Summer BBQ Success: Top 5 Must-Haves

What are musts at a BBQ if I am hosting?

Though I have never hosted a BBQ, I have been to enough to know what’s good and what’s not.

Chips and dips: do not cook the food beforehand. Start when guests arrive so it is fresh and not cold but to keep people from getting hungry; chips and dips are perfect, not too filling but will keep people going to the main stage,

Next, my second tip is to be ready for all weather possibilities, especially in the UK. It would help if you were prepared rain or shine, so have umbrellas, a pop-up gazebo for shade or shelter, or a designated place inside the house. Also, have picnic blankets and enough chairs for all the guests, and try not to get the BBQ smoke into the faces of the guests.

FOOD: make sure everyone knows what they are bringing or if they are bringing food or drink. Check for allergies or food lifestyle choices and organise them effectively. You want everyone to have someone they enjoy, can eat, and feel safe with the food provided. I do not understand why people don’t provide buns for Burgers, saying it is too much carbs. I have been to a BBQ which had no buns. I have these out precut inside or under a food net to prevent them from flying away or insects from getting to them; these will be lifesaving.

Have a buffet and serve yourself as the food is cooked. Move onto a table with all the cheese, condiments, salads, and bread, all organised with sewing equipment and cut so people can pick and choose. If you have had a large BBQ, paper plates could be an idea, especially if there are children, so there’s less stress with breakables, which are recyclable. Also, paper cups, so there are no issues and a million loads of washing up to load up and put away when it's over and you are exhausted.

Have pudding options; I suggest margarine, yoghurt, or ice cream with strawberries. It reminds me of summer in some parts of Wimbledon, but it is truly a dessert. If not, a cake or cheesecake is good to serve after an hour of the BBQ food, though, when all the food has settled. However, there will be fewer selections as some people will not have pudding. Or allow them to take it home with them.

This is my list of musts for a BBQ- depending on the number of people,

the BQQ could be disposable. Remember, coal and fire lighters are crucial to start and heat the goals.

• Burgers, sausage, kababs, chicken and hallucinated, chicken wings, the lot has a range of meat ones and possibly vegetarian if applicable
• bread has buns white and brown for burgers and sausages depending on the number of people
• range of cheeses, burger cheese, cheddar, halloumi etc. 
• We should have multiple types of salad, a core house salad that is the basis for everyone, and possibly a Greek salad and different versions so everyone has a choice. 
• Dips and chips like salsa, sour cream, gasoline, potato salad, or coleslaw if you like those.
• All the range of condiments that could be used or required with your meat core food items would allow people to have their burger buns toast and cheese melted on the burgers.
• We have paper cups, plates, and cutlery, so there are no issues if things get damaged, and we have better peace of mind, especially if children are around.