I’m throwing my boyfriend a very casual birthday BBQ this weekend.?
There will be around 25 people attending. I want it to be nice and fun, but I don’t want to spend alot of money on the food. What are some creative things I could do to spice up the normal hot dogs and hamburgers? What are some great sides that I could serve?
Also, should I buy lots of different beer and wine or just serve one or two kinds and maybe a drink like margaritas?
I’m not going to have much time for preparation and setup. Thanks for your help!
OK, I’ll hit the most important topic first: BEER! 
There are three different types of beer drinkers in the world…
First, there’s the “Beer Snobs”. They know the best and most obscure beers in the world and drink only those that meet their exacting standards. They will always bring their own beer in their own cooler to any gathering, with enough extra to offer to indoctrinate their own fine tastes to the heathen masses. You don’t have to worry about these folks. They’ll take care of themselves.
Second is the “Brand Afficionado”. They have a favorite (generally mainstream) beer and drink only that brand at home or when ordering out, though when at a party they’ll usually drink whatever is available without quarrel. Buy a couple different kinds of mainstream beers and you’ve got these guys covered.
Third is the “Beer Drinker”. This is the person, when asked “Would you like a beer?” doesn’t reply, “Umm, what kind do you have?”, but instead cheerfully says, “Sure! Gimme one!”. Obviously there’s no thought to be wasted on this creature. If you have beer, they’re happy.
As for the other spirits, you have to decide based upon the type of folks who’ll be attending. Buy one bottle of Chardonnay and once bottle of Cabernet Sauvignon (decent, not expensive) per three people you think of as wine drinkers attending.
Go ahead and get a bottle of tequila (doesn’t have to be expensive if using for mixed drinks) and a couple bottles of basic margarita mixer. Be sure to have plenty of ice. You’re all set from the liquid side of things.
You can spice up the normal hotdogs/hamburgers by using…
Sides: Keep it simple. Go to the deli area of your local supermarket. No preparation and low cost.
OK, soapboxtime: I’m a man and I’m assuming you’re a woman. I’m also assuming your boyfriend’s a man, which means he and I have more in common than you can ever imagine (sorry, hon, but the Venus/Mars thing is true ). Think of things from his perspective (it’s his party, after all). If most of the attendees will be his friends, take your cue from him as to how to arrange the atmosphere. If it’s not a surprise party, feel free to ask his opinion on things. Be advised that he’ll do the usual amount of hem-hawing “don’t do anything special on my account” sort of thing. Ignore it and forge ahead, having gained a small measure of wisdom from his “hem-hawing”. 
I wish the both of you a happy life.
Wine Pairing for Your Next BBQ.mov
|
|
Kitchen Craft Coolmovers Set Of 4 Plum Tinted Wine Glasses 300ml £12.00 Reusable and ideal for outdoor use, Safe and durableContemporary rich plum colourSet of 4Part of a complete collection of dinner and picnicwareDishwasher safe… |
