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

Summer in Boston brings a certain ease to life. The flip-flops come out, drinks are served cold, and weekends fill up with one thing: backyard BBQs. If you’re planning to host one this season, remember that you don’t need a sprawling yard, fancy furniture, or chef-level grilling skills. What you really need is good food, a few places for people to sit, and a relaxed vibe that keeps everyone around.

Here are 8 easy tips to help you throw a BBQ your friends will actually 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 add a nice touch, and a playlist featuring classic rock, reggae, or any summer favorites will set the right tone. As the sun sets, lighting a few candles or lanterns can make your yard feel warm and inviting.

Bonus tip: If you’re into playlists, invite your guests to contribute their favorite summer songs ahead of time. Everyone enjoys hearing a song they love come on.

2. Keep the menu simple

You don’t have to go gourmet. Stick to a few reliable classics—burgers, hot dogs, grilled veggies, and maybe some chicken or ribs. A couple of solid side dishes like pasta salad, watermelon slices, or corn on the cob will do the trick. Consider creating DIY food stations where your friends can customize their meals—think taco bar, pasta bar, or even a slider bar. And don’t forget to ask if your guests have any food allergies or dietary restrictions.

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 into the kitchen or flipping burgers while everyone else is enjoying themselves, 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’ll get to hang out too.

4. You don’t need matching patio furniture

Don’t worry if your outdoor seating doesn’t look like something out of a magazine. Mix and match chairs, throw down a few picnic blankets, or even bring out indoor stools or benches if needed. Guests just need 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 and keep 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 to run through. For the adults, lawn games like bocce or giant Jenga are always popular. And s’mores over a fire pit? That’s a guaranteed hit.

You don’t have to plan an agenda, but having something to do keeps the energy up—and gives people a reason to linger a little longer.

6. Plan ahead for bugs

Nothing ruins a backyard hangout 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 helps too—bugs dislike wind, and your guests will appreciate the breeze.

7. Don’t worry about decorations

Seriously, 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 people laugh too loud, go back for seconds, and linger long after the sun goes down.

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