There’s nothing quite like the smoky aroma of barbeque as it drifts through the warm air on a summer’s evening. The season is made for joining with friends and family to enjoy long, laughter-filled cookouts under a starry sky. When it comes to throwing a truly unforgettable BBQ party, adding a Texas twist makes all the difference. We’re talking tender and juicy smoked meats, ice-cold refreshments, and upbeat music on a humid Houston night.
Whether you’re an experienced barbeque host or planning your first cookout, this guide will walk you through the essentials for throwing a private summer BBQ party with plenty of Southern charm and all the trimmings. From picking the perfect venue to finalizing your drinks list, here you’ll find all the BBQ party planning tips necessary to pull off a truly memorable gathering!
Choose the Perfect Venue
Choosing the right venue is key to any successful BBQ. Throwing a backyard bash offers home comforts and familiarity, and you can bring your own summer BBQ party ideas to the proceedings. However, it also means that you are responsible for handling most details yourself, from seating arrangements to entertainment to cleaning up at the end of the night. Choosing a venue, on the other hand, provides extra support staff, catering, amenities, and a ready-made ambiance, freeing you up to let your hair down.
Meet Goode Co.’s The Armadillo Palace — one of Houston’s most legendary outdoor private venues. Brimming with Texas hospitality, the venue offers everything you could ask for in a party destination, including shaded outdoor spaces, authentic Texan décor, and music to get you two-stepping the night away. The venue’s legendary smoked meats set the standard, with private event packages that include dedicated staff, live entertainment, and versatile spaces that accommodate groups of all sizes. Whether you and your guests want to party under the stars or cool off in covered patios, The Armadillo Palace has you covered with convenience and cowboy flair in spades.
Build Your Guest List and Send Invites
When planning your guest list, it’s essential to consider the space you have available and how much food you can realistically prepare or order. As a rule of thumb, a mixed seated and standing crowd requires 8 feet per person, and if you’re going all-out Texas style, you should budget for half a pound of meat per person, at a minimum.
Once your list is squared away, you can have some fun with the invitations. Why not introduce a little western flair to set the tone from the very start? Whether you go with printed card invites, with images of cacti and cowboy boots, or digital invites with animated lasso GIFs, fun imagery will draw your guests’ attention and make them excited to attend. Check out platforms like Paperless Post or Canva, which make it easy to customize digital invitations that reflect your BBQ theme.
Create Your Menu
A mouthwatering menu is the most important item on any summer BBQ checklist. In Texas, a delicious spread should feature classic smoked brisket, juicy pork ribs, spicy sausage, and an array of tasty and tangy condiments. Add to these classic sides, such as jalapeño cornbread, zesty coleslaw, and creamy mac and cheese. And don’t forget sweet treats like peach cobbler or pecan pie to round off the meal with a delicious dessert.
Vegetarians and guests with dietary preferences will like grilled veggie skewers, black bean burgers, or hearty salads with tasty dressings. You can keep kids happy with mini sliders, hot dogs, and fruit cups.
If you want to enjoy the party rather than operate the grill all day, Goode Company BBQ has got you covered. The on-site BBQ options at The Armadillo Palace mean you can serve up authentic Texas barbeque without lifting a finger—except to raise your fork!
Plan for Entertainment
Food may be the main attraction when hosting a BBQ in Houston, but great entertainment turns a successful gathering into a real celebration. Starting with the music, live bands bring a high-energy atmosphere, while DJs or carefully curated playlists can keep things flowing and change the dynamics from a relaxed afternoon to a full-on rowdy evening.
Add some favorite lawn games, like cornhole and horseshoes, for a little friendly competition throughout the night. Or, if you want to take the action up a notch, hire a mechanical bull as an unforgettable feature that never fails to bring hilarity to the party.
As the night gets into full swing, why not capture some memories with a photo booth or Western-themed backdrop? Add some props into the mix, like cowboy hats, lassos, cacti, and bandanas for added fun with a Texas twist.
Set the Scene with Decor and Atmosphere
Wondering about the right choice of decor for your summer BBQ party? Go rustic with gingham tablecloths, and centerpieces made of wildflowers in mason jars. String lights overhead to transition to a glowing evening ambiance.
Goode Company’s The Armadillo Palace naturally offers the look and feel of a true Texas celebration. With weathered wood beams, vintage signage, and that signature Houston honky-tonk energy, the venue requires minimal effort to feel just right. You are welcome to bring a few personal touches, like candles or decorations, to your summer BBQ event, to make our venue your own.
Don’t Forget the Drinks
A proper BBQ party needs a solid drink station. It’s best to offer a range of options, such as signature cocktails like “spiked” whiskey lemonade or Texas mules, a choice of local craft beers, and non-alcoholic staples like sweet tea, lemonade, and fruit juices.
A self-serve bar or drink station keeps things casual and convenient. Use galvanized tubs to keep bottles ice-cold, and label drinks with chalkboard signs to add a touch of charm.
Want to step things up a level? The Armadillo Palace bar services include custom beverage options, expert bartenders, and a full selection of Texas brews and spirits. Let the team help you build a drink menu that perfectly complements your meal and delights your guests.
Have a Rain Plan
Summer weather can be unpredictable, so be sure to have a contingency plan for sudden showers. Consider hiring a tent, setting up umbrellas or shades, or having an indoor backup space ready if the heavens decide to open.
Thankfully, The Armadillo Palace is built with Texas weather in mind. With covered patios, shaded courtyards, and plenty of indoor sheltered spaces, your party won’t miss a beat if the skies decide to change. The on-site event team will help you adapt your event plan to keep the party going, rain or shine.
Figuring out how to plan a summer BBQ party doesn’t have to be stressful. With the right venue, an awesome menu, lively entertainment, and by keeping these ideas for a summer BBQ party in mind, you can host an event that your guests will remember long after the table has been cleared and the floor swept.
If you are after a hassle-free and unforgettable experience, Goode Co.’s The Armadillo Palace offers the ultimate setting for your summer BBQ party. Get in touch today to experience the best Texas barbeque, live music, friendly staff, and an authentic Texas vibe. So what are you waiting for? Fire up your next BBQ party and let the good times roll!