Whether it's a holiday or just a regular weekend, there's no better way to enjoy some downtime with friends than to get together for a barbecue. And while we're all familiar with the format of the usual barbecue, which is definitely great on its own, by adding a few special touches you can host a barbecue that's truly spectacular.

How to Host a Barbecue That Will Amaze Your Friends

1. Stick With the Classics, but Add a Twist. You don't have to be a culinary-school-trained master-chef to pull off a really special barbecue spread. Instead, stick with the classics that happen to be your favorite food, whether it's burgers, hot dogs, coleslaw or fresh corn. But whatever you choose for your menu, go the extra mile by choosing recipes that add that extra something to the old standbys. That might mean offering lamb and feta burgers, or swapping out ballpark franks for some quality sausages. Dress up corn based on Mexican street style food and re-think coleslaw. Whatever you feel like making, there's a version out there that won't take a lot of additional work but will be a whole lot more impressive than just the usual.
2. Keep It Simple With a Punch Bowl. Barbecues and hot weather go hand in hand, which means your guests will be getting thirsty. The last thing you want to concern yourself with is making sure every guest has what they need to drink all day. Instead, pick one or two signature drinks and mix up a large batch for a punch bowl. Be sure to add plenty of ice and an appropriate garnish such as lemon slices or mint leaves to keep it looking pretty. Everyone enjoys a cooling glass of mint lemonade on a hot day.
3. Don't Forget the Games. Yeah, it's fun to just hang out with your friends enjoying great food, but kick up the entertainment factor by being prepared with some fun outdoor games. Some great options include Twister, corn hole, bocce and Frisbee.

Our Flagstaff apartments are the perfect spot for hosting a barbecue. Our building is equipped with outdoor grills as well as picnic areas that create the ideal spot to host a get-together. To learn more about why our residents love living at Pine View Village so much, get in touch.

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1. Make a self-serve cocktail station.

Even the best hosts have last-minute preparations to attend to, even as guests are already starting to arrive. Mix up a pitcher of ice-cold cocktails and display it on a table. Provide charming cocktail glasses and instruct everyone to help themselves while you finish up in the kitchen.

2. Plan an evening’s worth of music.

Different stages of your ultimate dinner party call for different types of music. Have several playlists ready, depending on whether you want light dinner music or dance music.

3. Have stories and anecdotes on hand.

Even the most interesting dinner parties in a Pine View Village apartment home may have lulls in conversation. Think about some unusual or humorous stories and anecdotes that you can share at the spur of the moment if the need arises.

4. Roll in the desert cart.

Prepare an assortment of some beautiful deserts and place them on a rolling cart. This will allow you to roll in the desert cart and serve all your guests at once, instead of traipsing back and forth from the dining room to the kitchen.

5. Arrange your apartment furniture to accommodate guests.

Your apartment furniture arrangement suits your needs for living, but you may need to temporarily arrange it differently to accommodate guests. Make sure you have enough seating for everyone, plenty of room for standing and mingling and a small area for impromptu dancing.

Now that you have your five tips, all you need is to start (e)mailing out invitations! Contact our office today to find your ultimate floor plan in Pine Valley apartment style!

The post 5 Tips for Throwing the Ultimate Dinner Party appeared first on Pine View Village Apartments Blog.