Tips for Hosting a BBQ or Garden Party

The weather is warming up and now we can welcome friends and family into our gardens it's time to get planning a party! Whether it’s a birthday party, celebrating an exciting life event or just because the sun is shining, we’ve got a few tips to guarantee you have as much fun as your guests and avoid stress.

Prepare Your Space

One thing you won’t want to leave until the day of the party is making sure the barbecue is clean and ready for cooking. It is understandably a job many of us put off, but don’t leave it too late. Another important thing to check is that you have enough chairs for the number of people coming over or somewhere for people to sit even if you have a picnic mat laid out in the garden – and of course, ensure all of this is clean. If you plan to go on into the evening, check that you have some working lights available. No one wants to be sitting in the dark. To ensure everything is clean and safe, make sure you have plenty of hand sanitiser and anti-bac wipes available for your guests.

Keep an Eye on the Forecast

One of the great joys of the British summer is having to carry both an umbrella and sunglasses, just in case. Whilst you may be counting on the Bank Holiday weather to be delightful, that typically isn’t always the case. To avoid being caught out by an unexpected rain shower, make sure you have some kind of shelter ready for your guests. If you don't own a marquee, you could always borrow one from a friend or rent - remember to make sure it is big enough for your guests to practice social distancing comfortably. The wind may be what catches you out instead of the rain, so have some blankets handy to give to your guests if they get cold.

Plan Your Menu in Advance

Food is one of the most significant elements - especially if it's a BBQ you are hosting. Having hungry, irritable guests is one of the worst mistakes you could make. Firing up the BBQ always takes longer than you might think or plan for, so make sure you have some snacks your guests can enjoy before. The rule to follow is 'More is More'. You might be lucky enough to have some tasty leftovers, or if you are feeling generous, you can send your guests home with some.

Do any of your guests have food intolerances, or are there any vegetarians or vegans coming? These are questions you will want to ask in advance to ensure everyone will be happy and catered for instead of having to look through the fridge for a backup option on the day.

Have Everything You Need Ready and Set Up Before Your Guests Arrive

From ensuring you have enough plates and cutlery, it’s important to make sure everything is ready before your guest arrive or eat. That way, you don’t have to keep dashing inside to get things for your guests. If you’re planning on cooking on the grill, you’ll want to make sure you have enough fuel for your BBQ.

Many ‘Brits’ admit to not being confident in their outdoor cooking skills. But fear not, with a handy cooking thermometer, you can avoid the risk of dangerously undercooked burgers or ridiculously burnt sausages. Remember all of your guests taste is slightly different, so having Salt and Pepper available, along with a selection of sauces, will be appreciated.

Prepare What Food You Can in Advance

After spending most of the last year separated, you’re probably eager to actually spend some time with your guests instead of hiding away in the kitchen. Serving a buffet is a great way to ensure that the majority of the preparation complete in advance. Just make sure nothing is left sitting in the sun for too long, and anything that needs to be kept cool is.

Another way to ensure food isn't sitting out for too long is to let your guests know when you will be serving food before they arrive. No one wants to spend all afternoon and evening hovering in front of the BBQ in anticipation of someone else turning up.

Tidy Up as You Go

Having a party is always fun, up until the next day, and the tidying up awaits. Where you can, tidy up as you go. Have a bin bag and recycling boxes handy for your guests to deposit any rubbish in to help.

Remember the most important thing is to have fun!

Don’t forget you can save your favourite online recipes in the Salter Cook App, download it on the App Store or Google Play.