Summer BBQ parties have become Britain’s favourite way to entertain. With BBQ and alfresco eating now the UK’s number one summer home leisure activity, with three out of four households now owning some type of BBQ grill. 

Hosting your gathering doesn’t need to be a scary experience because with proper planning and a few creative touches, you can create a memorable event that brings friends together over delicious food and entertainment.

Food & Drink

The basis of any successful BBQ is well-planned food and drink offerings. Start with classic crowd-pleasers like burgers, sausages and marinated chicken, but don’t overlook vegetarian options such as grilled halloumi, marinated vegetables and plant-based burgers. Complement your grilled mains with an array of finger foods and nibbles. Crisps, dips, coleslaw and potato salad create a buffet-style spread that allows guests to graze throughout the event. For drinks, offer a mix of options including soft drinks, mocktails for designated drivers and alcoholic beverages for those who wish to indulge.

Entertainment 

Successful entertainment strikes a balance between organised activities and relaxed socialising. Traditional garden games like giant Jenga, limbo and charades never fail to create laughter and friendly competition. For a modern twist, you could even have guests take turns playing top slot games on a tablet or phone, which offers a quick digital diversion between conversations and activities.

Theme & Décor

Choosing a theme elevates your BBQ from a simple gathering to a memorable event. Whether you opt for a tropical paradise with palm leaves and bright colours, a rustic countryside feel with wooden accents and fairy lights, or a classic British summer theme with bunting and garden flowers, make sure your decorations, tableware and even menu complement your chosen aesthetic. 

Focus on creating comfortable seating areas where conversations can flow naturally. Scatter cushions on garden furniture, hang fairy lights for ambient evening lighting and consider setting up different zones for dining, lounging, and activities. With average weekly household expenditure reaching £567.70 in 2023, many hosts are finding creative ways to maximise their entertainment budget through thoughtful décor choices that create impact without excessive cost.

Music & Atmosphere

The soundtrack to your BBQ can make or break the atmosphere. Create a custom playlist that reflects your guest list’s musical tastes or browse pre-made summer playlists on streaming platforms. Aim for around 4-6 hours of music to cover the entire event duration, mixing familiar favourites with newer tracks that might introduce guests to something fresh. 

Position your speaker strategically. Close enough for everyone to enjoy, but not so central that it dominates conversation. As the day progresses into evening, adjust the volume and tempo accordingly. Nothing kills a good BBQ vibe like music that’s too loud for the intimate conversations that often develop as the sun sets. 

With the average UK family now hosting around 10 BBQs per summer, there’s clearly an appetite for these social gatherings. The key to success is in balancing preparation with flexibility, making sure that you’ve covered the essentials while remaining adaptable to how the day unfolds. Remember, the best BBQ parties are those where the host can relax and enjoy the company of their friends, so plan ahead but don’t overcomplicate the experience.