Backyard BBQs are fun and relaxing, if you plan them right and are prepared. To make the most of your time with friends and family without feeling like you're running around like a chicken with its head cut off, make sure you do these 7 things before your BBQ.

Stock up on ice

Warm beer, soda, water and wine are a serious buzzkill. Have plenty of ice to keep those drinks chilled and refreshing for your guests. Make sure you also have some ice that they can put in a cup, for those who prefer their beverages over ice. Ice doesn't spoil, so buy more than you think you need to avoid having to run out mid-BBQ to get more.

Serve finger foods

The best part of a backyard BBQ is getting to mix and mingle with friends and family. That's much harder to do when you're tethered to table with a plate full of food and silverware. Serve foods that are easy to pick up and carry around, to allow everyone the chance to move around freely. Think things like cheese and crackers, chips, mini-sausages on toothpicks, and cut-up veggies with a variety of dips. Your guests will appreciate the variety, as well as the ability to wander rather than being stuck in one place.

Go bug-free

No one likes sharing their meal with bugs, and they especially don't like being the meal. Do a  quality mosquito lawn treatment before your BBQ to ensure that your guests don't feel like the main course. You can hire a pest control company to do this or purchase one of many commercial products that will serve the same purpose. You, and your guests, will appreciate the beauty of an afternoon or evening spent without the sounds of buzzing and slapping.

Make sure the grill is ready

Ensure that you have enough fuel, whether it's charcoal or propane, to grill everything that needs grilling. There's nothing more embarrassing or frustrating than running out of fire mid-grilling. Pick up extra bags of charcoal or an extra tank of propane, just in case, if you're not sure.

Prep the food before guests arrive

While part of the point of a backyard BBQ is getting to show off your grilling skills, you don't want to be busy cooking and prepping food the entire time - or even when your guests are arriving. Instead, get as much ready to go as you can before the BBQ. Cook any side dishes that need cooking; slice lettuce, onion, and tomato for burgers; make desserts; and put everything on the dishes you intend to serve them on. Then, when it's time, all you have to do is bring everything out.

Play some tunes

People will be talking, but some great music in the background always adds a festive atmosphere. Tune in to a local radio station, use your cable provider's themed music stations, or create your own playlist that's unique to your BBQ.

Entertain the kids

Unless it's an adults-only BBQ, there will be lots of kids looking for something to do. Plan some entertainment for them. Have a variety of games, from active outdoor games like tag and hide-and-seek, to indoor games like board and video games. Plan a craft project that's simple and easy, or grab a couple of movies that they can enjoy.

A backyard BBQ is a great way to enjoy quality time with friends and family on a weekend. With the simple steps outlined above, you ensure that not only do your guests get to enjoy themselves, but you do, too. These easy tips will make sure that you're able to be in the middle of your party, instead of on the fringes as you flit around trying to finish things up.