How To Throw The Best Backyard BBQ For Father’s Day

Celebrate the dads in your life with these easy tips to throw an unforgettable backyard BBQ for Father’s Day.

*As an Amazon affiliate, I earn from qualifying purchases at no extra cost to you. My blog contains other affiliate links as well for your convenience. To learn more, you may read my Disclosure Policy. Thank you for supporting my blog!

This post was originally published on May 23, 2023. Last updated on June 1, 2024

Celebrating Dad With A Father’s Day BBQ

They say the key to a man’s heart is through his stomach. So what better way to celebrate the dads in your life than by hosting a Father’s Day BBQ?

And that is just what my blogging friends Anne, AnnMarie, Michele, Rachel, Stacy, and I are doing for the latest edition of supper club.

If you are new to our supper club parties, here is a quick backstory on how this monthly blog series began.

The idea for our virtual supper club started more than two years ago during the height of the pandemic. Since gathering in person wasn’t an option, sharing ideas for planning fun and unique themed dinners at home was the next best thing. And so our little supper club was born.

You can see some of our past supper club parties, menus, and entertaining ideas here.

Each month, we also invite a guest blogger to join us, and I am happy to welcome back my sweet friend Pasha from Pasha is Home.

I hope you will take a few minutes to swing by her blog, say hi, and see how she styled her relaxing poolside Father’s Day tablescape.

Welcome To Midwest Life And Style

Whether you are an old friend or this is your first time visiting, I am so glad you found my little corner of the web.

For those who are new, here, welcome! I’m Jen, a wife, mom of two, and the one-woman show behind this blog.

You will find a bit of everything here at MWLS. From thrifty DIYs to recipes, decor styling tips, and more. I love to share about all the things that make a house a home.

If you are not already a member of the MWLS family, I would love to have you subscribe and join me!

You will get emails and weekly updates on all the latest happenings here on the blog and on my other social channels. Plus you will get exclusive access to my full library of free printables.

But that’s enough about me. Let’s dive in and break down my tips to throw the best backyard BBQ for Father’s Day.

How To Throw The Best Backyard BBQ For Father’s Day

Today I’m sharing everything you need to know to host a fun and fabulous backyard BBQ for Father’s Day. From how to choose a theme to tips for setting the table and what foods to cook for the BBQ.

This post covers all the bases to help you celebrate the amazing dads in your life and make your job as host as stress-free as possible!

Tips To Pick A Dad-Approved Backyard BBQ Spot

To create the perfect atmosphere for your Father’s Day BBQ, first, think about where in your backyard the party will be hosted. Will your guests of honor dine on the deck, patio, poolside, or near the garden?

Since our patio is not the most spacious outdoor entertaining space, I decided that a spot on the lawn near the garden would serve as the backdrop for our backyard BBQ.

Our lawn has become my go-to entertaining space over the years for backyard parties including a Hawaiian luau, a summer BBQ served family style, and my Midwest spin on a low country boil.

How To Choose The Perfect Theme For Your Father’s Day BBQ

To choose the perfect theme for your Father’s Day BBQ, consider selecting a party idea that resonates with your dad’s interests or hobbies. Watching baseball, golfing, fishing, grilling, and more. Any sport or activity that your dad loves is sure to be a hit.

Or, if you find yourself stumped for Father’s Day decor ideas you can use my all-time favorite tip…gather inspiration to help spark your creative vision.

Which is exactly what I did to create my rustic Father’s Day BBQ tablescape.

Elements Of A Rustic Backyard BBQ To Celebrate Dad

Using inspiration images from Pinterest and a few tablescape decor staples, including a tabletop chalkboard and some chunky galvanized candle holders, I settled on creating a relaxing and rustic Father’s Day tablescape.

Using hues of blue, gray, and white, I set a casual and laid-back table. By choosing a neutral theme I feel confident that this backyard BBQ setting would be well-received by all the dads in my life.

Side note: I am lucky to be blessed with many fantastic father figures including, my in-laws, my own dad, and of course, my favorite dad to celebrate on Father’s Day, my husband, Kirk.

So what decor items are essential for styling a rustic Father’s Day BBQ? Here are 4 must-have pieces:

1. Galvanized Metal

The durable and weather-resistant nature of galvanized metal makes it perfect for outdoor settings.

I already mentioned the candle holders that I used as part of the centerpiece for my BBQ tablescape.

Some other examples of galvanized items that can add a rustic touch to your tablescape include aged metal chargers like these ones.

And these galvanized napkin rings not only provide functionality but also create a cohesive look that complements the natural surroundings.

And finally, utensil buckets make it easy for your guests to help serve themselves.

2. Weathered Wood

Weathered wood elements like my tabletop chalkboard menu, or simple chargers are an easy way to give your table setting an aged and casual look.

You could also use mini wood chalkboards to create place cards with your guests’ names and add a personal touch.

3. Natural Elements

Create a no-fuss centerpiece using fresh flowers from the grocery store. Or, forage flowers from your own backyard.

Trader Joe’s is my ultimate favorite when it comes to fresh flowers. Their selections and prices are hard to beat!

Use mason jars as vases for that rustic touch. Add some decorative candles or lanterns to create an intimate atmosphere.

4. Lights

Solar lights have a magical way of infusing a rustic charm into any outdoor dining space.

Suspended from tree branches or nestled amidst your Father’s Day centerpiece, their soft illumination creates an inviting ambiance if your backyard BBQ party lasts into the dark evening hours.

I picked up some of these blue solar lanterns from Joann and have linked a similar round tabletop solar lantern here.

Of course, I failed to capture a photo of the lanterns lit up a night (oops)! But, amidst the aged wood decor, galvanized accents, and lush greenery of our bushes, these solar lights become the perfect finishing touch.

Keep It Casual: How To Set The Table For A Father’s Day BBQ

When you throw a backyard BBQ for Father’s Day, keep the place settings simple and casual.

Start by choosing a tablecloth and napkins (like these navy cotton napkins and gray plaid napkins) that coordinate with your theme.

And don’t be afraid to get creative with your folding. Aren’t the blue bowtie-shaped napkins cute? I think they add a fun and unique masculine touch to the table.

Next, create layers with the essentials such as these blue dinner plates and these festive blue and white plaid salad plates.

You can also consider using disposable tableware like these brown kraft paper food boats.

Just throw them away when your Father’s Day BBQ shindig is done for a hassle-free clean-up, so you can spend more time mingling in the backyard and less time in the kitchen washing dishes.

Remember to include glassware for drinks like your dadssti’s favorite beer or soda.

And finally, don’t forget to include condiments, seasonings, and any other necessary items within easy reach!

What Should I Serve For A BBQ Party?

You’ve chosen a theme, added some decor., and set the place settings. All that’s left to do is choose your menu. But what types of food should you serve at your party?

The menu is the heart of any BBQ. Tailor it to your dad’s tastes and preferences, and don’t forget to include some crowd-pleasers.

Here are some mouthwatering menu ideas to help you throw the best Father’s Day backyard BBQ:

Father’s Day Appetizers

Fresh Herb Dip | Deviled Eggs 2 Ways

Simple And Delicious Sides

Creamy Broccoli Salad | Classic Fruit Salad

Cucumber Pasta Salad | Creamy Bacon Ranch Pasta Salad

Classic BBQ Fare

Steak and Vegetable Kabobs | Peach Glazed Pork Loin and Potatoes

Smoked Country Style Pork Ribs | Shredded BBQ Chicken with Creamy Coleslaw

Delicious Summer Desserts

No-Bake Lemon Berry Cheesecake Cups | Triple Berry Crisp

Old Fashioned Strawberry Peach Crisp | Smores Cookie Bars

How To Throw The Best Backyard BBQ For Father’s Day

And that’s it. All my best tips to help you throw an unforgettable backyard BBQ for Father’s Day this year.

If you’d like to recreate the look, I’ve linked all of the items I used to style my Father’s Day BBQ below for easy shopping. Or, if you have questions about any of the items I used, leave me a message in the comments

More Father’s Day Tablescape Ideas

Thanks for stopping by! I hope that these ideas help you prep for Father’s Day so you celebrate all the special dads in your life and throw the best backyard BBQ yet!

As always, be sure to check out all of this month’s party inspiration, linked below.

Then don’t forget to check out our full Father’s Day BBQ menu! With drinks, desserts, and everything in between! This menu has something that every dad will love.

Xo,

More Father’s Day Tablescape Ideas

Bricks ‘n Blooms | Vintage Home Designs | Midwest Life and Style

Simply 2 Moms | Pasha Is Home | The Ponds Farmhouse

Did You Enjoy this Post? PIN It for Later!