How to Host The Ultimate Barbecue

It’s fair to say that the British summer (and weather in general) is fairly unpredictable. However, the summer of 2022 has been record-breaking with temperatures in July reaching an unprecedented 40°C for the first time ever. 

And it’s not over yet. 

Despite the majority of the summer now behind us, there are still a few weeks left until it’s officially over. And there’s every chance that there may be a few more opportunities to fire up the barbecue. 

Experts in all areas of outdoor living, the team here at Outershade has put together a handy guide explaining how anyone can host the ultimate barbecue. 

Whether you’re a grill master or a rookie at the art of the barbie, by following these simple steps, you’re sure to put on an event to impress your friends and family. 

Organise seating

If you have a rough idea of how many people are attending, then organising seating should be fairly straightforward. Make sure you have enough seats available, the last thing you want to happen is for some of your guests to have to stand while everyone is tucking into the food. If needed, you can even ask guests to bring picnic blankets, patio furniture or camping chairs of their own if you’re really struggling.  

Choosing the right menu

Undoubtedly the most important aspect of any barbecue is the food. Your barbecue’s menu can really make or break the entire day, so it’s vital you get it right. Make sure you have all your barbecue staples in place. We’re talking burgers, steaks and sausages. The things people will be expecting.

But, it’s important to cater for everyone. If you know vegetarians, vegans, those who simply dislike meat or that have dietary requirements will be attending, it’s vital they also have plenty of options too. These days, there are a whole host of fantastic meat alternatives and plant-based products out there that should do the job. Plus, having salads, snacks and other light bites for guests to graze on is also a good idea.

Staying on the theme of the menu, even if you have a ‘bring your own booze’ policy in place, it’s always a good idea to make sure you’re providing your guests with something to drink. Grab some soft drinks or water jugs for the table, and make sure your kitchen has plenty of fridge and freezer space available to keep beverages cold.   

Have awnings in place 

If you’re hosting a barbecue, the chances are the weather is going to be warm. And while this is clearly a positive thing, sometimes the glaring heat can be a bit much. This is where awnings come in. 

They provide a perfect space for you and your guests to escape the sun and receive a bit of shade. After all, you don’t want your barbecue to be remembered for sunstroke and burns. And, they’re also great at creating a chilled, relaxed atmosphere for guests. At Outershade, we have a vast range of awnings available that are suitable for properties of all types.    

Common barbecue mistakes 

Now we’ve covered the dos, let’s take a look at the don’ts when it comes to hosting the ultimate barbecue. 

Don’t light the barbecue incorrectly 

While this sounds obvious, barbecues can be easily ruined before they’ve even begun if a grill is incorrectly lit. Never use lighter fluid to get your coals to safely light. This is because your food will end up tasting like chemicals — not something you want to experience. Instead, use barbecue lighting aids to help get it going. If you’re really struggling, a chimney starter is also a worthwhile investment.   

Don’t take any chances when cooking the food  

A surefire way to make your guests never want to attend one of your barbecues again is to give them all food poisoning. With this in mind, never take any risks when cooking the food. Use cooking times as a guide only, and while you can usually visually tell when a piece of meat is ready to eat, don’t take any chances; use a food thermometer for peace of mind. Be particularly careful with poultry.   

Don’t forget the music

It might seem obvious, but people often overlook a good playlist for a barbecue. You need some ambience to get people in the mood, and a fun, positive barbecue playlist is always a great way to ensure your guests are enjoying themselves. The alternative is people eating in silence, which is never fun.

Keep it simple with a playlist that includes relaxed, family-friendly tunes that everyone can get on board with. Nothing too niche or gloomy. 

If you’d prefer, you can even just search for a barbecue playlist on Spotify and you’ll be sure to find loads you can browse through. Or, create a shared playlist that all your friends can add songs to. A great way to stop people arguing over what to listen to!    

Enhance your next barbecue or social occasion by having stunning awnings installed. At Outershade, we have a whole host of awnings for all types of properties, get in touch today to browse our options and find out how we can help you.