Backyard BBQ Season Is Here: 8 Easy Tips for Hosting the Ultimate Summer Party in the DMV

Summer in the DMV brings a certain ease to life. The flip-flops come out, drinks get chilled, and weekends fill up with one thing: backyard BBQs. Whether you're in Arlington, Silver Spring, or D.C. proper, the call of the grill is hard to resist.

If you’re planning to host a BBQ this season, you don’t need a sprawling yard, fancy outdoor furniture, or top-notch grilling skills. What you really need is good food, a few places for people to sit, and an atmosphere that encourages everyone to stick around and enjoy the day.

Here are 8 straightforward tips to help you throw a BBQ your friends will remember—without stressing yourself out in the process.

1. Set the mood, not a theme

There’s no need to go overboard with decorations. String lights can work wonders, and a playlist that matches the vibe—think classic rock or some laid-back reggae—will set the tone. As the sun sets, light a few candles or lanterns to create a warm ambiance. It’s simple but effective.

Bonus tip: If you’re into playlists, invite your guests to add their favorite summer songs ahead of time. Everyone loves hearing “their” song play during the party.

2. Keep the menu simple

No need for gourmet dishes here. Stick to a few crowd-pleasers—burgers, hot dogs, grilled veggies, and maybe some chicken or ribs. A couple of solid side dishes, like pasta salad, corn on the cob, or watermelon slices, will do the trick. Consider setting up DIY food stations where guests can customize their meals—think taco bar or slider bar. And don’t forget to check for any food allergies or dietary restrictions among your guests.

Pro tip: Choose items you can prep ahead of time so you’re not juggling a dozen tasks once guests arrive.

3. Do the prep before people arrive

If you find yourself constantly running back to the kitchen or stuck flipping burgers while everyone else is enjoying the party, you’re not really hosting—you’re just working. Chop your veggies, season your meat, and set up a self-serve drink station before the first knock at the door. This way, you can relax and enjoy the company too.

4. You don’t need matching patio furniture

Don’t stress if your outdoor seating doesn’t look like something out of a magazine. Mix and match chairs, throw down some picnic blankets, or even bring out indoor stools or benches if needed. All people really want is a place to sit and chat while they eat.

Also, make sure there’s at least one shady spot if it’s a hot day. If you don’t have any shady trees, umbrellas or pop-up tents can make a big difference in keeping things cool.

5. Think about what the kids (and grown-ups) will do

If families are coming, set out a few easy games—think volleyball, sidewalk chalk, or a sprinkler for the kids to run through. For the adults, lawn games like bocce or giant Jenga are always a hit. And let’s not forget about s’mores over a fire pit—always a crowd-pleaser.

You don’t need a strict agenda, but having activities keeps the energy up and gives everyone a reason to linger a little longer.

6. Plan ahead for bugs

Nothing can ruin a backyard gathering like mosquitoes. Light a few citronella candles, set out bug spray, and keep food covered when it’s out on the table. A small fan near the table can help too—bugs don’t like wind, and your guests will appreciate the breeze.

7. Don’t worry about decorations

Honestly, you don’t need them. A clean yard, some colorful napkins or paper plates, and a few fresh flowers in jars are more than enough. Nobody’s grading your hosting skills; they’re just happy to be invited.

8. Send people off with a little something (if you want to)

This is totally optional, but always appreciated: send guests home with a small snack, drink, or leftover treat. It doesn’t have to be elaborate—just a slice of pie wrapped in foil or a to-go cup of lemonade is a nice way to say thanks for coming.

Bottom line? Keep it easy.

The best backyard BBQs aren’t the ones where everything’s perfect—they’re the ones where everyone feels comfortable. Where laughter fills the air, people go back for seconds, and the gathering continues long after the sun sets.

So if you’re hosting this summer in the DMV, don’t stress about making it picture-perfect. Just aim for relaxed, a little messy, and a lot of fun.