How to host the perfect BBQ
The sun’s out and we’ve waved goodbye to winter, so now it’s time to think about enjoying our gardens more, and what better way than by hosting a BBQ for your family and friends.
Choosing the day
The first and most essential part of planning the perfect BBQ is probably the hardest to get right – choosing the right day!
When planning your BBQ, check the weather for the week ahead and try to choose the best day for it. Of course, we can never guarantee the sun will shine when we want it to, so you may want to plan for bad weather – consider a gazebo to help protect from rainfall. An easy-to-assemble gazebo will be perfect for a small gathering, and on a sunny day they can even give you some much-needed shade and protect your food too.
Choose the right spot
Where you hold your BBQ is just as important as when you hold it. Your BBQ needs to be a safe distance from your house and your guests to help avoid potential accidents. Of course, take extra care if there are going to be kids around.
Make sure you position your BBQ on solid ground to minimise the chances of it tipping and causing accidents.
Also consider smoke and where it will go. You don’t want it billowing back onto your guests or back into the house leaving a charcoal smell all over your furniture! You obviously can’t avoid smoke if you’re going to have a BBQ, so try not to stress about it when you’re sizzling the sausages!
Get it looking great
So, you’ve got your BBQ cleaned and prepped, now it’s time to get the garden looking great. You don’t have to totally revamp your garden, just a quick tidy up and some accessories can make it look nice and inviting.
- Give the grass a cut and tidy any flower beds
- Hang some bunting up around the walls and fences to create a fun, party atmosphere
- Get some outside lights for when the sun starts to fall
- Paper lanterns, candles and garlands can help perk up your outdoor space
- Consider a pretty centrepiece for your table
Make it comfortable
You’ve picked the right day, got the perfect location for the BBQ and have made your garden look as nice as possible. Now you need to make sure you have the right furniture (and enough of it) to make it as comfortable as possible for your guests.
If you haven’t already got some, it’s worth investing in some comfortable garden furniture. Depending on the space you have and how many guests you’re expecting, you could get a dining table as well as an outdoor sofa, perfect for relaxing on after the food.
Alternatively, loungers, a bench or even a hammock (if you have somewhere to hang it!) will help create a comfortable environment for you, your friends and family.
Don’t forget you can create comfortable spaces on the lawn too, with a picnic blanket or garden rug. If you’re low on chairs and don’t have the space, outdoor cushions are a great alternative.
You may want to consider keeping your friends and family warm as the temperature drops. A chimnea or fire pit can make a nice feature in your garden as well as keeping it a comfortable temperature. And don’t forget blankets too.
Set the table
Make sure you’re all prepped for your BBQ with enough cutlery, crockery and glasses. It doesn’t all have to be matching – just make sure everyone has all the essentials to hand.
Why not get some picnicware? It’ll help protect your normal sets from any potential damage, and can be brought out each time you entertain outdoors. Our top essentials for the perfect BBQ are:
- Plastic jug set
- Plastic wine glasses
- Plastic tumblers
- Durable melamine dinner plates
- Wooden cutlery pack
- Salad bowls
- Dinnerware for the kids
- Napkins
- Paper plates
Prepare the food
You can’t forget this one! Plan ahead and make sure you’ve got the right food for everyone who’s coming. Don't forget:
- Preferences of your guests – vegan, vegetarian, any allergies
- Marinating your meats the night before
- Any children attending and what they’ll eat
- Drinks for everyone
- Side salads, snacks and desserts
It feels like a lot to think about, but knowing in advance what you need can save you stress on the day itself (and a mad scramble to the supermarket for the food you’re missing!)
Make it fun
And finally, think about the entertainment!
Of course, food is enough to entertain most people, but to keep the fun flowing, plan in some entertainment for your guests, especially if you have little ones attending. Whether you fancy some traditional skittles or a giant game of snakes and ladders, there are loads of options your guests are sure to love getting stuck into.
For more on how to make the most of your garden, visit www.wilko.com
