The summer season and backyard BBQs go hand in hand. It’s so much fun to relax and enjoy some good food, drinks and fun outside with your family and friends and with these easy ideas, you’ll find you don’t have to be an expert around the grill to host a fantastic get together.

1. Prep the night before

To keep your stress levels low, prepare as much as you can the night before. Marinate meats overnight, assemble side dishes and chop up any fruits or veggies you’ll need. Try to set yourself up so the only foods left to make on barbecue day are the ones being cooked on the grill.

2. Pot Luck

Most of the time, your guests will ask, “What can I bring?” So take them up on the offer and give them an assignment! Even if you simply asked each guest to bring a different side dish, you’d instantly cut your to-do list in half. Most people have at least one signature recipe they’d love to show off so let them!

3. Don’t forget something sweet

My go-to is Big Red Soda. This is a great way to add a sweet complement to your BBQ this summer. Big Red is known for its sweet and smooth taste, perfect for hot summer days. Plus, it goes great with all BBQ favorites, from Brisket to Burgers, Chicken and Pulled Pork. You can even try using it in some of your own dessert recipes such as a Big Red Ice Cream Float. It’s a super versatile, deliciously different beverage to have on hand.

This summer, Big Red is giving away some fun backyard BBQ gear. You can head to their website BigRed.com/BBQ for details on that.

4. Have entertainment on hand

It’s always a good idea to have entertainment options once guests have eaten. Music is a definite must-have and you can also have some fun with classic backyard games like croquet or just have a deck of cards ready to go!

5. Keep kids busy

It doesn’t take much to keep the kids entertained. A slip and slide, water balloons or even just a sprinkler in the yard will make for some fun on a hot summer day. Even the “kids at heart” could get in on that one!

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