Top Tips for Hosting a Lowcountry Boil to Remember

Featured images: Jackson Douglas, Rodrigo Dos Reis, and Charles Deluvio via Unsplash

There’s no doubt about it: Lowcountry Boils are an unbeatable way to host a gathering of friends and family. Perhaps you’re a local looking to perfect your Beaufort Stew technique, or maybe you’re a visitor who’s intrigued by this tasty tradition of ours. Either way, we’ve done the research for you and rounded up a few tips to help you host the ultimate backyard bash!

Start with the basics

First things first: Make your guest list to determine how many people you’ll be cooking for. From there, select a vessel for your seafood and veggies. Be sure to choose a stock pot with plenty of extra room—the bigger the stock pot, the easier the boil! When it comes to flavor and seasoning, there isn’t one specific formula to follow (although Old Bay is certainly considered a staple). In fact, much of the beauty of a Lowcountry Boil lies in its simplicity and flexibility. For a traditional boil that’s sure to treat everyone’s taste buds, we recommend checking out The Food Network’s step-by-step instructions.

Invest in the seafood

The star of the show in a Lowcountry Boil is always—you guessed it—the shellfish. Fresh shrimp, crawfish, crabs, and even oysters can and should be the center of your feast. Playing a supporting role are your potatoes, corn, and sausage (if desired). According to Kiawah River, it’s also important to carefully consider the drinks and desserts you’ll serve alongside your main course. We couldn’t agree more!

Simple set-up

In terms of presentation, a Lowcountry Boil simply requires a picnic or outdoor table that can later be hosed down. The easiest way to ensure a quick clean-up is to cover the tables with layers of newspaper or plastic tablecloths…and don’t forget to stock up on paper towels! If shells will be involved, be sure to plan for a place for guests to discard them as well.

Entertainment

Remember, a Lowcountry Boil isn’t just about the food. It’s about who you eat the food with. The low-maintenance set-up and short cooking time of a Lowcountry Boil combine to provide ample time for enjoying good company and conversation. If you’re a Bluffton or Hilton Head Island resident, consider hiring a local band, like Deas-Guyz or the Low Country Boil Band, to kick things up a notch and add another layer of entertainment to your gathering. All that’s left to do is scoop the goodness out onto your newspaper-lined table and enjoy!

This is one Carolina tradition that will never go out of style. Do you have a go-to Lowcountry Boil recipe we should know about? Drop a link to your favorite in the comments below. If you’re looking for the perfect home to host and entertain here in the Lowcountry, be sure to contact us today. We’d love to introduce you to some of our favorite listings in Bluffton, Palmetto Bluff, Hilton Head, and beyond!

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