It\u2019s a tragically rare occurrence, so when the British weather decides to play nice, you better believe we\u2019re going to make the most of it. The second the thermometer ticks into the low twenties, excited Brits across the country immediately turn to each other, message group chats, and summon their mates with some of the most beautiful words in the English language: \u2018summer BBQ at mine this weekend?\u2019<\/p>\n
Whether you\u2019re holding a family BBQ, having your friends round for a chill evening of grilling and good times, or throwing a full on summer BBQ party, we\u2019re here to show you how to have the best BBQ garden party. From fun ideas to the best food and drinks to serve, we\u2019re going to make sure your BBQ is the envy of the whole street.<\/p>\n
Wondering how to plan the perfect summer BBQ party? Here are a couple of ideas to get things cooking with gas\u2026<\/p>\n
Whoever\u2019s doing the grilling, make their job nice and easy by making sure they\u2019ve got everything they need \u2013 use our handy BBQ checklist to get it all set up and ready to go by the BBQ:<\/p>\n
Some other items you might want to add to your BBQ checklist such as an instant-read thermometer (to check your meat is cooked) as well as a fire extinguisher (which hopefully won\u2019t be needed!).<\/p>\n
Also, make sure you have plenty of serving bowls, plates, serving spoons, and napkins. Being super prepared means you\u2019ll be able to enjoy the BBQ at the same time as hosting.<\/p>\n
Kids will love to get involved with games like Twister, giant connect 4, jenga, or even something simple and easy like a DIY ring toss game!<\/a> And honestly, who are we kidding, when it comes to BBQ party ideas for adults, games can be great too! Make sure you\u2019ve got enough games to go around and everyone is bound to have a good time!<\/p>\n A summer BBQ is the perfect way to celebrate a special summer birthday, and a great excuse to gather everyone round for a party! And what would a birthday bash be without the perfect birthday card<\/a>?<\/p>\n Crank up the volume, and throw on a super summery playlist. Need some inspiration? Check out our positive playlist<\/a> for plenty of bangers with some real feel-good vibes, or search Spotify for the perfect crowd-sourced BBQ playlist. You can also invite your friends to join a Spotify listening party, so you can all collaborate and throw your favourite summer tracks into the mix!<\/p>\n No matter what kind of drinks you decide to serve at your summer BBQ (and keep reading to find out our must-have suggestions for perfect summery drinks), make sure you\u2019ve got a one-stop station so your guests can serve themselves.<\/p>\n No more dashing around trying to keep everyone\u2019s glasses filled \u2013 let people mix their own drinks, or set up a cooler filled with ice and bottles! You can also serve non-alcoholic drinks for kids or for teetotallers who might feel left out at a boozy BBQ \u2013 make them an all-singing all-dancing mocktail station instead!<\/p>\n There are countless BBQ recipes for a gourmet grilling experience, so we won\u2019t try to reinvent the wheel here \u2013 but if you\u2019re planning your summer BBQ shopping list, here are some of the things you might want to pick up for the main event:<\/p>\n There are various items you might want to add to your shopping list for a BBQ, so make sure to take some time to carefully consider what food your guests will enjoy!<\/p>\n There\u2019s nothing like a refreshing, fruity drink on a hot summer day while enjoying delicious grilled food! We\u2019ve got a few ideas for larger crowd-pleasing suggestions, but if you\u2019re looking for single-serve cocktails, check out our guide to easy summer cocktails<\/a> you can make at home.<\/p>\n Top tip: plastic glasses are your friend. They might not be quite as elegant, but nothing curtails the fun of a summer BBQ like glass everywhere.<\/p>\n While a red wine sangria is traditional, we\u2019d suggest switching it up for a summer BBQ with white wine and plenty of summer fruits. The sweet, fruity taste and lighter profile pairs perfectly with grilled food and plenty of sunshine!<\/p>\n Chop, slice, and freeze plenty of fruit; chill some big serving jugs; and let your friends serve themselves. You can really change the flavour based on the fruits you add here \u2013 for a tangier sangria, pick pineapple, lime, oranges, and nectarines, or go for a sweeter flavour with peach, strawberries, watermelon chunks, and raspberries. Make it ahead of time and let the flavours get to know each other!<\/p>\n Ice-cold, tangy, and synonymous with summer – you can\u2019t go wrong with margaritas. And even better when you give your guests the chance to customise their drink!<\/p>\n Plus, margaritas are easy to make – no complex muddling or pouring, just shaking together the right ingredients. Go big and really stock the bar with pretty bright bottles of fruit juice so people can really make their margarita their own. You could also make a margarita mocktail station for non-drinkers and kids!<\/p>\n Pick your favourite flavours to add to the bar, but we\u2019d suggest bright, summery tastes like pineapple juice, mango juice, lime juice, and cranberry juice. You can also freeze and blend fresh fruit like watermelon, raspberries, and peaches to create a selection of super-fruity flavours!<\/p>\n To build a make-your-own margarita bar, you\u2019ll need:<\/p>\n You\u2019ve got everything you need to make the most of the British sunshine with a classic summer BBQ, so make it legendary. And if you’re lucky enough to have days of bright weather and want to take advantage, be sure to check out our guide to organising the perfect garden party<\/a> or discover our ideas for a summer holiday bucket list<\/a>. Alternatively, you can head to the thortful blog<\/a> for more all-season inspiration!<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"Throw a special birthday BBQ<\/h3>\n
Pick some summery tunes<\/h3>\n
Set up a drinks bar<\/h3>\n
The best food for a summer BBQ<\/h2>\n
BBQ shopping list<\/h3>\n
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Delicious drinks for a summer BBQ party<\/h2>\n
Summer sangria<\/h3>\n
Summer sangria recipe:<\/h3>\n
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Build your own margarita bar<\/h2>\n
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