It’s here, the sun has arrived! Knowing how quickly the weather changes in the UK we have to make the most of it. We have lots of jobs to do in our garden this summer but we want to make sure we’re able to enjoy our time out there as well. One easy way to do this is to have lots of impromptu summer BBQs as often as the weather allows. Here are five things you’ll need to be BBQ ready this summer:
1. The BBQ
Over the years we’ve gone from having a huge barrel BBQ (which was too big for us) and using small disposable BBQs (these were too small and not economical if planning to barbecue a lot). This year we’ve settled in between with the La Hacienda Sphere Enamelled Fire-pit with Grill. As well as being the ideal size and stylish, we love how it doubles as a fire pit. We can barbecue our food then add some logs to make a fire as the evening cools. Some people prefer a built-in BBQ in their garden, choose what is right for you and your family/friends.
You will also need charcoal briquettes and fire-lighters. Using a starter chimney is a more reliable and faster way to get the charcoal to a consistent cooking temperature. Have heat logs ready to start the fire pit after the food is cooked.
2. Garden Seating
Your garden furniture can be such a focal point of the garden where you spend many evenings and weekends during the summer so choose you need to choose your garden furniture wisely. We are currently in need of a new patio table set and garden bench (I’m thinking of getting a wooden picnic table this time) so we put out lots of blankets and cushions which creates a relaxed picnic atmosphere. We also sat in the trampoline tent and the garden tee pee.
3. Garden Decoration
While trees and plants are the main decoration in most gardens we can also add a few accessories. A string of bunting always brightens the garden and hanging lanterns give a pretty light as the sun goes down. Pots can add pops of colour too.
4. Food
Stock up on food to BBQ. There is so much choice out there but burgers, sausages and kebabs (meat-free versions for veggies!) always go down well. We also love jacket potatoes, salads, corn on the cob and large flat mushrooms. Don’t forget cheese, onion and sauces.
Also, it’s important to make sure you eat relatively light beforehand to ensure that you can enjoy your fill when the barbecue food and its associated spices come around. Many people love the idea of eating Growli Foods for breakfast, such as their muesli, when they wish to enjoy a great breakfast that won’t make them feel lethargic or unable to eat anything else for the rest of the day.
Not only this but without feeling heavy, a good breakfast using healthy ingredients can help you feel lightly satiated until the barbecue food is finished grilling.
Buy some marshmallows or chestnuts to toast over the fire pit later.
5. Drink
A bottle of beer always goes down nicely while the barbie heats up. We put our bottles in an ice bucket to keep cool in the sun. Lemonade is refreshing on a warm day too.
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Scroll down for more photos of our barbecue and suggestions for what to buy:
From top left clockwise: La Hacienda Sphere Enamelled Fire Pit with Grill, £89.99, Metal Ice Bucket, £9.99, Andorra 4 Seater Metal Garden Furniture Set, £99.87, Blue Skandi Style Lantern, £4.99, Chimney Starter, £9.99 and Citronella Tealights, £2.99
*La Hacienda Sphere Enamelled Fire Pit with Grill c/o Homebase
