If you saw any of the photos from our latest festive BBQ, then you’ll know we’re pros when it comes to the art of throwing a successful grill themed get-together.
So, since it’s National BBQ week, we thought we’d share a couple of our secrets.
Patience and planning.
Not only do you need to be patient and wait for the right weather to host your BBQ, you also need to be patient once your BBQ is lit. Wait for the flames to die down – your coals should be white, flame grilled is not a term you should be taking literally when it comes to barbecuing – for this reason, we always light the BBQ before our guests arrive. It’s also a good idea to take your meat out of the fridge before they get there; the closer your meat is to room temperature, the less likely it is to burn on the outside before the inside is finished.
What you got cooking?
Now when you think of a BBQ, you automatically think of meat, but you don’t always need the most expensive cuts from you butcher. Yes, obviously, handmade patties are going to make some amazing burgers, however, if you need to save some pennies, spend some time instead. Marinate your meat overnight, cook cheaper cuts of meat for longer on a lower heat, your guests won’t know the difference.
Also, don’t be afraid of the vegetarian option, we love sweetcorn, courgettes and peppers for grilling.
Don’t skimp on the sides!
Obviously, it’s what comes off the grill that makes the BBQ, but a burger is nothing without a bun. So get it right and fill that table, we’re always happy to see a bowl of couscous or some coleslaw – especially if it’s homemade!
Always set the scene.
As you can probably imagine, a Festive BBQ is as much about the ambiance as it is the actual grilling. Now, when we say lighting, we don’t just mean decorative lighting, you also need to position your lights for a smooth transition from day to night. Make sure there is ample light around all seating areas and, of course, the blessed BBQ – we love to use festoon lights for this!
Choose a theme.
For the perfect party atmosphere, when choosing your decorations and the all-important music, your BBQ will be a much more streamlined and polished event if you pick and stick to a particular theme – it also makes it easier for you to decide on what to have on the menu. Brighter is better when it comes to outdoor summer gatherings, so something like a Hawaiian luau or Mexican Cinco de Mayo theme would be ideal.
If you don’t want to go all-out with a theme, just choose a colour scheme. When it comes to the decorating, don’t be afraid of colour, nothing takes a BBQ up a step better than switching from your standard white paper plates to a more colourful set!
Right, stick a fork in us because we’re done! Maybe you knew some of these tips, maybe you didn’t, maybe you’ve stumbled across this post in the middle of winter . . . either way, we’d love to hear your BBQ secrets in the comments below!
