Diane Gottsman | Leading Etiquette Expert | Modern Manners Authority

Leading Etiquette Expert and Modern Manners Authority Diane Gottsman’s official blog, with Business Etiquette, University Etiquette, Social Media Etiquette, Dining Etiquette and more.

Memorial Day: How to Throw a Backyard BBQ  

26 May 2016 By: Diane Gottsman

As you usher in backyard grilling season and fun in the sun, here are a few suggestions.

BBQ Etiquette
If you plan to host a backyard bbq and want to stay in the good graces of your neighbors, consider including them in the flavorful occasion.
Your friends will most likely be parking on their curb, and the loud music won’t be as annoying if they are a part of the festivities. This is also an opportunity to get to know your neighbors a little better or to reach out to a new family. The atmosphere will be conducive to mixing and mingling.

Offer a variety of foods.
Factor in dietary restrictions and food allergies when preparing for the party. Check with guests in advance to see if there is anything you should know when building the menu. I recently came across an array of fruit kabobs on Pinterest – they’d be a perfect addition! Other ideas include a black bean burgers for vegetarian friends and gluten-free hamburger buns.

Have the right supplies ready.
Being prepared helps to ease any party jitters and ensures you’ll have just what you need within arms reach once company arrives.

Don’t forget these party essentials on your shopping list:

  • Plenty of sturdy, disposable paper products (plates, cups, napkins, plastic utensils)
  • Lighter, charcoal, foil, fire starters
  • Grilling tools, apron, serving platters
  • Cutting board, fork(s), knife(s) to cut and carve
  • Hand sanitizer, additional cleaning supplies
  • Trash cans, extra bags

Favorite Foods:

  • Meats, buns
  • Ice coolers filled with extra ice
  • Water bottles
  • Condiments, pickles
  • Fruit salad
  • Grain salads
  • Snacks to stave off hunger
  • Dessert – pound or angel food cake, brownies, cookies (without chocolate)

Don’t bring:

  • Sodas – instead, fill bottles of water with fruit and freeze (bees love the sugar!)
  • S’mores – unless you have a cool place to store chocolate
  • Macaroni/potato salad/deviled eggs/cole slaw – need to be kept at 40 degrees F to prevent spoilage (alternative: vinegar and oil dressing or olive oil and lemon).

Provide:

  • Folding chairs and tables
  • Outdoor entertainment (volleyball, football, soccer, frisbee, croquet, bocce ball)
  • A great music playlist
  • Endless amounts of bug spray (deet free), sunscreen
  • Extra towels, pool toys, floats

For a night time picnic:

  • Candles, lanterns
  • Small fire pit –for s’mores if you insist
  • After dinner drinks or iced coffee to end the night

As the day winds down, bring out the sparklers and share a toast to thank your friends and family for being a part of a memorable tradition.

Tune into my Memorial Day Q & A (via Fox KTBC Good Day Austin) for a few more BBQ etiquette tips!

Memorial Day BBQ Etiquette

For more of Diane’s etiquette tips, read her Inc. contributions, subscribe to her articles on Huffington Post, “like” The Protocol School of Texas on Facebook, and follow her on Pinterest and Instagram.

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Diane Gottsman

Diane Gottsman is a national etiquette expert and modern manners professional, sought out industry leader, television personality, accomplished speaker, Huffington Post blogger, author, and the owner of The Protocol School of Texas, a company specializing in executive leadership and etiquette training. Diane is routinely quoted in national and international media including The New York Times, The BBC, CNN, Bloomberg Business Week, Kiplinger, Huffington Post Canada, U.S. News and World Report, and Forbes. She is the resident etiquette expert for two popular morning talk shows, SA Living and Good Day Austin. She has been seen on The TODAY Show, HLN Headline News, WGN Chicago, and CBS Sunday Morning. Her clients range from university students to Fortune 500 companies and her workshops cover topics ranging from tattoos in the workplace to technology at the dinner table and the proper use of social media.