50th birthday bbq

harvestmoon

I have finally agreed to celebrate my 50th birthday with a bbq at the house. I am expecting around 30 people and am obviously very anxious that it should be a great success. I was wondering if, apart from the obvious food to be cooked - if anyone could let me have a list of 'must haves' in order to make sure all my friends leave feeling happy eg salad. I'm compiling a list and would appreciate any advice.
Have any of you left a party saying 'that was great'?
What made it great?
Also - the opposite - anyone leave saying,'it would have been better if......'?
Many thanks in advance.
Any preparation in advance tips would be useful too - ( you can tell I dont do this often !!)

seashore321

Drinks as you arrive are good. Champagne is great but you can do a bucks fizz with cheaper CAVA or something. Sticka strawberry in to float on top (or sink to the bottom). Obviously not if you put orange juice in! Have them all ready so when people arrive they are not waiting for a drink.

Strawberries are fantastic for a sweet as you can get them ready in advance and with lots of cream they are very decadent. Cut all strawberries in half add a good slurp of champagne (or CAVA and a bit of sugar and you get a lovely juice in the bottom.)

All you need is plenty of food drink and good music. Make sure there are loads of places to sit or easy standing room in the kitchen. Bitesize food so people do not feel uncomfortable as in have to put glasses down and perch on arms of chairs etc. Good idea is to have certain people serving drinks and food for you so you can enjoy it. Big plates with waiters wafting around always looks good on the telly so do it yourself. Most importantly look relaxed if you aren't they won't be. Enjoy you deserve it.

southwestmaid

I would say get some family/friends to help you on the night with cooking/serving food and drink so that you can relax and enjoy your party.

As its a bbq plan for a rainy day (just in-case) the last big bbq we had we put up a small gazebo in the garden with a couple of table and chairs and strung some outdoor lights around it.

As seashore says, plenty of food,drink and good music.

luckylukey

As someone who bbq'a frequently, I would say:
meat (check for vegetarians - there are lots of lovely bbq things you can make for them)
drinks (lots of ice )
salads
nibbles while the meat is cooking and get any available kids to offer them to your guests
seating (or blankets on the patio/lawn if not enough chairs)
music
something light for pudding
citronella/bug spray for later to minimise biting
outdoor candles/lights for later

But most importantly, if people offer help take it and have a lovely day!

quickstepqueen

Agree with all above. Make sure drink is freely available. One BBQ I went to they had cans and bottles in big bins of ice outside and you just helped yourself. (As opposed to having someone serve it...Made it more relaxed.)
Have a variety of music and perhaps blankets for the evening when it gets a bit cooler. There's always someone that arrived in a skimpy top and is freezing by 10pm! That way the party can still continue outside (esp. if you don't want 30 guests inside your house.)

Also...do have lots of loo roll in your bathroom on display. there is nothing more embarrassing than using the last of the loo roll and having to find the hostess to let her know it needs changing. Same with towels...leave plenty about for drying of hands.

harvestmoon

thanks to you all for your advice - noted and much appreciated! I have had lots of offers of help and intend to accept. never gave the loo foll and towels a thought - what a good idea.
thanks for all your good wishes.

traceya89

there are some new drink fountains around, similar to chocolate fountains. You could make some cocktails and put it in the drinks fountain

moj1966

A choclate foutain is a must with fruit to dip in.