Backyard BBQ Inspiration {Part 1} - Tabletop & Buffet + FREE Printables

I'm so happy to share my backyard bbq bash as part of a BBQ Week Blog Hop, including a team of top entertaining experts.  You can see all the participants at the end, PLUS I'm sharing the printables used here by Paper & Pigtails, for FREE!

  

There's so much to share that I'm breaking this design into 2 posts.  The dessert table and welcome table is here, but first up is the tabletop and buffet display.  I wanted to create a party that would inspire you all summer long, including 4th of July, so naturally I went with red, white, & blue.  I love vintage details and this was the perfect occasion to pull out some of the many props I've collected, turning this into classic picnic meets vintage Americana.

The seated table is set rather simply, but the layering makes it more interesting to look at.  Three wooden planter boxes turned upside down act as a great base for recycled cans-turned-vases.  A quick tie of coordinating fabric and you instantly dress up the cans for any occasion.  Napkin pockets were made by folding a piece of fabric in half and hot gluing the 2 sides together.  I always use hot glue for fabric projects because it's just so much easier & quicker than setting up my sewing machine. 

I found a couple of fun accessories at Cracker Barrel Restaurant and knew I had to find a way to incorporate them.  The wooden triangle & peg puzzle definitely takes me back to my own childhood, and the 'faucet' dish is just so unique, I fell in love.  It's actually a soap dish but I put retro-style bubble gum in it and it looks great! 

Some ideas I incorporated into the food buffet are easy to do but add that extra pizazz!  I wanted to serve a classic menu but instead of doing full size burgers I like the idea of grilling up small sliders.  I don't know about you, but I usually fill up my plate with side dishes and a full size burger is just too much!  Plus you could have different burger recipes available for those who want more than 1 slider, or use my favorite "juicy burger" recipe. 

Baked beans are divided among small canning jars I found at Walmart.  They are a perfect serving size, holding a little more than 1/4 cup each, and guests can just grab and go - no messy drips from bowl to plate.

I also transferred condiments into pretty containers.  I love doing this and if there's one thing you can do to elevate the design of a party, it's serving your condiments in a lovely container.

Last, but not least, using canning jars for drinks is a classic and inexpensive idea.  Tie a tag on each jar so your guests can write their name on it and keep up with their own.

Now for a special treat for you all.  Kori of Paper & Pigtails has generously provided this printable set for FREE download here, so you can create your own backyard bash!!  This is exclusive to Celebrations At Home and includes:

• Circle "Thank You" tags (not shown)
• Circles with bbq-themed sayings (on top of bean jars)
• Editable tent cards (food labels)
• Write-in diamond tags (name tags on jars)
• Welcome sign (welcome table in part 2)

Now, please head over and visit these other incredible women as they share more ideas & tips to make your BBQ party the best one yet!

Coryanne at Housewife Bliss - How to Love Your BBQ

Jen at Second City Soiree - How To Grill a Pizza

Dawn at Party Blueprints- How to Host the Best BBQ on the Block

Sandy at Reluctant Entertainer - 12 Tips to Plan a Summer BBQ Dinner Party

Cynthia at The Daily Basics - Hello, Summer!

Cheri at The Intoxicologist - Ten 2-ingredient Cocktails