It’s National BBQ Week in the UK, and that means it’s time to fire up the grill and gather your friends and family for a fun outdoor event. But how can you take your BBQ to the next level and make it truly epic? Here are some tips to help you impress your guests and create a memorable experience.
Planning An Alfresco BBQ – BBQ Week
One of the keys to a successful BBQ is planning your menu and prepping ahead of time. BBQs can be a simple impromptu event where you simply fling a burger onto the BBQ on the first sunny day and there’s not much wrong with that! However, with a little planning and forethought, it can be an amazing zinger of a bash where you become a legend.
Your first thought may be to think food, but hold on a cotton-picking minute there’s a little more to it than that. You’ll need to consider safety around the BBQ, along with how you’ll make your guest feel comfortable and how you actually have time to enjoy yourself too.
In this article, we’ll give hints and tips to make your outdoor alfresco BBQ a gastro-smoking hot event to be proud of.
Planning ahead is key, ensure your BBQ fire pit or pizza oven is clean and ready to cook with. It’s also wise to have a place for rubbish as guests can help to tidy up a little for you. People are happy to do that if there’s a place to deposit empty bottles etc.
The Menu
Decide what dishes you want to serve. Consider that not everyone wants meat, adding veggies and side dishes increases options for those who don’t want to eat meat and it keeps costs down too. Do a limited menu but do it in abundance with a few novel ideas thrown into the mix. We love these easy dishes that not only taste great but look appetising too.
Make it colourful mixing skewers or kebabs with veg. A couple of salad dishes or side dishes delight the eyes and bring freshness.
Then make a list of all the ingredients you’ll need. Then, do as much prep work as possible the day before. Marinate your meats, chop your vegetables, and make any sauces or dips. This will save you time and stress on the day of the event, and ensure that everything is ready to go when your guests arrive.
Top Notch Service
Even simple fare looks great when served on vibrant crockery. Bright earthenware dishes look great for sharing dishes and elevate the meal too. The mango wood salad servers add to the rustic vibe that seems oh so right for a casual outdoor meal. Yes paper plates can be disposed of easily without the need to wash up but real crockery does show guests that you want to treat them and this is the point isn’t it more to the point why dispose of things after a single use?
Be Prepared
The weather can be unpredictable at times, so preparing ready for the BBQ is crucial. Don’t put off the BBQ for cold weather. Put on some blankets and throws and create a cosy and relaxing BBQ. Head down to our Taunton store to discover all of our cushions and throws and prepare yourself ready for BBQ week.
Hydro Herbs – BBQ Week
Having herbs ready on hand can be a huge life savour especially when you are stationed at the grill. These herbs are super useful as they can be used to garnish and a flavour to different meats. You can also use some of these herbs for cocktails.
Invest in quality equipment and tools.
To take your outdoor gathering to the next level, it’s important to invest in quality equipment and tools. This includes utensils, and perhaps if you are a novice a meat thermometer so you can be sure the meat is cooked through. A grill brush helps you to baste meats and stops the meat from charring so you can cook it without burning the outside too much. Don’t skimp on these items as they can make a big difference in the quality of your food and the overall experience for your guests. With the right equipment and tools, you’ll be able to create delicious and impressive dishes that will wow your guests.
Create a comfortable and inviting outdoor space.
In addition to having great food and equipment, creating a comfortable and inviting outdoor space is key to taking your gathering to the next level. Consider adding some outdoor seating like chairs, benches, or even a picnic table.
Don’t forget about shade options like umbrellas or a canopy to protect your guests from the sun. With a comfortable and inviting outdoor space, your guests will want to stay and enjoy the festivities for hours.
For evening events it can get a little cooler in the evening so blankets care helps take the chill off people’s shoulders after the heat of the flames dies down. We all know when the mood is sociable the evening winds down and the light fades yet guests linger and chat. why not invest in outdoor lighting it really helps the ambience as dusk descends. Whilst we typically BBQ on warm summer days as there’s more daylight BBQs are not just summer pursuits anymore. Alfresco meals are becoming popular throughout the year so lighting is useful year-round.
Solar lights and portable lamps.
Offer a variety of drinks and refreshments.
While the food is the main attraction at any BBQ, offering a variety of drinks and refreshments can take your gathering to the next level. Consider setting up a drink station with soft drink options like lemonade, iced tea, and water infused with fresh fruit for children and non-drinkers.
It’s important to include non-alcoholic options for designated drivers or those who prefer not to drink. Providing a variety of drinks and refreshments will keep your guests hydrated and happy throughout the event.
For those who like a drink, adult guests, consider offering a signature cocktail or beer selection. In addition to traditional drinks, consider offering unique and creative options to elevate your outdoor gathering. For example, you could set up a DIY mimosa bar with different fruit juices and sparkling wine, or create refreshing Pims with fresh fruit and herbs. By providing a variety of drinks and refreshments, you’ll ensure that your guests have plenty of options to choose from and can enjoy a refreshing beverage while they socialise and enjoy the delicious BBQ fare.
Catering for all types of diet
Firstly, for all of the below diets, you need to plan for preventing cross-contamination. Using disposable, or extra BBQs is the best practice for this.
Ensure you have separate chopping boards and knives for meat, poultry, vegetables, fish and bread items.
Use separate tongs and cooking utensils to match the chopping boards. Keep them together so that you don’t get confused!
Gluten-Free
Most relishes and sauces won’t contain gluten, but it’s worth double-checking.
All salad vegetables are naturally gluten-free and everyone can enjoy it, so don’t skimp on the salad!
Choose gluten-free burgers and sausages – these are now readily available in every supermarket. Cuts of meat and fish are always gluten-free so are a safe bet for all meat eaters too. Do remember to check your marinades though, as glutens can creep into these.
Vegan
Not all vegans enjoy vegan meat, so it’s worth checking with them first. If they do, get more than one variety to spice things up a bit.
Tofu is great to use on kebab sticks instead of chicken or halloumi. Smoked tofu is flavoured and is great used on a BBQ. It’s also great used in a stirfry pan over the flames – especially useful if you only have one grill!
Do a vegan pasta salad that everyone can enjoy. Vegans can enjoy bread too, so you can be sure that they will be sated. You can also get vegan ice cream to hit the sweet spot for dessert!
Top tip – wrap up corn on the cob in tin foil (add vegan spread if you have it – if not, add a splash of olive oil) and place on the coals for 15-20 minutes for an easy side dish that all can enjoy.
Vegetarian
Haloumi is great on the BBQ. Slice a block into 6 pieces and you have enough to fill 3 standard burger buns or 2 large baps. Crushed avocado with a splash of lime juice is a great relish. Add a slice of tomato and you’re good to go!
Vegetarian burgers and sausages are also available and make a great addition to your vegetarian guests.
