Father's Day doesn't need to be a big production. In fact, I think most dads would probably be happier with a good meal, a few drinks and some time with the family than with a carefully planned day packed with activities.

 

A backyard barbecue is pretty hard to beat for that reason. There's very little pressure, everyone can get involved, and you can spend most of the afternoon talking rather than worrying about what's happening next. The trick is keeping it simple.

Start with what Dad actually likes

Before planning the menu, think about what your dad normally enjoys eating.

If he's the person who always orders steak, there's probably no reason to get experimental with the main course. Put some good steaks on the barbecue and let him enjoy them.

 

For other dads, it might be lamb chops, burgers, sausages, chicken or seafood.

You don't need five different meats just because it's a special occasion. Pick a couple of things Dad likes and do them well. The same goes for the sides.

 

A simple potato salad, green salad, grilled vegetables and some good bread can be more than enough.

Don't make the barbecue too complicated

One mistake people make with hosting a barbecue is trying to cook everything at once.

It's Father's Day, not a cooking competition. 

 

Prepare as much as you can before everyone arrives. Get the salads and sides ready, organise the sauces and make sure the drinks are chilled. 

 

That way, you're not stuck in the kitchen while everyone else is enjoying themselves.

And if Dad wants to take over the barbecue halfway through, let him. Some dads genuinely enjoy being in charge of the grill.

Choose the wine around the food

Once you've worked out the food, choosing the wine becomes much easier.

For steak, lamb and other richer grilled meats, I'd usually lean towards a fuller-bodied red such as Shiraz or Cabernet Sauvignon.

 

Australian Shiraz is particularly easy to pair with barbecue food. The dark fruit, spice and tannins can stand up nicely to smoky, grilled flavours.

 

Cabernet Sauvignon is another good option, especially if beef is the main event.

If you're serving chicken, seafood or lighter dishes, Chardonnay can be a better choice. Pinot Noir can also work well if Dad likes red wine but doesn't enjoy particularly heavy styles.

 

And for a long afternoon barbecue, there's absolutely nothing wrong with opening a bottle of rosé.

 

There aren't really strict rules here. Dad's taste matters more than a wine-pairing chart.

If he always reaches for Shiraz, that's probably what you should buy.

 

If you're not sure which wine style would suit your dad, this Father's Day wine guide is a useful starting point. It looks at different wine preferences rather than simply suggesting one bottle for everyone.

Think about when you'll open the wine

You don't necessarily have to wait until the food is served. If you're having a few people over, opening something while you're getting the barbecue started can make the afternoon feel a little more relaxed. Then you can switch to something that works with the main meal once the food is ready.

 

Just make sure there are plenty of non-alcoholic options and water available too, especially if you're spending the afternoon outside.

Keep the sides simple

The main food usually gets all the attention at a barbecue, but good sides can make a big difference.

 

Grilled corn, roasted potatoes, a fresh salad or some crusty bread are easy options that don't require much last-minute preparation.

 

You can also put out a few sauces and let everyone help themselves. This is one of those occasions where food doesn't need to look perfect.

 

A plate of grilled meat in the middle of the table with everyone helping themselves feels much more relaxed than trying to serve a restaurant-style meal.

Don't forget dessert

You don't need an elaborate dessert either. Fruit, ice cream, a simple cake or something Dad particularly likes is enough.

 

If you've been outside all afternoon eating barbecue food, chances are nobody is looking for a complicated three-course dessert. The same principle applies to the whole day. Keep it enjoyable rather than impressive.

Make time for the part that doesn't involve food

This is probably the easiest thing to forget when you're busy planning. The barbecue is really just an excuse to get everyone together.

 

Once the food is on the table, put the phones down for a while. Sit outside. Have a conversation. Ask Dad what he's been watching, what he's working on or what he'd like to do over the next few months.

 

It doesn't need to turn into a serious family discussion.

Sometimes the best conversations happen when nobody is trying to have one.

Don't feel pressured to buy an expensive gift

The same goes for Father's Day presents. There's often a temptation to spend more because it's a special occasion, but a thoughtful gift doesn't have to be expensive.

If Dad enjoys wine, a bottle you've chosen because you know he'll like it can be more personal than something that simply costs more. 

 

The same applies to food. Buy the steak he likes rather than the most expensive cut you've never cooked before. Get his favourite beer or wine. Make the dessert he always asks for. Those little details usually matter more than trying to make everything look impressive.

A simple Father's Day formula

If you're stuck for ideas, I'd keep it really straightforward: Dad's favourite food + a bottle he enjoys + a relaxed afternoon with family. That's pretty much it.

 

You don't need an elaborate itinerary or a barbecue menu with twenty different dishes.

Light the grill, put some good food on the table, open something everyone enjoys and give Dad a chance to actually relax.

 

The food will eventually be eaten, the wine will eventually be finished and the barbecue will eventually be cleaned. Hopefully, what everyone remembers is the afternoon spent together.