Your BBQ Party Checklist

Relishing time outside in the fresh air wouldn’t be complete without a BBQ party. The smell of something delicious sizzling on the grill, the twinkle of solar lights and the clink of cheering glasses are some of the best parts of enjoying your garden.

Whether you’re planning a spontaneous weeknight get-together or a large-scale bank holiday affair, we’ve composed a comprehensive BBQ checklist to ensure you host the party of the year.

What do you need for a BBQ party?

Whether you’re a seasoned party planner or a BBQ beginner, we’ve put together a BBQ checklist outlining all the essentials you need to make your party as successful as possible. From gardening tips, food lists, to the best BBQ accessories, we’ve got you covered.

The guest list

Composing your BBQ party guest list is essential to ensure that your family and friends have enough time to respond accordingly – particularly if they don’t live close by or may need a babysitter. So, be sure to get your invitations sent out nice and early!

Top Tip: The ideal party caters to everyone, so whether they opt for the veggie option or are a carnivore through and through, be sure to find out your guests’ dietary preferences, intolerances and allergies.

Set the scene

Before your BBQ party commences, make sure your garden is fit for your guests. Add a couple of our gardening and cleaning essentials to your BBQ shopping list to get your home and lawn spick and span before your guests arrive!

Here are a few of our maintenance guides to get you started:
• Mow and level the lawn
• Pressure wash the deck and/or patio
• Trim back any hedges
• Get rid of any weeds

Seating and spaces

Having a range of seating available is key to a successful BBQ party. You want to encourage mingling and maintain your guests’ comfort simultaneously.

A large garden furniture set and accompanying garden tables or bistro sets should do the trick. If your BBQ party is due to be a busy affair, add a gazebo or a few more sun loungers to your BBQ checklist. These structures tend to be more expensive, but they offer invaluable extra space and shelter if you find yourselves battling against the elements.

Top Tip: If you’re inviting some neighbours to your BBQ party, you could ask them to bring a garden chair or two to help you out.

Ambience and atmosphere

When the sun starts to set, make sure your BBQ party is adorned with plenty of outdoor lighting and heating to set the evening ambience and bathe your night in a warm, inviting glow. Decorating your BBQ party with solar lights, fire pits, chimineas and lanterns will help to keep your guests cosy and the good times coming!

Dressing your outdoor furniture with plenty of soft furnishings like outdoor rugs and blankets will also keep your guests feeling comfortable and relaxed all night long.

BBQ grilling and cooking equipment

Whether you prefer a gas BBQ or charcoal BBQ to cook your feast on, ensure that you’ve cleaned your BBQ and heated it thoroughly before you start cooking. Our guide to BBQ cleaning will come in handy if you need a refresher on the ins and outs of optimal BBQ maintenance and preparation.

We have a range of gas BBQs, charcoal BBQs, dual fuel BBQs and BBQ accessories, including covers and fuels if you’re looking to add any new appliances to your BBQ checklist. If you’re not sure where to start, our guide to the best BBQ accessories will point you in the right direction.

Food and drink

The food and drink are easily the most integral parts of any BBQ, so ensure your fridge is well-stocked. Ensuring that there’s a wide variety of food available is key to pleasing large groups, so be sure to add plenty of guaranteed crowd-pleasers to your list. An assortment of chicken and halloumi burgers, pork and vegetarian sausages, salads, corn on the cobs and lamb and vegetable kebabs will do the trick perfectly.

Some of these plates will need preparing or marinating beforehand, so be sure to plan your time effectively. If you’re eager to be crowned the true king of the BBQ, perfect your timings with our BBQ cooking guide.

Top Tip: Don’t be shy, ask your guests to bring a side dish or their favourite tipple to add to the spread.

You could also stock some coolers with a variety of soft and alcoholic drinks and provide a jug filled with iced water to keep everyone hydrated.

Health and safety

Maintaining the overall health and safety of yourself and your guests is essential for a successful BBQ party. Adding a First Aid Kit, sunscreen and bug spray to your BBQ party checklist is the best way to ensure that everyone stays safe at your get-together.

And there you have it! That’s everything you need to ensure that your BBQ party is the social event of the summer!

If you’re in need of a BBQ upgrade, explore our BBQ buying guide to discover which grill is for you!

BBQs & Barbecuing

BBQ Buying Guide

Discover which BBQ is best for you with our helpful buying guide.

2022-03-14 14:41:54 • By Homebase

Share your own BBQ Party prep with us @Homebase_UK. For more BBQ and BBQ Accessories or Garden and Outdoor advice, take a look at our Ideas & Advice page.