Hosting a BBQ party during a hot summer day can be enjoyable if you take the right steps to keep everyone cool and comfortable. If not, the heat can be stifling! Here’s a guide to help you and your guests enjoy the festivities despite the scorching heat:
- Choose the Right Time
Plan your BBQ for late afternoon or early evening when the sun is less intense. Avoid the peak heat hours between 12 PM and 4 PM. This timing not only keeps everyone cooler but also creates a more pleasant atmosphere as the sun begins to set.
- Provide Ample Shade
Make sure there is an abundance of shaded areas for people to move into. Provide large umbrellas, pop-up canopies or rent a party tent and strategically place these shaded areas around where the seating and dining is. If you have trees in your yard, then use them to provide natural shade.
- Set Up Cooling Stations
Create cooling stations with fans and misting devices. Misting fans can be particularly effective in lowering the ambient temperature and providing a refreshing mist. For a DIY option, place bowls of ice in front of oscillating fans to distribute cooler air around the area.
- Serve Refreshing Drinks
Keep your guests hydrated. Set up a drink station and make available iced tea, lemonade, and water infused with fruits, along with chilled sodas. Optionally consider offering frozen treats like popsicles or setting up a snow cone machine for a fun and cooling treat.
- Plan a Cool Menu
Incorporate cool and refreshing foods into your menu. Offer salads, chilled fruit platters, and cold pasta dishes. For the main BBQ items, prepare lighter meats like chicken and fish which cook faster and produce less heat. Avoid heavy, hot dishes that can add to the discomfort of the heat.
- Provide Personal Cooling Items
Give each guest small personal cooling items such as handheld fans, cooling towels, and spray bottles filled with water. These small items will make a big impact on guest comfort. You might think about giving them out as party favors to add an extra thoughtful touch.
- Set Up a Water Activity Area
If space and budget allow, set up a water activity area with a kiddie pool, sprinklers, or a slip-and-slide. This is particularly great if you have children attending, but adults can enjoy these fun activities too. Just ensure there is enough supervision if kids are playing!
- Optimize Your Seating
Use light-colored, breathable fabrics for outdoor seating. Dark colors absorb more heat, making chairs and cushions uncomfortably hot. Choose materials like canvas or mesh that allow for airflow and stay cooler in the sun.
- Keep the Grill Away from Guests
Place the grill at a distance from where guests will be seated. The grill generates a significant amount of heat, so positioning it away from the main social areas can help keep the overall temperature lower. If the patio is your social area, think about moving your grill into the yard or adjacent area. This also helps with smoke control, ensuring guests aren’t bothered by fumes.
- Stay Informed
Check the weather forecast and plan accordingly. If an extreme heat warning is issued, it might be best to reschedule the BBQ or move it indoors. Always prioritize the safety and comfort of your guests. Temperatures in the triple digits may want to be considered off limits for these types of gatherings, unless thorough precautionary steps are taken to ensure health and safety.
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Written by Jack Vale
