Summer BBQ Season

The sun is shining, the birds are chirping and the flowers are in full bloom. Memorial Day weekend was the kickoff to summer BBQ season and the season is now in full swing. In this month's posts, I will go over some fun BBQ ideas to get your creative juices flowing.

Let's start off with a good old fashioned country western BBQ.

 

 

 



Food

Food is the most essential part to a BBQ, duh! If you have access to a slow cooker, making authentic, delicious BBQ is a piece of cake. If not, don't worry! It's still doable! Some traditional dishes include pulled pork, ribs, potato salad and corn bread.

Here are some links to some of my favorite BBQ recipes:

Crockpot BBQ Ribs

 

 

 

 



Pulled Pork Sandwiches






















Classic Potato Salad

Buttermilk Cornbread

Not feeling the BBQ sauce slathered feast or looking for something a little easier? Set up a hot dog bar! Grill up a bunch of dogs and assemble a variety of toppings so people can make their own creations. Some favorite creations: The Italian {Pizza Dog}: Pour pizza sauce into a hot dog bun. Add shredded cheese, pepperoni slices, and olives. Top it with a freshly grilled dog, and enjoy. The kids love these!!  The Mexican: This is my favorite – Mix some taco seasoning into your mayo, to make it spicier. Schmear a bit on your bun, add your hot dog, then sprinkle with a mexican blend cheese, jalapenos, and salsa. Sooo good!  The Russian: This is always a favorite with the guys… Spread a  bit of cream cheese on a toasted bun, then add your hot dog. Smother it with a pile of sweet relish, and sauerkraut. It’s messy, but they tell me it’s good stuff!

In addition to the above ingredients, you’ll want to make sure to have basic condiments like mayo, ketchup, and a few types of mustard. I also like to have a crockpot of chili, shredded cheese, relish, sauerkraut...etc. Different bun types also add a nice touch. Stuck on what you want to put out for your hot dog bar? Think about the last time you went to the ballpark and all the options you have there, you can't go wrong.




Décor

The décor element for a country western BBQ can be as simple or elaborate as you choose. I love décor that serves double duty! Bring in the country western flair with bandanas and mason jars and have the bandanas serve as napkins while the mason jars serve as drink ware.

I love this idea; wrap silverware in bandana napkin and place in the mason jar. You can set these out along a table for people to grab up while they're filling their plates or attach a chalkboard tag to mark seating placements at individual's seats.

 

 

I like to make my own citronella candles for summer time as well. There are a variety of ways this can be done to match your personal taste. (Here's my favorite tutorial on making your own citronella candles).  Make these bad boys and pour them into recycled tin cans, mason jars or baby food jars then place throughout your party to help keep bugs away and your guests more comfortable. When the sun goes down, they also help provide lighting. String up some old white Christmas lights or outdoor string lights to add to the ambiance.

 

 

Keep the Party Going

 

What's to be done after everyone has filled their bellies with your delicious BBQ creations? Party! Keep the true country western flair by playing country western music throughout the night. Lay some plywood boards on the grass under the string lights and let your guests 2 step and line dance the night away! 

 

Here's a sample playlist:

 

I Love This Bar - Toby Keith

Friends In Low Places - Garth Brooks

Margaritaville - Jimmy Buffett
Boot Scootin’ Boogie - Brooks & Dunn

Any Man of Mine - Shania Twain

What Was I Thinking - Dierks Bentley
Heads Carolina, Tails California - Jo Dee Messina
Achy Breaky Heart - Billy Ray Cyrus
I Feel Like A Woman - Shania Twain
I Like It, I Love It - Tim McGraw
There’s Your Trouble - Dixie Chicks
Two Pina Coladas - Garth Brooks

Chattahoochie - Alan Jackson
Sold! The Grundy County Auction Incident - John Michael Montgomery
This Kiss - Faith Hill
Bye, Bye - Jo Dee Messina

Don’t Rock The Jukebox - Alan Jackson

Boondocks - Little Big Town
Alcohol - Brad Paisley
Beer For My Horses - Toby Keith with Willie Nelson
Redneck Woman - Gretchen Wilson
Save A Hose, Ride A Cowboy - Big and Rich

 

Need to brush up on your line dancing skills?? Go HERE for some step sheets to popular line dances.