What do you think of when you think of summer? If you are like most people you think of swimming, vacations, long days of sunlight, and BBQs! What better way to eat a meal in the summertime? It doesn’t matter if it is a formal event or a long phone chain of informal invites – a BBQ is always a fun time. It is a chance to get your friends and family together, grub on some good food, play some fun games, let the kids soak in the pool without worries of bedtime, and catch a little sun before you welcome the cool breeze that comes with the late sunset.
So, since the above thought flooded your memory of summers past, now you want to have your own summer celebration BBQ. Go ahead and plan it – and make sure to have it under a fabric structure!
Avoid any unwanted weather with a fabric structure
You may think that the weather person on your local news channel has the exact forecast, but it’s just a best guess scenario. Weather has this crazy ability to do what it wants, when it wants – even during your booming barbecue. Thanks to a rented fabric structure, you are not going to have to worry what Mother Nature has planned for the day.
The summer can be brutally hot. Depending on where you live, too, it can be a stagnant heat with no breeze to cool things down a bit. With heat indexes well above 100 degrees, you will want to protect your guests. A fabric structure or tent rental allow for coverage from the sun’s rays. This overhead protection provides shade and a place to cool off. It may be wise to invest in some fans, misting stations, or icy cold neck wraps, too.
If rain decides to fall on your barbecue, then your fabric structure can save you once again. Tents have sides that can keep unwanted, blowing rain out of your tent and off your guests. This is in addition to the overhead protection. If you are truly expecting rain, you can always take it a step further and customize your tent with flooring, allowing you to walk safely without any running water finding its way in or mud to get things messy.
Bring on the activities!
Having a barbecue outdoors under a fabric structure provides you with ample space for activities. Much better than being barricaded with folks indoors. Besides, what kind of barbecue doesn’t have some sort of planned, fun activity?
Not sure how to engage your guests? Here are a few of the most popular outdoor barbecue games:
- Water balloon toss
- Cornhole
- Squirt gun battles
- If you are crafty, you can build a giant Kerplunk or Jenga set
- Beer (soda) pong
- Limbo
- Bubbles
- Volleyball, football, baseball, etc.
If you don’t already have a pool, you can always set up a kiddie pool, sprinkler, or other outdoor water fun item to cool the party down. These can be fun for kids – and adults!
The summer heat can make people lethargic at times. Find a way to keep your friends cooled down and entertained.
What to eat
First and foremost, if it is a BBQ, you are going to need a grill. If you don’t have one, buy one or borrow one. You cannot possibly cook your food in the house and have an outdoor barbecue. Part of the experience is grilling and smelling the food as its smoking and cooking – and sneaking a piece from the grill master before it is time to eat!
You likely associate hamburgers, hot dogs, and chicken with BBQs. But, there is nothing in the rule book that says you can’t add a little more gourmet to your barbecue. Or, even something simple, but different – and tasty. Change up the ordinary with these options:
- Beef or pork ribs
- Brisket
- Pork roast – then shred for barbecued pulled pork
- Fish
- Roast veggies, including sweet potatoes and corn on the cob on the grill
- Steaks
- Kabobs
- Shrimp skewers
- Lobster
- Sausage or brats
Make sure that, whatever you choose to cook, you keep it covered and sanitary. For food items that need to be kept cold, make sure you do so. Having a tent shade the summer heat can help. Make sure to keep perishable foods covered, on ice, and out of direct sunlight. The last thing you want is for someone to get sick.
Keep your guests and your drinks cool
No one wants a warm drink on a sweltering day. It is imperative that you keep the drink cold and icy. Deciding to rent a fabric structure for your barbecue will help with accomplishing this, especially if you choose to rent a temperature controlled tent. Most coolers can keep things chill for a good while, but with guests opening these coolers often, combined with the sun beating down, they will eventually struggle. The tent will provide shade from the direct heat source.
Helpful tips:
- Purchase more ice than you think you will need.
- Only use insulated cases/coolers for your beverages.
- Store beverages in a 50/50 mix of water and ice.
- Add a splash of table salt to lower the freezing temperature.
Keep it outside
Keep everyone outside with your rented fabric structure. It has all the above perks and should make your guests want to congregate together under it. In addition, if you live in an area where noise can be an issue, having guests outside will allow the openness to reduce the noise level a bit – which is less disturbing inside for those neighbors attached to your residence (such as in an apartment or condo).
The summertime is perfect for getting together with friends and family. Erect the fabric structure, fire up the grill, grab the water balloons and an icy beverage – survive the summer heat with ease!