We've had a great few days of sunshine and here's another Bank Holiday Weekend upon us. It's definitely time to fire up the BBQ and have friends over. Here's some of my top tips for hosting a great outdoor party. πΉπ
Spread the Word
What time you'll be eating - Avoid having to refire the BBQ for latecomers with a WhatsApp message like "The grill master will be sizzlin' steaks from 6-7. Come and get it!"
Rain Plans (cos let's face it, it probably will) -
Make sure everyone knows that rain or shine the party will go ahead. Get your hands on a few board games just in case you need to move it inside.
Have enough seats
5 chairs and 20 people? - Have a look around the house and see what you can turn into seating. Throw a few blankets or rugs on the ground and people eating picnic style.
Light it right
Don't leave the guests in the dark - We've all got some fairy lights from the Christmas tree put away somewhere. π‘Hang them around doors, trees, along the walls to create a nice bit of ambient lighting. (Just make sure the extension cord is out of the way so no-one trips)
If you have some tea lights and jars you could place them around the garden but I wouldn't go out of my way to get them. There's really no need to over do it with decorations at a BBQ.
Master the music
Get your playlist - From Forbidden Fruit to Vantastival take some inspiration from the many festivals happening around the country this weekend. If you don't have a speaker see if someone can bring one.
Keep the food simple
Marinade the meat - I'd suggest getting some good quality chicken breasts, sausages and steaks. Cut them into thick strips and marinade before grilling. Layed out on a big platter, your mixed grill can be served with a lovely saladο»Ώ
Dry marinade for steak
Peppercorns
Salt
A sprig of rosemary, leaves only
1-2 cloves of garlic, finely minced
Olive oil, rubbed in just before grilling
Wet alla diavola marinade, for the chicken:
The juice of one lemon
1-2 garlic cloves
Salt, to taste
Freshly ground pepper
Serve up some pizza
Not everyone enjoys cooking up a BBQ. Our pizza bases can have you serving up fresh, delicious and genuine Italian Pizza in less then 5 minutes. A great way to get your guests involved is laying out the toppings and letting them make their own creations!
Here's some of our party favourites (click on photo for recipe)
