Summer in Colorado is made for sunshine, great food, and even better company! There’s no better way to enjoy it all than with a backyard BBQ. Whether you’re entertaining friends, family, or neighbors, hosting a successful BBQ is about more than just firing up the grill. It’s about creating an atmosphere where people feel welcome, relaxed, and ready to make memories.
If you’re in Erie, Broomfield, or Lafayette, you have the perfect advantage access to amazing local farmers markets that make your BBQ menu shine. Fresh produce, artisan breads, and locally made sauces from these markets can turn your summer gathering into a true Colorado feast.
Create an Inviting Space
First impressions set the tone. Before your guests arrive, tidy up your backyard, mow the lawn, and add comfortable seating. String lights, lanterns, or candles can make the evening feel magical once the sun sets. If you have a patio or deck, arrange seating to encourage conversation, and don’t forget a shady area for those who want to stay cool.
Plan a Menu for All Tastes
The grill might be the star of the show, but variety keeps everyone happy. Offer a mix of proteins - burgers, brats, grilled chicken, or veggie kebabs and side dishes like corn on the cob, pasta salad, and fresh watermelon. Consider dietary preferences with vegetarian or gluten-free options. Pro tip: prep as much as you can in advance so you can spend more time mingling with guests.
Keep Drinks Cold and Accessible
Set up a drink station or fill a large cooler with ice so guests can easily help themselves. Include a mix of options: sparkling water, lemonade, iced tea, local craft beer, or a signature summer cocktail. Don’t forget to keep plenty of water on hand, especially on hot days.
Add Fun Activities
Good food and conversation are a given, but games and activities can take your BBQ to the next level. Think cornhole, ladder toss, giant Jenga, or a simple frisbee toss. If kids will be there, have bubbles, chalk, or a sprinkler ready to keep them entertained.
Embrace the Local Flavor
We’re lucky to live in a place with incredible local farms, markets, and craft makers. Incorporate local produce, bakery bread, or Colorado-made BBQ sauces into your menu. It’s a great way to support the community and start conversations.
If you’re in Erie, Broomfield, or Lafayette, summer farmers markets are a must-visit before your BBQ. The Erie Farmers Market offers farm-fresh vegetables, fruits, baked goods, and artisan products every week. In Broomfield, the seasonal market features local honey, grass-fed meats, and fresh-cut flowers. And in Lafayette, you’ll find a vibrant mix of organic produce, local cheeses, and handmade treats that will make your BBQ menu truly unforgettable. Stopping by one of these markets is not only a great way to shop fresh - it’s a way to infuse your gathering with the flavors and spirit of our local community.
Keep It Comfortable
Provide sunscreen and bug spray for guests, especially if you’ll be outside into the evening. If it gets chilly after dark, have a basket of blankets or an outdoor heater ready. Little touches like this show your guests you’ve thought of everything.
End on a Sweet Note
No BBQ is complete without dessert. Think easy-to-serve options like fruit salad, brownies, s’mores over a fire pit, or homemade ice cream. Or, make it even easier by picking up a treat from a beloved local bakery - like a fresh pie from Pirate’s Bakery in Erie, a box of buttery cookies from Lala’s Bakery in Broomfield, or a seasonal tart from Button Rock Bakery in Lafayette. Bringing a local bakery favorite to the table not only supports small businesses, it also adds a sweet, hometown touch your guests will love.
Hosting With Heart in Erie, Broomfield, and Lafayette
At Rhae Group Realty, we know that a backyard is more than just a patch of grass - it’s where memories are made, friendships grow, and life is enjoyed. Whether you’re hosting a summer BBQ, gardening, or simply relaxing on a quiet evening, the right backyard can make all the difference.
If you’re ready to find a home with an outdoor space perfect for entertaining and ideally located near Erie, Broomfield, or Lafayette’s farmers markets and bakeries - we’d love to help you find it.
Ready to find your dream backyard? Contact us today to start your search.