So you’re ready to have friends over for a Texas backyard BBQ. You’ve got the socially distanced seating, tracked the weather, and have the food together. I did, too, but I still had a couple of outdoor get togethers flop. Below, I’ve compiled what I learned + some tips for outdoor party success here in North Texas.

5 Texas Backyard BBQ Fails to Avoid

1) Not adequately preparing for bugs

So I painted my picnic table bright yellow…now it looks like pollen. Massive BBQ fail number one. In North Texas, we are dealing with wasps, flies, mosquitoes, and soon to come: June bugs.

Tips for keeping the bugs away:

• Keep the food covered! Pop-up mesh tents, a vintage metal strainer, hand towels, or even paper towels will do the job. But you’ll want to keep the food covered up!
• Use MULTIPLE bug-avoidance devices.
  -Citronella candles or torches (kept away from little hands).
  -Bug traps, mosquito repellent machines/zappers, and water bags with pennies.
  -Plants (citronella, mint, catnip, basil, thyme, lemongrass, marigolds, geraniums are all good options, and again, you’ll want multiples).
  -Keep a fan running on low; box fans in multiple spots work really well.
  -Make sure there is no standing water in the backyard or leftover meat on the grill for at least a week before the gathering if you can.
  -Mosquito repellent (spray, lotion, oils, bracelets, or stickers).

2) Don’t keep the sunscreen or bug spray too close to the food!

We all know that at least one kid is going to grab that bug spray when you aren’t looking and “spray it MYSELF, Mom,” which will inevitably get ALL over the food.

Tips for bug spray & sunscreen:

• Have the spray/lotion set up on a table on the other side of the gate or at the front door
• Keep some baby wipes on the station so that guests can wipe their hands after applying the sunscreen and bug spray!

3) Forgetting that lighting is important on long Summer nights

When you’re inside, you don’t have to worry about the sun setting and the conversation lingering, but when you’re outside it becomes a top priority!

Tips for lighting:

• Make sure you have lighting. The strands of light are cute, but is there really enough light?
• Remember that bugs are attracted to the lights (Tip: they’re not as attracted to yellow lights or LED as other types)
• Dusk is a great time to utilize those bug candles!

4) Not having ice and fans!

Texas is hot, y’all! Need I say more?

Tips for keeping it cool:

• Fans serve multiple purposes: keeping guests cooler and the bugs away. Little mini spray fans are a great option!
• Cool foods are also a good idea. Munching on fruit is an excellent way to stay cool.
• Keep some ice out available for drinks, or to munch on, as well as in the cooler to keep the drinks cold.

5) Serving food that needs to be cut or shared.

I thought I had planned all the food to be finger food…well, most of it was pizza. But then my toddler asked me to cut up her slice. The plastic fork broke into many pieces and the plate of food went flying…insert facepalm here.

Tips for easier meals:

• Consider keeping everything simple, recyclable, and disposable. And, it’s so important to remember that social distancing is still recommended even outside. Some people may only be comfortable meeting if there is plenty of space and you all bring your own food.
• It might be more comfortable to have individual servings of things.
• Just say no to anything that needs to be cut if you are using plastic ware.

Great BBQ Meal Ideas

– Really want to do steak? Try a veggie and steak/chicken kabob instead! Just don’t let the kids use them as swords.
– Try these Caprese salad bites (or get creative with any appetizer on a toothpick!)
– Here are some different sandwich station ideas for bread rolls
– July 4th outdoor Finger Foods, including a burger on a toothpick!
– OR if you want to be like me and just order pizza, here are some great Collin County choices!

What are your favorite backyard BBQ tips?