Elegant Barbecue on a Budget

When you think of a barbecue you probably think of people gathered together in casual clothes and eating off paper plates on a picnic table. The idea of elegance doesn't usually come to mind. But does that mean a barbecue can't be elegant? Of course it can. With a little creativity and some simple personal touches, you can turn a backyard barbecue into an elegant affair.

Before you begin planning your event, take a moment to think about your vision, the look and feel you hope to capture, and most important, just how formal you want it to be. You can customize your barbecue to be anything from formal to just a step above casual. Everything you choose will be a product of your vision, so taking the time to develop your vision will be important in the end.

Once you have decided on a vision for your barbecue, spread the word. Most people will probably arrive dressed in shorts and a t-shirt if you do not let them know ahead of time that the event will be more formal. If you are only inviting a few people, you could let them know over the phone when you invite them. For a large group, mention that it will be a formal event in the invitation. Either way, it is important for both your guests and you should know what the expectation is before they RSVP. Otherwise you could create an uncomfortable situation for your guests the day of the event.

Next is the fun part - deciding how you are going to add your elegant touch to your barbecue. Believe it or not, doing something as simple as placing tablecloths on the picnic table and including centerpieces can add the special elegance you're looking for. You can have fun with this too. If you want the barbecue to be extremely formal, opt for white tablecloths. Otherwise, have fun with several different colors, or pick one color theme that you will use throughout.

For centerpieces, be as creative as your budget can allow. Fresh cut flowers that are in season can be a nice addition to any table setting. Also, potted plants, gift baskets containing summer items, or even crystals can add a special touch while being extremely affordable to include. These items may seem expensive, but you'd be surprised at how reasonably priced they are at a local craft store. Centerpieces add an extra touch of elegance to a table setting, so don't be afraid to be creative and have fun with them.

Now that you have added your special touch to your table, think about how you can make your backyard brilliant with decoration. Tiki torches, an outdoor fireplace (if you have one), balloons, and outdoor foliage can offer a pristine and inviting setting without cramping your budget. If you're feeling really creative, string Christmas lights around fences and shrubs to add a special glow to your setting. Setting the stage for an elegant barbecue means bringing together all of your indoor and outdoor decorations to create the perfect setting. So don't be afraid to try something new and fun that will capture the vision of your elegant event.

Lastly, the food you choose to serve can also set the stage for an elegant evening outside. Your traditional hamburger and hot dog could be just your style, or you could dress it up a bit by serving chicken marinated in Italian dressing, steak tips, or even an array of seafood such as scallop and shrimp kabobs, or a fish filet. These items may add that signature style and classic elegance you're looking for at your event. If you feel like experimenting, try something new, like a special side dish, or fun dessert that you can wow your guests with. A little creativity goes a long way, so bring out your personal taste with a feast that will complement your day.

When most people think of a barbecue, they think of jeans and a t-shirt, and hot dogs and hamburgers. Make your next barbecue an elegant event by adding your own personal touch to the setting and the meal. With a little time and effort, you can redefine what it means to have a barbecue, without hurting your bottom line.