About the author: Tommy Allsop is a blogger for Cocklestorm – suppliers of quality decking boards and everything else you need to create a garden worth partying in.
As the summer season draws closer, thoughts turn to planning fun events for the family. With the average number of BBQs held by a family in the UK quadrupled in the last decade, it is safe to say that the Brits love a good barbie! To make your barbeque a big success, it's always good to plan as far in advance as possible – and not just to accommodate for the changeable weather! Use our party checklist below to make sure your day goes off without a hitch.
1. First things first, the barbeque! Some families favour disposables which will save you a step, but in the event that you have just pulled yours from amongst the cobwebs in the back of your shed it's important to remember to clean it of last year's grease. Scrape off any crumbs and set the temperature to high for ten minutes to get rid of any encrusted food. Remember to make sure the gas bottle is full or that you have enough charcoal and firelighters to keep that barbeque burning all afternoon.
2. Make sure you have enough seats for all your guests. Sun loungers, stalls and even cushions borrowed from the sofa will help to ensure your guests can eat comfortably. It might also be worth investing in some garden lights so that the party can carry on long after the sun has set.
3. Keep things kid safe by opting for some plastic party ware. As well as being good for the environment these beauties will save you a tonne of washing up, meaning that you can relax after a hard day of hosting. Have foil, tongs, over gloves and useful cooking equipment near to the barbeque for a seamless transition from grill to plate.
4. In terms of drink, variety is the key. Provide a selection of beer and wine (or politely ask your guests to BYOB) but make sure there are also plenty of non-alcoholic options to stop people getting dehydrated. On the day, chill any drinks in an ice bucket to save constant mad dashes to the kitchen.
5. Although meat is the star attraction of any barbeque feast, make sure to cater for all tastes with red meat, poultry, fish, white meat and lots of veggie alternatives. Trusty favourites like sausages and burgers, chicken wings, marinated lamb chops and mixed kebabs always go down a treat, but its important to balance things out with salads, veggie skewers and veggie burgers. Whatever you purchase, always be sure to store all meat in the fridge, keeping raw meat away from any other foodstuffs.
6.Reduce your stress on the day by prepping whatever you can in advance. Meat can be marinating overnight, whilst dishes like potato salad and coleslaw can easily be made beforehand. With these dishes taken care of, you'll have more time to be social over the barbeque.
7. Plan some party games to keep things lively. Depending on the size of your outside space, anything from volleyball to football to tennis is sure to be fun for all ages. If it's a smaller affair, why not try card games.
8. Now its time to plate your pre-prepared feast and watch your friends wonderment at the sensational food and super skilled execution of a wonderful party!
As the summer season draws closer, thoughts turn to planning fun events for the family. With the average number of BBQs held by a family in the UK quadrupled in the last decade, it is safe to say that the Brits love a good barbie! To make your barbeque a big success, it's always good to plan as far in advance as possible – and not just to accommodate for the changeable weather! Use our party checklist below to make sure your day goes off without a hitch.
1. First things first, the barbeque! Some families favour disposables which will save you a step, but in the event that you have just pulled yours from amongst the cobwebs in the back of your shed it's important to remember to clean it of last year's grease. Scrape off any crumbs and set the temperature to high for ten minutes to get rid of any encrusted food. Remember to make sure the gas bottle is full or that you have enough charcoal and firelighters to keep that barbeque burning all afternoon.
2. Make sure you have enough seats for all your guests. Sun loungers, stalls and even cushions borrowed from the sofa will help to ensure your guests can eat comfortably. It might also be worth investing in some garden lights so that the party can carry on long after the sun has set.
3. Keep things kid safe by opting for some plastic party ware. As well as being good for the environment these beauties will save you a tonne of washing up, meaning that you can relax after a hard day of hosting. Have foil, tongs, over gloves and useful cooking equipment near to the barbeque for a seamless transition from grill to plate.
4. In terms of drink, variety is the key. Provide a selection of beer and wine (or politely ask your guests to BYOB) but make sure there are also plenty of non-alcoholic options to stop people getting dehydrated. On the day, chill any drinks in an ice bucket to save constant mad dashes to the kitchen.
5. Although meat is the star attraction of any barbeque feast, make sure to cater for all tastes with red meat, poultry, fish, white meat and lots of veggie alternatives. Trusty favourites like sausages and burgers, chicken wings, marinated lamb chops and mixed kebabs always go down a treat, but its important to balance things out with salads, veggie skewers and veggie burgers. Whatever you purchase, always be sure to store all meat in the fridge, keeping raw meat away from any other foodstuffs.
6.Reduce your stress on the day by prepping whatever you can in advance. Meat can be marinating overnight, whilst dishes like potato salad and coleslaw can easily be made beforehand. With these dishes taken care of, you'll have more time to be social over the barbeque.
7. Plan some party games to keep things lively. Depending on the size of your outside space, anything from volleyball to football to tennis is sure to be fun for all ages. If it's a smaller affair, why not try card games.
8. Now its time to plate your pre-prepared feast and watch your friends wonderment at the sensational food and super skilled execution of a wonderful party!
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