Summer BBQ

If there’s one thing that says ‘summer’, it’s a BBQ. Whether you’re a self-proclaimed grill master or new to showing off your skills – BBQs are a chance for us to connect, share and celebrate.

It’s going to be a summer like no other this year and now, more than ever, we wanted to give you our top tips so that you can make the most of all this summer has to offer!

Make the most of your menu

The first thing that you need to ensure if that you’ve got everything planned, from the guest list to menu, planning your party sets you up for success. When thinking specifically about your menu – think about who you have coming and if you need to factor anything into your planning. Got any vegetarians or vegans coming? What about allergies?

Aside from the above, planning your menu means that you can impress your guests (especially when combined with point two below). Something as small as writing down what you’re planning on serving to guests could make all the difference as you’ll have given each item the thought it needs.

If you’re looking for inspiration, be sure to check out our BBQ Recipe Ideas for everything from Buttery Corn on the Cob to BBQ Ribs or even Grilled Mackerel with Soy and Ginger.

Prepare as much as you can ahead of time

Once you’ve managed to craft your ideal menu, it means that you can start getting the day ready ahead of time. This could mean anything from preparing food, arranging decorations or getting your garden games ready! When it comes to preparing your menu you really can’t do too much ahead of time and it makes the day run so much more smoothly as you don’t have the pressure of doing everything on the day.

Prepare

Ask your guests to help out by brining side dishes

If you’re looking for a way to make your BBQ run smoothly, asking your guests to bring a side dish can make a world of difference as it’s so much less to worry about. This is especially handy if you’re the type of family where it’s a case of the more the merrier!

Kindly ask your guests if they would bring a side dish or even a dessert. Don’t feel like it’s a burden, most guests are happy to have the opportunity to impress everyone with their prized family recipes!

If they’re struggling for inspiration, what about this fantastic guacamole recipe, or even this delicious and refreshing Minty Fruit Salad.

Plus, with everything else going on to plan the perfect BBQ – the last thing you want to be spending your time doing is worrying about potato salad, coleslaw and salad.

Your drinks selection can make or break your perfect BBQ

Aside from your menu, your drinks selection can make or break your perfect BBQ. Don’t worry, it’s so simple to impress your guests with even the easiest of summer tipples.

With almost any cocktail, you can save time by making them in bulk ahead of time and popping them in the first (without ice) so that when it’s time to serve, you can simply add the ice and start pouring. How about a classic Mojito Recipe, or a jug or delicious Sangria.

Where most people forget to be creative is with the drinks for people who aren’t drinking alcohol. If you or your guests are not drinking for whatever reason, it doesn’t mean that they can’t be treated to something wonderful! Why not try the delicious Gentle Breeze or tangy Berry Smash.

Drinks

The right lightening can make all the difference

All too often, garden parties and BBQs are cut short because it gets dark and hosts don’t have enough outdoor lighting to keep things going. Putting up some decorative lights or tiki torches add the right ambience and, most importantly, mean that you can see your surroundings enough to keep the party going. Whatsmore, with lights on timers or that are solar-powered and come on when it’s dark – it’s another thing you don’t even need to think about as they take care of themselves.

The most important thing for any BBQ is that you stay safe and have fun. BBQs or garden parties can be as simple as you want them to be; you can host something simple and impromptu, or you can go out to impress your friends and family with a BBQ party that’s as unique as you are!

Support for you and yours

Here at Costcutter, we want to give everyone the support they need – particularly at a time when everyone could use a helping hand.

That’s why we’re committed to providing you with handy hints and tips for everything from cooking to keeping the kids entertained.

Let’s be honest, nothing screams summer like a good old BBQ. If that’s what you fancy, then check out our most recent blog post with tips to make your BBQ one to impress.