Backyard BBQ!

If you are already planning and preparing for one party why not make it TWO?!

It might sound nuts but that is exactly what we did. 

Mr. Wonderful wanted to have BBQ after the Backyard Bridal Shower and invite the spouses to join the fun. In the beginning I was not sure we could pull it off so I was hesitant however the hubs convinced me that he would do most of the cooking and preparation and that it would be "a piece of cake". Since he had put in so much time and effort helping with the shower it really was not a hard decision and since the bridal party happens to be almost all family and the head count would be within the social gathering guidelines we decided to do it. Once the Bridal Shower Invitations were finished and mailed I made another invitation to send out for the BBQ. 

As planned, the Backyard BBQ was much more casual than the Bridal Shower. 

 

We set up one our DIY Corn Hole yard games which the hubs made for our parents 60th Wedding Anniversary: We Still Do ~  BBQ last summer. 

To keep things simple we pre~wrapped the eating utensils with napkins and tied them together with a ribbon. One of our cute DIY hand sanitizers was placed nearby. 

Our menu consisted of smoked brisket which cooked all night, barbecued chicken, barbecued ribs and our favorite smoked baked beans, all of which the hubs cooked. Before the bridal shower guests arrived that morning the BBQ and Smoker were moved to the front of the house due to all the smoke they create. We rounded out the menu with homemade coleslaw, mixed fruit salad and rolls as well as Miss E's famous chocolate layer cake. 

Before everyone got back we moved all the tables that were used earlier at the shower. Instead of keeping them end to end which formed our long table we separated them and placed them side by side.  Then we added red and white checked tablecloth toppers to give the party a more casual look.  

To keep things simple I made little Ball Jar Lanterns for the tables. 

Once the sun went down I turned on the small flicker candle votives. 

It was so easy and a very fun way to end such a special day!

Happy Wednesday!