it, be sure to have sunblock on hand and plenty of shade for your guests to get relief from the heat.

4. Have More Fun (And Spend Less) With DIY Games

Games aren’t just for kids. Did you know research has shown the ability to play is a critical way we build relationships with friends and neighbors?

The solution? Games for all ages!

Here’s five inexpensive DIY games you can try:

• Outdoor Twister. Supplies needed: four cans of spray paint. (Pro Tip: Customize the board to the size of your party. The more people, the bigger the board!)
• Kids giant bubble station. Supplies needed: kid-sized outdoor pool, water, soap, hula hoop. Place the hula hoop in the pool and fill with soapy water. Pull out the hula hoop slowly to make giant bubbles.
• Giant Jenga. Supplies needed: 2x4s from the hardware or lumber store. Most hardware or lumber stores will be glad to cut the pieces to the size you need.
• Outdoor photo booth. Supplies needed: trim molding, string. Make a large photo frame using trim molding from a local hardware store. Hang the frame from a tree for an awesome outdoor photo booth.
• Movie night! Rent or borrow a projector and a guitar speaker for an outdoor movie night.
• Even something as simple as a cooler of water balloons always has a way of bringing out the kid in everyone.

5. The Best BBQ Dessert in History

Who needs fancy gourmet desserts when you can roast some campfire cones?

For a fun twist to traditional s’mores, take a waffle cone and fill it with desired toppings (marshmallows, Reese’s peanut butter cups, chocolate bar pieces, Rolos, butterscotch chips, chocolate chips, bananas, raspberries, and strawberries).

Cover the cone with foil, place over the campfire for about 3–5 minutes. The result: an ooey, gooey, chocolaty slice of summer heaven.

6. Send Guests Off With a Sparkle

Finally, one last tip for your sanity. You know how there are sometimes guests who tend to linger a little later than you hoped they would?

At the end of the night, plan a final activity that signals to everyone that the BBQ is now over.

We recommend sparklers. Cheap, easy, unforgettable, and fun for all ages.

Have Fun!

Planning an unforgettable BBQ doesn’t have to be expensive or a major headache to plan.

Keep it simple. Invite people you enjoy spending time with. And remember to have fun!

This post was written by the Jet Savings Squad, a team of research-obsessed Jet employees dedicated to uncovering the very best tips to help you save.