Skip to Content

The Best Backyard B B Q Setup

Do you love a Backyard B B Q? Today, I’m sharing how we have set up an Outdoor B B Q area around the outdoor kitchen and how to set a table for an outdoor cookout.

My husband loves to grill, and a lot of attention has been paid to our outdoor cookout dining area. It’s the perfect spot to host a cookout or low-country boil.

However, today’s tips will give you some great ideas for making your own party fun and entertaining for your guests.

The Best Backyard B B Q Setup

We can easily set up a party or cookout around the grill since we have two grills and two smokers in our outdoor kitchen. Here, we have set the table close to the grill for an easy, laid-back B B Q and outdoor cookout atmosphere.

Outdoor BBQ Table Setting with Free Outdoor Centerpiece idea and fun thrifted dinnerware.  Quilt tablecloth

(Posts on The Ponds Farmhouse may contain affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. See the full disclosure details here.)


How Do You Spell BBQ?

How do you spell BBQ? That may sound funny, but really, there are so many variations of Bar-b-que, and it can be very confusing. Therefore, for today’s purposes, I chose BBQ, which is actually just an abbreviation for the correct spelling. Good luck deciding which is correct barbeque or barbecue.

Here are some of the variations I found on Google.

  • B B Q
  • Bar-b-que
  • Bar-b-q
  • Barbeque
  • Barbecue
  • Barbie

When you look for variations of these words, can you guess what you find?

  • Cookout
  • Grill Out
  • Wiener Roast
  • Picnic
  • Charcoal Grill
  • Cook Meal Outside
  • Grilling
  • And So Many More.

How Do You Hold A Backyard B B Q?

There is some debate over whether there is a difference between a Backyard B-B-Q, Grilling Out, and Outdoor Cookout. In the South, they are interchangeable terms because if you light up the grill, you can call it whatever you choose, and your guests will come.

To plan your own party, all you need is a grill, something to throw on the grill, extra sides, and a fun table setting.

You can plan to prepare all the food or make it more of a potluck dinner party. You provide the grilled main course and let your guests provide the appetizers, sides, and desserts, much like our monthly Supper Club menus, which we will be sharing on Saturday.

The Outdoor Kitchen – Backyard B B Q Setup

The outdoor kitchen was previously a cinder box cabin that was so dilapidated we considered bulldozing it down. However, inspiration sparked just in the nick of time, and we converted it into an entertaining area in front of our first pond.

It’s the perfect spot for an outdoor B B Q or cookout. For more details see DIY Outdoor Kitchen Before and After.

Mini Golden Doodle waiting for Supper Club with Backyard BBQ theme outdoor cookout or outdoor B B Q

Supper Club – Monthly Themed Table Setting Ideas

This month we are all sharing a Backyard BBQ Themed Table Setting. If you are joining us for the first time, we are a group of friends who love to entertain, and when entertaining in person wasn’t recommended last year, we started a virtual supper club in January 2021.

Each month, we choose a theme for our dinner tables, which we post on the 4th Thursday of each month.

Next, we each share a recipe to complete the meal on the 4th Saturday.

Each month, we have one guest blogger join us, and I’m so excited that Kim from Shiplap and Shells is our guest for July. If you are hopping over from Kim’s Quick & Easy Summer Barbecue Table, welcome. She has such a beautiful setting for any outdoor party, and I know you loved her table.

Setting the Outdoor Table with budget-friendly options

The inspiration for this outdoor BBQ table was a recent thrifted quilt and the flowers blooming around the outdoor kitchen.

The quilt’s cheerful colors reminded me of an outdoor picnic, and I thought it would be perfect for this table. Then I looked around the outdoor kitchen, and all the blooms were just waiting for me to add them to this Easy and free Table Centerpiece. I shared the centerpiece tutorial on this recent post.

Free Centerpiece for outdoor dining table for cookout party. Quilt tablecloth ideas

To increase the fun factor, I used these chippy vintage red dining chairs around the table. These were previously in our recently renovated tiny beach cottage, and I’m still trying to decide what to do with them next. What would you suggest?

Red Vintage Chairs with vintage quilt for a table cloth make a great backyard B B Q or outdoor B B Q setup

In keeping with this colorful theme, I found the blue and white dot napkins for only $1.00 at a thrift store last week, and they work perfectly with the vintage quilt.

Outdoor BBQ Table Setting with thrifted table cloth, parfait glasses, &napkins and bamboo plates.  Free Centerpiece.

The quilt is full of festive, fun colors, and it makes me happy just looking at it.

Vintage quilt table cloth and vintage red chair set the tone for a backyard B B Q, outdoor cookout, outdoor B B Q

The Place Setting

For this casual B B Q table, I opted for recycled bamboo dinner plates on natural woven placemats. Then I added rustic pewter cutlery and thrifted dessert cups, which were placed on top of the thrifted napkins. The combination makes this backyard B B Q table relaxed, festive, and budget-friendly.

Bamboo Plates & thrifted napkin with thrifted parfait glasses for outdoor  B B Q. Barbecue centerpiece

Resources

The Cookout Table Setting

The outdoor theme continues with these fun bee water tumblers which I’ve had for several years.

Bee water glasses on vintage quilt for backyard bbq table setting and outdoor grilling ideas for outdoor B B Q

To add more drama to The Easy & Free Centerpiece, I placed the floral basket inside another flat woven basket and filled around the centerpiece with fresh fruit.

Free Centerpiece basket filled with fresh hydrangeas, black eyed susans, dried palm leaves surrounded by fruit.

This table was styled exclusively with budget friendly choices. I used items I already own, cheap thrift store finds and free materials that combine for this fun tablescape.

Free Centerpiece made with hydrangeas & black eyed susan's for outdoor cookout or backyard B B Q

Set Up Some Games

While the grill is cooking it’s always fun to keep everyone entertained with some outdoor games.

One of our favorites is Corn Hole but you can set up to play Croquet or Badminton as well.

Last year we made this fun DIY Corn Hole score board and it’s so fun to keep up with the scores now.

I hope you enjoyed this festive Backyard B B Q table setting and fun ideas. Be sure to check back Saturday for the full menu and recipes.

Supper Club Outdoor BBQ Tablescapes

Now it’s time to see more outdoor cookout ideas. Up next is Stacy with her 7 Tips for throwing the perfect Summer BBQ Party! Stacy has the most amazing areas to entertain outdoors and this tablescape is no exception.

Be sure to click on each link below for more fun outdoor BBQ inspiration.

7 Tips for The Perfect Summer BBQ Party / Texas Backyard Barbeque Tablescape

Budget Friendly Ideas for Hosting a Backyard BBQ / 5 Simple Ideas for an Unforgettable Backyard BBQ

Quick & Easy Summer Barbeque Tablescape / The Best Backyard BBQ Setup

Pin It To Remember It

Backyard  B B Q Table Setting for an outdoor B B Q or outdoor cookout with vintage quilt, free centerpiece

CoCo

Tuesday 9th of August 2022

Love, love, love this series so much, Rachel! Adding the quilt to your tablescape was such a genius idea and I love your centerpiece too. As always your place settings feel warm and inviting. I could hang out here all night! Big hugs, CoCo

Rachel

Tuesday 9th of August 2022

CoCo, I really appreciate your encouraging words.

Cindy@CountyRoad407

Thursday 28th of July 2022

Around here we say "we're cooking out" which is all we do these days to avoid turning on the oven. Love your colorful table. The quilt puts it over the top.

Rachel

Friday 29th of July 2022

Cindy, I really appreciate your input.

Michele

Thursday 28th of July 2022

Such a bright and fun tablescape and the quilt for a tablecloth was such a cute idea!

Rachel

Friday 29th of July 2022

Michele, I'm glad you like it.

Kim | Shiplap and Shells

Thursday 28th of July 2022

I've always wanted an outdoor kitchen like yours, Rachel. It's perfect for a summer BBQ. I love all your ideas, especially using the quilt for a tablecloth. So happy to be joining you ladies this month.

Rachel

Friday 29th of July 2022

Kim, So glad to have you along.

Renae

Thursday 28th of July 2022

Your table is so colorful. Perfect for a down home bbq. I would love to come to one of your cookouts. Hugs and blessings to you.

Rachel

Friday 29th of July 2022

Renae, I would love that as well.