Nothing says summer like the start of BBQ season! Take your BBQ parties to the next level, with these must-haves, tips and games for summer entertaining!
- Adults
- Big Groups
- Family
- Friends
- Games
- Just One
- Seasonal Favorites
- Skull
- Stranger Things – Attack of the Mind Flayer
- Teens
- Who's playing?
You know winter’s over when the May long weekend rolls around. It’s a time when the warm spring air comes alive with laughter, lively conversation, and the succulent scents of barbecue season!
Speaking of, here’s a list of must-haves for a great BBQ party!
1. People!
It’s no secret that the key to a successful BBQ is to gather with some amazing people! Whether these include family, friends, colleagues, neighbours, or maybe just your dog (no judgment here!); surround yourself with the ones your love and your BBQ is sure to be a success!
2. Good Food
While the standard weenie roast is OK, why not turn it up a notch and host a bring-your-own meat (or non-meat) night? Everyone brings their favourite grill fare and it’s smooth sailing. That way, the one that can’t stray from their fave mustard-ketchup combo weenie will be happy, and the other that want a different food option will also find things to their tasting, since they will bring it themselves! Everyone wins!
3. Refreshing Drinks
Staying hydrated is an important part of any sunny day! Whether your drinks have alcohol in them or not, that’s up to you. Here are a few game-themed drinks that will be sure to quench your thirst.
Inspired by our hit title, Splendor, a strategic and elegant gem-collection game, Lemonade Sapphire Blue Splendor is a refreshing mix of lemonade, blueberry syrup, and club soda (with a hint of gin if you want). Perfect for a hot summer day.
A cocktail/mocktail with a fabulous summer vibe, Jamaica freshwater is made with blue curaçao syrup, pineapple juice, passion fruit (and a splash of rhum if you so desire). Enjoy as you take on the role of a pirate as you race to gather goods in the tactical game, Jamaica!
With pineapple juice, vodka, triple sec and parfait amour, Azul Cocktail is an orangey and flowery mixed drink that just smells and tastes like summer. Perfect while playing the beautiful tile-placement game, Azul. Psst: for a mocktail option, you can replace the vodka with sparkling water, replace the triple sec with orange juice, and exchange the parfait amour with the flavoured syrup of your choice. ?
Check out the full recipes for these refreshing summer cocktails and mocktails in our latest issue of Game On! Magazine!
4. Good Music
What’s a BBQ without a banging playlist! Check out our suggestions here: BBQ Playlist.
5. Fun and Games!
Fire up the grill and break the ice! While you wait for the food, why not get the party started with some fun party kick-off questions, like:
– You are a hero. What’s your superpower?
– Window seat or aisle seat?
– If you could only eat one meal for the rest of your life, what would it be?
– Pineapple on pizza … yes, or no? ?
Easy to learn and play, party games make a great addition to any BBQ party! Check out our suggestions here!
Skull
Age: 10+ / Players: 3–6 / Duration: 15–30 minutes
This fast, tense, bluffing game challenges you to take risks and act tactically while you either hide the Skull among the flowers without getting caught … or uncover the flowers without uncovering the skull.
Just One
Age: 8+ / Players: 3–7 / Time: 15–30 minutes
Prefer something a little more “chill”? Just One is a cool, cooperative party game where players share hints to find as many mystery words as possible. Just don’t repeat another player’s clue, or you’re out.
Scatter
Age: 8+ / Players: 2+ / Time: Varies
Scatter is a backyard party classic! Just throw the dowel towards the targets (skittles) and try to score points. Sounds simple, right? Just wait until you see the competitive side of your guests come out ?
Stranger Things—Attack of the Mind Flayer
Age: 10+ / Players: 4–10 / Duration: 15–30 minutes
If your peeps are into TV, check out Stranger Things: Attack of the Mind Flayer. It will surely make you want to binge-watch the entire series again!
Whatever you choose for your BBQ fun, all that really counts is the people you spend the time with!
Find these and other great games, perfect for your summer BBQ at a store near you!
