There’s nothing like the first BBQ of the summer to put a smile on your face. Even if you’re only cooking for yourself or your nearest and dearest, the delicious smell of grilling food is sure to bring good vibes only.
Whether you’re a BBQ beginner or a seasoned pro, our guide to BBQ dos and don’ts will help you plan the perfect event for you and your favourite people. From choosing between charcoal and gas BBQs to creating a stylish outdoor space with garden furniture – your ideal BBQ bash is just a scroll away.
Gas Vs Charcoal BBQs
The first question for any budding BBQ-lover is which design to choose. Do you go for the authentic smoky flavour of a charcoal BBQ or opt for fast and efficient cooking with a gas BBQ? Both will master your meat and veggie burgers to perfection, but the right barbecue for you depends on your cooking style.
Handy BBQ Tools
Every outdoor chef has charred their fair share of sausages – us included! Thankfully, the right BBQ tools can help you grill your spread to perfection.
To effortlessly flip everything, from halloumi and peppers to burgers and buns, make sure you invest in a BBQ tool kit. Feeling fancy? Take your outdoor cooking to the next level with pizza stones, griddles and rotisserie kits.
A Fine Place to Dine
When the cooking is complete, it’s time to sit back and enjoy your meal in comfortable (and stylish) settings. Speaking from experience, stain-prone condiments like ketchup and mustard are best enjoyed when you’ve settled into your seat
For a relaxed garden furniture set up, we’ve got a dreamy dining set that’s just perfect for your garden. From long afternoons in the sun to hosting a summer soirée, our outdoor sofa sets strike the right balance between style and function. If you’ve got kids running around, patio sets and bistro sets will fill rumbling tummies – minus the mess!’
Glow-Up Your Garden
You’re not alone if your outdoor space is looking a bit worse for wear after a long, cold winter. To transform yours in time for grilling season, give it a speedy spring clean before those BBQ brunches and evening dinners land.
It’s all in the details, and this can be as simple as adding a few garden ornaments and accessories to elevate your outdoor haven.
Make a cheery statement with colour-pop plant pots and planters, or create a garden getaway with hanging outdoor décor.
Bringing some George style to your garden? Show us what you’re loving by tagging @georgeatasda on Instagram or TikTok for a chance to be featured on our grid.
Prep Now, Chill Later
When the suns in the sky, you’ll want to be reclining on a garden chair – not making potato salad in the kitchen. To enjoy your BBQ to the full, try and get as much prep done as possible before the fun begins.
Fortunately, Mediterranean salads, spicy marinades and cooling dips can all be made in advance and stored in the fridge. You can also keep leftovers in food storage containers to use for fuss-free (and delicious!) mid-week meals. Psst… check out our picnicware collection for all your al fresco dining essentials.
Plan For Sundown
Did you get the memo? The party doesn’t have to stop when the sun goes down. If you’re considerate of neighbours, the very best BBQs can carry on well into the night. It doesn’t matter if you’re only throwing a small event for you and your family, you can still pull out all the stops with twinkling outdoor lights and atmospheric fire pits.
Be All-Weather Ready
If only all BBQs could happen under clear blue skies. Unfortunately, we know that the perfect BBQ weather needs a little planning and lots of luck. You might not be able to stop the rain, but you can make sure you stay prepared for any unexpected chills.
It’s worth having a few solutions up your sleeve to save yourself from soggy burgers. We suggest covering your bistro set with a parasol or gazebo to stay sheltered and dry.
Looking for inspiration for summer hosting? Check out our Party Ideas: Garden Furniture For Your Outdoor Space blog.
