Garden BBQ Tips

Now that the lovely weather has made an appearance, you may be looking to dust down your barbeque ready for some family fun, but we all know hosting a barbeque is never as simple as it looks. Whether you struggle to get the timings right, always end up with burnt food or just don't know where to start, our top tips will help you host a barbeque to remember.

Top Tips To Host The Perfect BBQ

The BBQ

If you're dragging your barbeque out of storage where it has been tucked away for winter, then it's likely that it will need a good clean. If you have any unwanted food stuck to the BBQ we would recommend heating it up as it will be easier to get rid of the leftover food.

We recommend that you do not use throw-away barbeques, these are only small and you will struggle to cook your food evenly. We would also recommend a charcoal BBQ as these give off the authentic smoky vibe that you would expect from a BBQ. Our very own Barbeque bucket will work just fine, whether you're having a picnic out with your friends or with the family at home.

What You Need

• Tongues
• Charcoal/ gas
• Lighter or matches
• Sharp Knife
• Marinade Brush
• Food (of course)

Preparation

The Food

We have all heard the saying, preparation is key and this couldn't be more true when it comes to hosting a barbeque. The first stage in your preparation is deciding what food you are going to serve, don't forget to consider everybody's dietary requirements such as vegetarians. Once you have decided what food to serve, you will need to calculate how many guests you expect to attend and therefore you can calculate how much food you will need. Whether you're creating skewers or you need to marinate the meat to give it some delicious flavours, this should all be done in advance to you lighting the barbeque, it can be done the same day or even the night before if stored appropriately.

Your Outdoor Area

If you are hosting guests for your BBQ you will also want to prepare your outdoor area, whether it’s setting up the chairs and table, getting out the plates and cutlery, or decorating your outdoor space, it is essential you do all this before any guests arrive. Now is also the time to put out any sides, sauces and salads you’ve prepared, as well as a tea towel to cover them up so the flies don’t get to them.

Cooking The Food

Once your BBQ is alight wait until the charcoal is turning white and the flame dies down until you start cooking any food. Once your barbeque is heated, you then place your food on the grill. If you have a lid with your barbeque then we recommend that all this is placed back on as this will help to cook the food not only faster but also right the way through.

Presentation

If you’re hosting a get-together you will want to make some effort to make your outdoor space look pretty and inviting. When it comes to decorations balloons or bunting are always a simple but effective idea.

To save on the washing up and make your food look that little bit fancier why not display your food in some funky plastic or cardboard plates and bowls, you can even find diner/takeout style boxes if you fancy pulling out all the stops.

Portable Barbeque Essentials

Barbequing away from home? Whether you’re going on a picnic or camping trip, make sure to bring along the essentials, including picnic blankets and portable cutlery.

BBQ Utensils

Picnic Essentials

Camping Tins

Remember:

• Clean your BBQ after each use
• Keep your BBQ covered
• Ensure you consider everybody’s dietary requirements such as vegetarians.
• Get the correct utensils, this will make it easier to cook take things on and off the barbeque
• Once your food is cooked take it off the grill and let it rest for a few minutes, this will allow all the juices to be soaked up
• If your food has been chilled in the fridge leave it out for around 20 mins so it is not too cold as this will make it difficult to cook properly