Our 5 Top Tips for Throwing the Perfect Barbecue

You can never quite guarantee the weather in a British summer, but you can 100% guarantee that a pre-arranged barbecue will go ahead come rain or shine. The clouds might have gathered, and it might be pouring down, but people up and down the country will be standing under a golf umbrella, flipping burgers, and refusing to accept that the sun won’t be back out in a minute. BBQs are a non-negotiable part of British culture, so we’ve pulled together this guide for how to throw the perfect barbecue this summer. 

1. Planning Makes Perfect

Good planning is the key to a smooth and enjoyable barbecue. Start by giving your barbecue a thorough clean ahead of time—this not only saves you from last-minute scrubbing but also ensures even cooking and helps prevent food from sticking to the grill. Next, double-check that you have all the essential tools on hand, such as tongs, a meat thermometer, fuel, and serving trays. Don’t forget the extras like ice, napkins, condiments, and shaded seating if it’s a sunny day. When the day arrives, start early by preheating your barbecue so it’s ready for action. While it heats up, use the time to prep your food, marinate meats, chop vegetables, and assemble salads in advance. Taking care of these tasks early allows you to focus on the grilling and enjoy hosting without the stress. A little preparation goes a long way in making your barbecue relaxed, efficient, and fun for everyone. 

2. Get the Right Barbecue Grill

There are a lot of cost-effective and fast options for a barbecue, including disposable trays for when you need to grill in a hurry. These can be great for camping or impromptu outdoor events, but if you love to grill, it’s worth investing in something a bit more substantial.

Gas BBQs are efficient and easier to use, but if you’re going for the traditional smoky barbecue flavour, you’ll need a charcoal-powered model and the right charcoal to fuel it. For a great flavour, try lumpwood charcoal.

3. Make the Perfect Menu

Once you’ve got the right barbecue in your garden, you need to decide what to cook on it. This needs to be tailored to the people you’ve invited, especially if there’s people coming who are vegetarians or vegans. This impacts not only what you buy—making sure guests with dietary requirements have tasty food they can eat—but also how you cook things to make sure their food is kept separate from the meat.

You also need to plan whether you’re serving up BBQ classics (sausages and burgers) or going for something a bit different, like fish or kebabs. And don’t forget the sides, like salads, chips, and coleslaw. You can get many of these ready beforehand to cut down on what you need to achieve while at the grill. Plan ahead when it comes to cooking timings, and make sure you’ve got everything you need set up before you get started.

4. Create a Comfortable Setup

Getting the food right is crucial for a great barbecue, but there’s more to it than that.

We’ve all been at (or hosted) BBQs where guests are sitting on uncomfortable, mismatched garden furniture. Create an inviting seating area that allows all of your guests to sit down and chat, with a separate area for kids if necessary (they might be fine on a big picnic blanket on the lawn).

Comfortable seating sets the tone for a relaxed, enjoyable barbecue—make it inviting, and your guests will stay longer and have more fun.

5. Setting an Atmosphere

If the evening is set to cool down, a chiminea or wood-burning stove can provide welcome warmth while doubling as a stylish focal point—just be sure to place it safely away from buildings, wooden structures, and vegetation.

A carefully curated party playlist can also elevate the mood, but remember to keep the volume and music choice considerate of your setting, guests, and neighbours.

With the right music, thoughtful decorations, and a well-planned layout, you’ll create the perfect party atmosphere for your guests to relax and enjoy themselves while the food is cooking.

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