Planning the Best Barbecue

It’s a summer classic: a barbecue. People love to host them, people love to go to them, and they’re a great way to combine food, fun, and perfect summer weather. But what if you live in an apartment and still crave that authentic barbecue experience? You could get lucky and start with an apartment community already equipped with everything you need like 82 Flats at the Crossing, luxury apartments in Indianapolis. There are also some tricks to make it work at your apartment or elsewhere. Check out our top tips for planning your summer barbecue! 

#1: Choose the Right Location

This is the trickiest part if you’re living in an apartment community. Residents at 82 Flats at the Crossing enjoy access to a grilling cabana with ideal space for hosting a fabulous get-together. You should definitely start by checking your community for communal spaces that may work so you don’t have to transport too much, but if there’s no other option, do some research about local parks that may have picnic areas with grills or pavilions you can rent for a reasonable price. Whatever direction you choose, your space will dictate the size of your guest list, so make sure you have enough room for everyone. 

#2: Make the Menu

You may be scratching your head wondering how you can barbecue from an apartment. If you have access to a grill, then you’re set, but if not, there are some clever workarounds. There are plenty of indoor grill grates that you can easily set up on an average cooktop. You can also go for the slow-cooked meat option and stick with crockpots full of favorites like barbecue shredded chicken and wings. It will give you the right flavors without the hassle of hunting down a grill. Next, add some sides and drinks to round out your menu. Be sure to plan for adults and/or children, depending on your guest list, as well as any dietary restrictions. You can also ask for guests to pitch in, but be sure to let them know how many people are attending and any allergies or dietary restrictions, too. 

#3: Setup for Success

The best barbecue location and menu will utterly fail if you don’t have your space set up with everything you need. Some everyday items you may forget are: 

• Utensils
• Napkins
• Plates for both snacks and mealtime
• Bowls
• Ice for drinks
• Propane or charcoal for the grill (if using one)
• Serving spoons, tongs, and forks
• Toppings and condiments
• Adequate seating
• Trash and recycling containers
• Tablecloths (cuts down on mess and saves cleanup time)

#4: Plan for the Unexpected

Let’s face it. Every plan can be foiled by something unexpected. The most obvious one for a barbecue is bad weather. You have a few options. First, you can plan ahead with a space that already accounts for the average rainstorm. The grilling cabana at 82 Flats at the Crossing has a roof overhead already along with seating. Second, you can bring the party inside as long as your menu lets you pivot quickly to indoor cooking. Third, you can absolutely postpone if you give your guests enough notice. Another unexpected intruder at your barbecue may be ants, mosquitoes, or even sun. Have some simple solutions available to guests like scented candles that deter pests, bug spray, and sunscreen. One more element that may stop the fun is a surprise: darkness. Your party could definitely keep going after the sun sets, so plan for some portable lighting like battery-powered table lamps. (We suggest avoiding all candles for safety!)

#5: Have Entertainment Options

It’s hard to create a party atmosphere without some kind of entertainment. You have a few natural options. One of the easiest is to grab a Bluetooth speaker and put on your favorite music. You could do a proper playlist, go by genre, or even pick a theme like “hits from our teens.” Other options include cornhole, cards, or any group game. If you live at 82 Flats at the Crossing, your guests can enjoy the incredible resort-style saltwater pool. You could even take it to the next level with a theme and costume competition or raffle. Just remember to have fun! 

Are you looking for Indianapolis luxury apartments that make it easy to host the perfect barbecue? Find that and much more at 82 Flats at the Crossing near Keystone at the Crossing. Our [https://www.82flats.com/amenities amenities] include not only the grilling cabana, lounge, and pool but also a cyber cafe, a game room with TVs and shuffleboard, a state-of-the-art fitness center, and more. Call for leasing information: 855-566-1097