Summer is here and it means a lot of outdoor activities like beach parties, pool parties and the famous barbeque.

 

If you are planning that famous barbeque this year too you need to find a professional planner to take away the stress of planning this annual event and let you enjoy yourself for once.

 

As a planner, you will not only find yourself planning barbeques for clients but for family and close friends as well during this time of the year. As with planning an event, a barbeque for friends is no different.

 

You face the same dilemmas except that you need to be much more conspicuous of what are doing as organizing a barbeques is not just an event but a way of promoting yourself and your business. This is important among friends because they can advertise your business by word of mouth and really recommend your services. This is what potential clients want to hear, they want to hear it from some one who has experienced it and can recommend your services as A grade.

 

As a professional planner a barbeque for friends needs a lot of preparation. Here is check list to keep you on top of things and make the event a success.

 

Theme and Décor - Consider having a Luau, Tiki, Hawaiian, Pirate and an African theme. You can use natural decor such as palm leaves and add a few fairy lights or tiki torches to give your theme a festive feeling.

 

Food and drink - Check with the hostess if there are any guests who are vegetarians or have any allergies. You might want to keep the food categorized to avoid any confusion. Have plenty of drinks both alcoholic and non-alcoholic and a separate table with kid’s food and drink.

 

Number of guests - Consult the host/hostess and decide the number of friends that will attend the barbeque. You need to finalize the menu and the number of guest to cater to.

 

Invitations - Make sure that invitations are posted or delivered well in advance. Invitations could be done in line with the theme. Specify a dress code to make the event more fun.

 

Venue - In most instances having the barbeque at home, especially for friends is more relaxing and warm. Make provisions to have a marquee in case the weather tends to disappoint you.

 

The chef - Make sure he is there early to take care of the food, especially with the marinades.

 

Cutlery and crockery - If the hostess insists on using her own, oblige

 

Entertainment - Have plenty of entertainment for the adults and the children. If there is a pool around organize some fun games.

 

The Experience - Make sure that the guests have a memorable barbeque

 

Goodie bags – Your not too old to have a goodie bag when you leave a party. Gourmet chocolates are not a bad idea to include in the goody bag.

 

Most of all have fun and enjoy yourself, that’s what a barbeque is all about.