1) The Grill
First things first. You need a kick-ass grill. You have to decide if your priority’s to impress with a multi-level charcol grill or just raise a chuckle with your novelty pig BBQ.
2) It’s Not All About The Money
Can’t afford a proper BBQ? Get innovative. BBQs are a primal thing and stripped down to bare basics, all you really need is some fire and something to cook your meat on. See what you have lying around.
3) The Apron
The great debate rages on. Practical with pockets for tools and beer or novelty nude? You can tell a lot about a person from the apron they wear.
4) Don’t Forget The Vegetarians
No a shrivelled up skewer of mushrooms and peppers will not suffice. Vegetarians get hungry too y’know. You could make pizzas in an outdoor pizza oven or throw it right on the BBQ, chargrill some aubergines or prepare some spicy bean burgers.
5) Mood Lighting
It’s all about ambience, darlings. Once twilight hits you should hand out some sparklers and light up those tea lights in jars you have hanging from the trees with ribbon. Better yet, break some glow sticks into jars to splatter their neon insides for a cool effect.
6) Wheelbarrow Cooler
Cramming your drinks into the fridge takes up too much room. Filling wheelbarrows, buckets or old basins with ice looks great and will save you treking into the kitchen every five minutes.
7) Condiments
It’s all about presentation and a muffin tin as a condiment tray is a great way to display all your sauces. Don’t forget to label the super hot sauce for those who are game.
8) Giant Games
To keep early arrivers occupied it’s a good idea to have some garden games. Preferrably giant ones. Giant chess, giant jenga, giant connect four – the bigger the better.
9) Menu
Every chef deserves a proper menu. A blackboard to showcase your culinary efforts as you sweat it out at the coal face is a worthy expense.
10) The Water Fight
Every good summer BBQ should have a least one water fight. Whether it’s a full blown super soaker battle or simply emptying the ice bucket over the host by way of thanks. It’s tradition. Sort of.
