How to Plan a Memorable Father’s Day BBQ or Brunch

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Father’s Day is the perfect time to spoil dad with great food, laughter, and a gathering of family and friends. But if you really want to make this year unforgettable, why not plan an epic BBQ or brunch in his honor? Whether your dad is a grill master or loves a relaxing morning brunch, we’ve got you covered with ideas to plan the ultimate Father’s Day celebration.

Let’s dive into how to host the perfect BBQ or brunch that will leave dad smiling from ear to ear!

Step 1: Pick Your Vibe – BBQ or Brunch?

First things first—decide on the type of celebration your dad would enjoy the most. Is he a classic BBQ fan who loves juicy burgers and grilled veggies, or does he prefer a laid-back brunch with pancakes and coffee? Here’s how to choose:

Why Choose a BBQ:

• Dad loves to be outside.
• It’s a casual and interactive event to gather family and friends.
• You can get creative with different grill recipes (and maybe even let dad show off his grilling skills).

Why Choose a Brunch:

• It’s perfect for a more relaxed morning celebration.
• You can have fun with sweet and savory breakfast options.
• It offers a great mix of foods, from hearty dishes to lighter bites.

Once you’ve picked your theme, it’s time to start planning the menu, decorations, and the little touches that will make the day special.

Step 2: Plan a Dad-Approved Menu

No matter which route you take—BBQ or brunch—the menu is everything! Here are some delicious and crowd-pleasing ideas for each.

BBQ Menu Ideas:

• Grilled Steak or Burgers: You can never go wrong with perfectly grilled steaks or juicy burgers. If you want to go the extra mile, offer a “build-your-own burger” bar with all the toppings (bacon, sautéed mushrooms, avocado, cheese).
• BBQ Ribs: Go classic with fall-off-the-bone BBQ ribs. Whether you slow cook them or go for a quick grill, they’re sure to impress.
• Grilled Veggie Skewers: For a balanced and colorful option, toss some veggies like bell peppers, zucchini, mushrooms, and cherry tomatoes on the grill.
• Corn on the Cob: Add a few ears of corn for a simple, yet satisfying side dish. Brush with butter and sprinkle with herbs for extra flavor. Consider a Mexican Street Corn Dip as an alternative to spice things up and make it fresh!

I have an entire post that gives you the recipe for that corn dip, and more here: “Classic All-American Recipes for Your 4^th of July Feast”

• Anything smoked: Listen, you can smoke literally anything! Cheese, meat, dough, dips, and even drinks or dessert, mkay! So do yourself a flavor (yes, I spelled that right) and gift dad a smoker if he doesn’t already have one! And if he does, use it on Father’s Day and thank me later! Here’s some gift options for getting Dad started:

Brunch Menu Ideas:

• Classic Eggs Benedict: Elevate your brunch with this all-time favorite, complete with poached eggs, Canadian bacon, and creamy hollandaise sauce on English muffins.
• Pancake or Waffle Bar: Set up a pancake or waffle station with toppings like fresh fruit, whipped cream, chocolate chips, and syrup. There are plenty of swanky serving platter options to display the toppings in a top tier way!
• Avocado Toast: If you want to mix it up with a trendy, healthier option, avocado toast is easy to make and totally customizable with add-ons like poached eggs or smoked salmon.
• Breakfast Casserole: Make a big, hearty breakfast casserole filled with sausage, eggs, potatoes, and cheese to feed a crowd.
• Fresh Fruit and Yogurt Parfaits: For a lighter option, serve parfaits with layers of yogurt, granola, and fresh berries.

Pro Tip: Prep Ahead!

No one wants to be stressed out and stuck in the kitchen on Father’s Day. Make as much of the menu ahead of time as possible. Marinate meats the night before, prep all your toppings, and assemble casseroles that just need to be popped in the oven the next morning.

Step 3: Set the Scene – Décor and Atmosphere

Now that your menu is set, it’s time to think about the atmosphere. Here’s how to create the perfect setting for your Father’s Day BBQ or brunch.

For a BBQ:

• Outdoor Picnic Tables or Benches: Keep it casual and laid-back with outdoor seating. Add tablecloths and scatter mason jars filled with wildflowers or herbs for simple, rustic decor.
• String Lights: If you’re planning to hang out into the evening, string up some fairy lights or lanterns for a warm, inviting glow.
• Fun Lawn Games: Set up lawn games like cornhole, bocce ball, or frisbee to keep everyone entertained. These are especially great if there are kids attending!
• Grilling Station: Set up a “grill station” complete with all the tools and sauces so dad can take over the grill if he wants to (or sit back while someone else handles it!).

For a Brunch:

• Indoor or Patio Seating: If you’re hosting indoors, set the table with linen napkins, fresh flowers, and personalized place settings. For a more casual vibe, brunch on the patio with a soft breeze makes for a peaceful setting.
• Fresh Flowers: Brighten up the brunch table with a centerpiece of fresh flowers. Sunflowers, tulips, or daisies can all add a beautiful, cheerful touch.
• Music Playlist: Set the tone with a background playlist of dad’s favorite tunes. Keep it mellow for brunch with acoustic or jazz music.
• Mimosa or Coffee Bar: If you want to add a special touch, set up a DIY mimosa bar or a coffee station with different blends, creams, and add-ins like cinnamon or chocolate syrup.

Step 4: Include Activities for Fun and Connection

Father’s Day is about celebrating dad, but it’s also about family and connection. Incorporate activities that bring everyone together, whether you’re hosting a BBQ or brunch.

Fun BBQ Activities:

• Lawn Games: As mentioned, keep things light and fun with lawn games like cornhole, horseshoes, or even a family volleyball game.

I have an entire post dedicated to entertaining your guests. Head over to “All About Indoor & Outdoor Party Games for Your Next Party” for more inspiration!

• DIY Photo Booth: Set up a simple photo booth with fun props (think: BBQ aprons, funny hats, or mustaches) to capture memories.
• Grill-Off Competition: Have a friendly grilling competition where guests can try their hand at making the best dish. Let dad be the judge! This is a great chance to get guests in on the fun!

Brunch-Friendly Activities:

• Trivia or Quiz About Dad: Create a trivia game about dad! See who knows the most about his favorite hobbies, foods, or childhood memories.
• Family Scrapbook: Bring out family photos and let everyone write down their favorite memories of dad. By the end, you’ll have a keepsake scrapbook that dad can treasure for years.
• Board Games: After brunch, keep the fun going with dad’s favorite board games. Whether it’s Monopoly, Scrabble, or Uno, there’s something for everyone.

For more ideas on crafting a special day just for Dad check out my post “Fun Father’s Day Activities to do With Your Family”.

Step 5: Send Dad Home with a Thoughtful Gift

No Father’s Day celebration is complete without a thoughtful gift to show dad how much you appreciate him. Whether it’s something handmade, a sweet keepsake, or a special experience, make sure it’s something personal.

I have an entire article dedicated to this very topic. Head over to “Unique Father’s Day Gift Ideas for the Dad Who Has Everything” after you wrap up your menu choices here!

Gift Ideas:

• Personalized Apron: If dad’s the grill master, a custom apron with his name or a funny message will keep him looking sharp at the BBQ.
• Beginners Smoker Kit: As I stated before, get dad a smoker with all the beginners must haves and it becomes a win-win for everyone!
• Experience Gift: Plan a follow-up experience with dad, like a round of golf, a weekend getaway, or tickets to his favorite concert or sports game.

Create Memories to Last a Lifetime

Planning the perfect Father’s Day BBQ or brunch doesn’t have to be stressful—especially when you focus on the things that matter most: great food, a fun atmosphere, and time spent together. Whether you go the casual BBQ route or opt for a relaxing brunch, remember that it’s all about making dad feel loved and appreciated. Add some thoughtful touches, engage everyone in fun activities, and send him home with a keepsake gift, and this will be a Father’s Day he’ll never forget.

Swings for a whole-in-one,

Anna

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