This spring, summer, or fall, invite your friends and family over for a fun outdoor BBQ. We’re dishing up crowd-pleasing BBQ meals and boozy beverages that will keep them happy all afternoon. Better than that? We’re sharing our go-to dining setup, cookout decorations, and entertaining ideas for all ages.
BBQ Party Ideas
Summer barbeques are a popular custom enjoyed by almost everyone. It’s a chance to spend time with friends and family, eat delicious cuisine, and enjoy the beauty of nature.
You can easily make an at-home BBQ that still feels festive for cheap, from imaginative ways to decorate your table to little things that are guaranteed to thrill all of your guests. You can hang attractive banners or fill clear balloons with red, white, and blue confetti for a playful accent that works indoors or out.

Stock up on BBQ staples and ask guests to bring sides. Also, select a lovely outfit that will look great in all of the Instagram photos you’ll be sharing.
Oh, and don’t forget this one: make some delectable cocktails and batch drink recipes for the whole family to enjoy. What do you think I’m talking about? The choices are endless—and you don’t have to spend a lot of money if you prepare ahead.
It’s more difficult to throw a BBQ when there’s a crowd, though. Feeding a large group of people is usually expensive, and making sure you have the essential condiments and beverages on hand may quickly add up.
After doing the calculations and looking up some basic money-saving methods, we can confidently state that a $100 summer BBQ is a possibility!
You can still keep under $100 for a group of 10-12 people if you don’t have the normal burger condiments on hand.
Budget BBQ Ideas
The premise is simple: throw a barbeque party for $10 or less per participant, including at least two meat options and beverages. Guests provide the sides in this situation.
Keep in mind that some of these costs may differ based on where you shop or which brands you choose, but the amounts should be quite close to what you’d find.
- Hamburger meat for 12 burgers: $16
- 2 packs of hamburger buns (16 buns total): $6
- 24 cheese slices: $3.48
- 8 hot dogs: $1
- 8 hot dog buns: $1
- A bag of tortilla chips: $3.18
- Mustard: $1.77
- Mayo: $2.50
- Ketchup: $2.50
- Homemade salsa: $1.51
- Meat seasoning: $2
- Homemade BBQ sauce: $2.13
- Bag of charcoal: $7
- Aluminum foil: $5.38
- 24-pack of soda: $12.99
- 12-pack of beer: around $10
- A bottle of wine: around $10
The total cost of all of these goods is little around $100. Your savings increase if you already have condiments in your fridge, are prepared to settle for a cheaper bottle of wine, or are willing to cook a couple more items on the list from scratch (such chips or ketchup).
Everyone’s favorite BBQ recipes and sides are going to be a little different, so mix and match according to your tastes and see if you can stay under $100.
You’re out of excuses now. Throw a fantastic summer BBQ for your family without blowing your wallet.
