10 Steps to Hosting the Ultimate Barbecue All Year Round
It's always the season for an unforgettable barbecue with family and friends. We'll show you how...
Australia’s the nation of the all-year-round barbecue, and with Easter holidays, a fair Christmas break and quite a few long weekends, there’s always a good excuse to plan a backyard barbie.
But before you bulk-buy the beverages and sizzle up the sausages, take a look at our step-by-step guide to hosting an event that’s unforgettable for guests and stress-free for you.
But before you bulk-buy the beverages and sizzle up the sausages, take a look at our step-by-step guide to hosting an event that’s unforgettable for guests and stress-free for you.
STEP 2: Decide on a theme
You might think that adding a theme to your preparations means adding another task to your list. In fact, it might actually make your job easier.
Deciding on a theme will help you narrow down menu options, simplify the decorations and streamline the drinks list. Plus, it will pull the whole look together effortlessly and up the ante.
Here are some themes to consider.
You might think that adding a theme to your preparations means adding another task to your list. In fact, it might actually make your job easier.
Deciding on a theme will help you narrow down menu options, simplify the decorations and streamline the drinks list. Plus, it will pull the whole look together effortlessly and up the ante.
Here are some themes to consider.
- Moroccan Madness
- Hawaiian Luau
- Mexican Fiesta
- Bondi Beach Barbie
- Country Fete
- ‘50s Diner
- Vintage Seaside
STEP 3: Prepare for your guests
Choose your guests. The big secret of a great party is to choose the right guests for the occasion. Whether you’re after a laid-back sophisticated event or a laughter-filled luau, your guests will determine how the evening plays out.
Send out the invites. Use your theme to design e-vites for the festivities. Make sure you include time, place, any dress-up theme and a kids’ policy. Don’t forget to ask about food allergies and add info about any BYO items, if relevant.
Get the playlist ready. Again, you can steer the evening to how you want it to go, so if you’re after a laid-back evening then choose a soundtrack to match.
Let your neighbours know. Listen up city dwellers! Even if you don’t expect the party to be loud or late, it’s always best to warn neighbours in advance. Nothing kills the mood like an angry knock on the front door.
Choose your guests. The big secret of a great party is to choose the right guests for the occasion. Whether you’re after a laid-back sophisticated event or a laughter-filled luau, your guests will determine how the evening plays out.
Send out the invites. Use your theme to design e-vites for the festivities. Make sure you include time, place, any dress-up theme and a kids’ policy. Don’t forget to ask about food allergies and add info about any BYO items, if relevant.
Get the playlist ready. Again, you can steer the evening to how you want it to go, so if you’re after a laid-back evening then choose a soundtrack to match.
Let your neighbours know. Listen up city dwellers! Even if you don’t expect the party to be loud or late, it’s always best to warn neighbours in advance. Nothing kills the mood like an angry knock on the front door.
STEP 4: Plan seating arrangements
There’s no better excuse than a barbecue to spruce up your outdoor entertaining space and invest in some new garden furniture. If you’re limited on space but love entertaining large groups, go for foldaway furniture that can be hidden when not in use. You could also opt for waterproof beanbags that can be stored in the garage or garden shed.
This is also a great time to upcycle old garden furniture. Add a lick of paint to an old garden bench to create spare seating, or a handy side table for the buffet.
On a budget? Don’t worry about fitting everyone onto one big table. Go for casual picnic tables and director’s chairs – you can always dress them up with homespun decorations.
FOR INSPIRATION: See these perfectly party-prepped patios
There’s no better excuse than a barbecue to spruce up your outdoor entertaining space and invest in some new garden furniture. If you’re limited on space but love entertaining large groups, go for foldaway furniture that can be hidden when not in use. You could also opt for waterproof beanbags that can be stored in the garage or garden shed.
This is also a great time to upcycle old garden furniture. Add a lick of paint to an old garden bench to create spare seating, or a handy side table for the buffet.
On a budget? Don’t worry about fitting everyone onto one big table. Go for casual picnic tables and director’s chairs – you can always dress them up with homespun decorations.
FOR INSPIRATION: See these perfectly party-prepped patios
STEP 5: Lay a wow-factor table setting
Let your table do the talking with a few inexpensive buys such as these.
Place cards. An easy way to add a personalised touch is to lay handwritten place cards on the table, or simply tie a gift tag with the guest’s name to each wine glass.
Tablecloth. Garden party tablecloths don’t have to be pristine and white. Go for a bright colour to match your theme or choose butcher’s paper for a casual theme that’ll have kids and adults reaching for their crayons.
Centrepiece. Don’t worry if you’re running out of time to put together a themed centrepiece, pick up a few citronella candles (click here to buy) to bunch together on the table. You’ll instantly add a pop of colour and your ‘mozzie-free’ guests will appreciate the gesture.
Let your table do the talking with a few inexpensive buys such as these.
Place cards. An easy way to add a personalised touch is to lay handwritten place cards on the table, or simply tie a gift tag with the guest’s name to each wine glass.
Tablecloth. Garden party tablecloths don’t have to be pristine and white. Go for a bright colour to match your theme or choose butcher’s paper for a casual theme that’ll have kids and adults reaching for their crayons.
Centrepiece. Don’t worry if you’re running out of time to put together a themed centrepiece, pick up a few citronella candles (click here to buy) to bunch together on the table. You’ll instantly add a pop of colour and your ‘mozzie-free’ guests will appreciate the gesture.
STEP 6: Add personalised decorations
A few personal touches can really up the ante at a barbecue party and pull your theme together.
Hang bunting and garlands. For a low-cost, high-impact update to your outdoor space, hang DIY bunting in the trees or along your garden wall.
Set up show-stopping seating. For an extra-special touch, pick a bunch of fresh flowers – or choose an accessory to match your theme (a lei, for example) – and attach it to the back of the chairs to give to guests during or at the end of the evening.
Chalk up the festivities. Another great way to add a personalised feel to the event is to invest in a chalkboard and write out the menu, drinks lists or even the rules to a party game of choice – guests will love the effort you’ve gone to.
A few personal touches can really up the ante at a barbecue party and pull your theme together.
Hang bunting and garlands. For a low-cost, high-impact update to your outdoor space, hang DIY bunting in the trees or along your garden wall.
Set up show-stopping seating. For an extra-special touch, pick a bunch of fresh flowers – or choose an accessory to match your theme (a lei, for example) – and attach it to the back of the chairs to give to guests during or at the end of the evening.
Chalk up the festivities. Another great way to add a personalised feel to the event is to invest in a chalkboard and write out the menu, drinks lists or even the rules to a party game of choice – guests will love the effort you’ve gone to.
STEP 7: Don’t fret about food
Preparing food for the masses can be stressful, but luckily there are thousands of easy recipes available online. Also, don’t be afraid to invite your guests to take part in a ‘potluck’ event and each bring a dish or party essential. To further ease barbecue-day anxiety, prepare as much as you can the night before. Marinate meats overnight, assemble side dishes and chop up any fruits or vegetables you’ll need.
Plus, remember to stock up on drinks. Keep your guests refreshed with a punch bowl filled with a tasty mocktail ready to serve up in shatterproof plastic glasses. If you’re serving alcohol, stock up an Esky with plenty of ice and save on precious fridge storage space.
Finally, a great way to keep guests happy while you’re cooking is to create a dedicated serving table with nibbles for pre- or after-dinner munchies.
Preparing food for the masses can be stressful, but luckily there are thousands of easy recipes available online. Also, don’t be afraid to invite your guests to take part in a ‘potluck’ event and each bring a dish or party essential. To further ease barbecue-day anxiety, prepare as much as you can the night before. Marinate meats overnight, assemble side dishes and chop up any fruits or vegetables you’ll need.
Plus, remember to stock up on drinks. Keep your guests refreshed with a punch bowl filled with a tasty mocktail ready to serve up in shatterproof plastic glasses. If you’re serving alcohol, stock up an Esky with plenty of ice and save on precious fridge storage space.
Finally, a great way to keep guests happy while you’re cooking is to create a dedicated serving table with nibbles for pre- or after-dinner munchies.
STEP 8: Choose the right lighting
Good lighting will take your evening right into the night, so make the most of every hour in your outdoor space with solar fairy lights and flickering candles for shimmer and sparkle.
And, if you’ve run out of time to hang decorations, colourful lighting such as these wine bottle designs will provide a effortless shot of personality to your space.
FOR INSPIRATION: Here are more ways to light up your outdoor room
Good lighting will take your evening right into the night, so make the most of every hour in your outdoor space with solar fairy lights and flickering candles for shimmer and sparkle.
And, if you’ve run out of time to hang decorations, colourful lighting such as these wine bottle designs will provide a effortless shot of personality to your space.
FOR INSPIRATION: Here are more ways to light up your outdoor room
STEP 9: Let the games begin
It’s always a good idea to have entertainment options ready in advance for once guests have eaten – and if you’re inviting guests that don’t know each other, it can be a welcome ice-breaker.
If you’re entertaining during the afternoon, make use of fine weather with classic garden games such as badminton, or trusty favourites including Kubb and lawn bowls. Trivia games tend to work well after dinner.
It’s always a good idea to have entertainment options ready in advance for once guests have eaten – and if you’re inviting guests that don’t know each other, it can be a welcome ice-breaker.
If you’re entertaining during the afternoon, make use of fine weather with classic garden games such as badminton, or trusty favourites including Kubb and lawn bowls. Trivia games tend to work well after dinner.
STEP 10: Beware of the sun
Finally, protect yourself and your guests from the sun. Don’t forget the sunblock and provide ample shade during the day. Umbrellas, shade sails, pop-up gazebo canopies, there are countless screening options available for providing last-minute, clever cover.
MORE IDEAS
Find out what your personal summer party style is here
And whatever you do … don’t host a party until you read this
TELL US
Are you planning on hosting a barbecue party soon? Comment below to share your tips and tricks!
Finally, protect yourself and your guests from the sun. Don’t forget the sunblock and provide ample shade during the day. Umbrellas, shade sails, pop-up gazebo canopies, there are countless screening options available for providing last-minute, clever cover.
MORE IDEAS
Find out what your personal summer party style is here
And whatever you do … don’t host a party until you read this
TELL US
Are you planning on hosting a barbecue party soon? Comment below to share your tips and tricks!
What’s a barbecue without a … barbecue? Before you even think about hosting you need to choose the right model for you.
Important questions to ask first relate to the size of the barbecue: what’s the largest group of people you expect to entertain? Will you rely on storing it away during the winter months?
Next stop, what type of barbecue? There are advantages for each:
Charcoal barbecues. These have the advantage of the authentic chargrilled taste and can be less expensive. However, prepare for extra cooking time, and make sure you get one with proper ventilation as they can be unpredictable.
Gas barbecues. While impressive, these tend to be bulky and difficult to move around, so they are not for small outdoor spaces. However, they’re great for regular al fresco entertainers as they cater for larger groups and are easy to clean.
Electric barbecues. Barbecue connoisseurs will criticise these as offering the least authentic flavour. However, if you are restricted by local bushfire laws or have limited space, they can be a good option.