Guide: How to throw the ultimate summer backyard party

Let’s face it– Calgary winters have us questioning our entire existence. Now that the weather is FINALLY better, our pals at truLOCAL are encouraging us to spend all the time we can outdoors. And, what better way to do that than with some good pals, excellent food, and some funtivities. So, we’ve teamed up with our friends over at truLOCAL to bring you our summer backyard party essentials.

If you’re not in the know about truLOCAL, then let us educate you. For starters, they are an easy to use, high-quality, sustainable meat delivery system. They make all of your meat dreams come true (c’mon, we know you have them). By working directly with local producers and suppliers, they ensure you are getting high-quality meat you can feel good about eating, every time.

So that brings us to our first essential: food.

THE FOOD

If agriculture is the backbone of the country, then the meat is the backbone of a BBQ. Up your BBQ game by giving your guests some food you can feel proud of. Toss those suspiciously pink and chemical-y hot dogs out and say sayonara to those sad, stuck together freezer burgers.

Through truLOCAL, you can build your own box and fill it with all of the meat essentials. Yes, they have burgers, sausages, and ribs. BUT, they’ve also got unreal items like honey garlic water buffalo sausage, organic filet mignon, and chipotle mango marinated chicken breasts.

They even have a Summer BBQ Sale right now. If you use their CURIOCITYBBQ promo code on your first regular sized box, you’ll receive the following for free: 4 beef burgers, 2 top sirloin steaks, AND 4 hot Italian pork sausages!

THE BEVIES

Let’s face it, no backyard party is complete with a couple of bevies to quench that summer thirst. Here are a few options that we think deserve a little limelight. Move over Twisted Tea, we’ve got some new, exciting, and local bevies that should be flowing all summer long.

Tempo Gin: This unique blend is citrusy, with hints of vanilla and juniper, and handcrafted in BC. Catch their newest concoction, the Blueberry Gin.

Crafty Elk: These organic, non-GMO, gluten-free, all natural vodka beverages are part of the craft cocktail revolution. With flavours like Mango & Honey, and Blackberry, Passion Fruit, & Green Tea, consider your drink game leveled up.

Fallentimber’s Meadjito: Made from Alberta honey and made for a crisp, cold pint glass, this drink is crisp, clean and consumable. The citrus and mint combo is killer, and you’ll be refilling your glass more times than you’d like.

THE FUN

Any backyard party absolutely needs some outdoor games. Yes, obviously you can stick with the classics like corn hole, ladder toss, and horseshoes. But hey– 2019 is about embracing your inner extra. SO, we’ve compiled a list of items you don’t need but you’ll definitely want.

Super Sized Beer Pong
Beer Pong Golf
Giant Dominoes
Giant Connect Four
Pocket Shot
Glow in the Dark Capture the Flag
Spikeball Combo Set
Backyard Volleyball and Badminton
Drinko
Adult Dunk Tank
Pro Beer Pong Table w/ LED Lights and Bluetooth Speakers
Glow in the Dark Backyard Darts

THE EXTRAS

If you’re looking to throw the backyard party of the season, you’re going to need to flex on your guests a lil. The activities are good, the food is great, but you need that X-factor to really make your backyard party the favourite of the summer. We’ve compiled our favourite brag-worthy items you can definitely use to make your friends greener-than-your-perfect-backyard with envy.

Cooler Cocktail Table
Inflatable Mega Movie Screen
Self Chill Wine Glasses
S’mores Grilling Basket
Coolest Coolers
Rainbow Fire
Outdoor Kegerator
XL Hammocks

Well dudes and dudettes, that’s all we have for now. We wish you all the best in all of your outdoor partying this season. Cheers, people!