No BBQ event could happen without a bbq cooking grill. If you don't already have one, then this is the first step. You have a huge range of options here, from traditional gas grills to fancy infrared setups.
Your choice of which grill variety to get will come down to your budget, the space available in your yard, and your personal preference. Make a shortlist of suitable options then read some reviews. Finally, visit a showroom or online store to have a closer look.
You can host outdoor gatherings all year round, but make sure that you check the forecast for your chosen day. Unless you have a sheltered area you don't want to risk your guests and yourself getting caught in the rain or gale-force winds. Pick a clear day with no chance of rain.
The time of day is an important decision as well. Your two options are lunch or dinner. Your guest list might help to inform this decision. For example, your friends with young children would probably prefer a lunchtime affair so they can get the kids off to bed later in the day without a fuss. If your friends have older kids or are child-free then dinner time might suit better. Your family makeup might also come into play here.
Next, it's time to create a menu. Now, this could be as simple as sausages, beef patties and some salad. Or you could get more creative and grill things like prawns, halloumi and corn. It's worth canvassing your guests' dietary preferences before you pick the menu. You might need to cater for vegetarians, vegans or people who don't eat gluten.
Now it's time to ensure that you have enough fuel to power your bbq cooking grill. The two most common fuels are gas and charcoal, and by now you know which you will need. Make sure you have enough fuel to cook the food without a rushed trip to the shops to stock up on more. You'll save yourself some mild embarrassment and stress by doing this.
You want to create a festive atmosphere for a gathering like this. If you're hosting at night, consider some fairy or festoon lights to create a gorgeous ambience. If you're hosting during the day consider streamers or balloons.
You may also want to have some tunes playing in the background on your home system or portable speaker. You can make your guests feel part of the party by asking for requests before the event and queuing these up on a playlist.
As the host, you should provide some drinks for your guests. Serve a mix of alcoholic and non-alcoholic to cater for everyone.
A Charcoal Grill Conclusion
You've just read seven tips for creating the perfect outdoor dining experience. Invest in a great bbq grill, and pick the perfect day and time of day for your shindig. Curate your menu ahead of time, and double-check your fuel levels. Create a festive mood with lighting or decorations, and pipe some tunes in the background. Finally, make sure to put some drinks on.