You may be pulling out the Christmas tree storage bag to begin packing up the holidays, but the festivities aren’t over yet! Boxing Day is a beloved celebration known for its many traditions, most famous of which being festive barbecues hosted beachside. While a trip to the coast may not be in the cards this holiday season, hosting a backyard barbecue with plenty of fun in the sun is an innovative take on a classic celebration.
Pick Your Poison
What’s a warm-weather barbecue without some cold beer on hand? Treat the 18 and over crowd at your barbie to a diverse selection by stocking up on the full gamut of styles from stouts to porters to light and fruity blonde ales. You can even celebrate your national pride by serving outback classics like Victoria Bitters that pair deliciously with home-cooked barbecue dishes.
Of course, not every guest is a fan of beer. Spice up your adult beverage selection with Bloody Mary’s, sangrias, and other summer cocktail favorites. Customized deck furniture covers such as a patio table cover can be laid out for an easy to navigate and easier to clean bar station where guests can grab their beverage and mingle with ease.
Surf on Home Turf
The cuts you choose to toss on the barbie can make or break your Boxing Day fun. Having prime cuts of meat and seafood should be a top priority for the chef in residence. Here are a few tips for bringing summer-inspired flavors to life on your grill top:
- If you’re planning on serving up ribs, don’t be afraid to be picky when purchasing your slab. At the butcher’s, go for the cut with the least amount of fat and most evenly distributed marbling. This way you can be sure your barbie’d ribs come out flawless. Also slow cook them first, 3-4 hours at 250° in your oven (or with the grill lid closed). Then turn up the heat and finish them with a nice, fall-off-the-bone char.
- Grilling up seafood is a great way to bring the beach vibes to your backyard. Keep things exciting by opting for less conventional seafood offerings, such as chili prawns or grilled crabs you and your guests can enjoy cracking open on a patio table cover.
- Remember that the grill isn’t just for meats. Side dishes such as baked potatoes, grilled corn, and roasted veg will balance out a meat or fish-heavy meal.
Life’s a Beach
Bringing the beach to your backyard is a breeze with the right decor and touches of ambiance. Opt for nautical or tropical color schemes that bring to mind crisp waves and warm sands. Personalized chair covers can be adorned with festive graphics celebrating a beach-inspired Boxing Day.
Sand and surf games will get your guests in a beach-side state of mind without having to take a trip to the shore. Install a backyard volleyball set for some friendly net competition or set up some cornhole boards that will keep guests entertained while you tend to the barbie.
Sweeties for the Sweet
A Boxing Day BBQ feast simply isn’t complete without a finale of delicious desserts. Feel free to get creative and don’t limit your sweet offerings to the standard dessert fare.
- Stick to your beachy theme with creative desserts like beach sand pudding and rasberry peach popsicles that combine the fun of the shore with the sweet flavors of the holiday season. This is the perfect time to lay out your deck furniture covers to keep sticky sweet mess at bay.
- Set up a sundae-making station for kids and kids at heart to unleash their culinary creativity. Protective chair covers are a must for this messy activity for any chair not in use, along with sundae supplies like sprinkles, chocolate syrup, and bananas for splits.
Spread the Joy
One of the most beloved traditions of Boxing Day is that of giving back to the community. From your post carrier to your garbage collector, there are plenty of essential workers in your life that deserve recognition and something special on this unique holiday.
Get your barbecue guests involved in giving back by encouraging them to bring gifts, tips, or even home cooked meals and treats that can be collected at your celebration and distributed through the web of service workers that keep your community running smoothly. A little bit of gratitude goes a long way, especially in the hustle and bustle of the holiday season.
Safety First
While your Boxing Day celebration may be focused on having fun in the sun, safety should still be a top hosting priority. With summer being the dry season, following fire safety regulations is especially important. Check your region’s current fire safety regulations regarding open flame grills. Keeping tabs on weather conditions and local restrictions allows you to prepare a backup plan if open flames are prohibited, such as having BBQ meals catered in.
Ensure the safety of your younger guests by keeping them away from the grill when in use, and always have a fire extinguisher and fire pit covers on hand in case of an emergency. Giving your grill a thorough cleaning prior to your Boxing Day celebration cuts down on any chance of a burning mishap that could lead to an errant flame.
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