I adore hosting a BBQ – sunshine, food, great company, and a cold bottle of bubbly – it brings me such joy. Unfortunately for me, days to enjoy a BBQ are few and far in between for us UK gals. I think we only managed a handful last year, most impromptu of course, but I’m determined to flex my hostess muscles even more in 2025 (especially as we would have moved into our new home…eek!!)
There is an art to hosting a great BBQ at home. It’s not just about the food (for me, anyway), but the garden decorations, drinks, and atmosphere of the get-together. In true Savery-Grazing-style, I love to be a bit extra. So, in this blog, I’ll teach you everything you need to know about hosting a BBQ with a ‘wow’ factor. So, what elements do you need to think about?
- Food: Delicious grilled meats, make-ahead sides, and fuss-free desserts are a minimum.
- Drinks: Serve yourself stations and welcome drinks to greet your guests.
- Vibes: Consider a good playlist and activities to keep your guests entertained.
- Garden Prep: A well-maintained and beautifully decorated space will add a ‘wow’ factor.
Read on for all the details, tips, and tricks to host your best BBQ yet!
Food (Meat, Sides & Pudding)
Whilst you can chuck a few sausages and burgers on the grill and call it a day, spending the extra time thoughtfully curating your spread of food is so important when it comes to impressing guests.
Meat
When it comes to meat for a BBQ, quality is key. It’s worth spending a little more for cuts that are fresher and tastier. After all, it is the star of the show! Here’s what to look out for when you’re shopping:
Opt for Fresh, Not Frozen – Freshly sourced meat always grills better, giving you those gorgeous sear marks and tender bites. Look for local butchers or farmers’ markets when possible – not only are you supporting small businesses, but the quality is unbeatable.
Check the Colour
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- Beef: Should be bright red with little marbling (those white streaks of fat). This ensures juicy and flavorful bites.
- Chicken: Opt for firm, plump pieces with no grayish tinge.
- Pork: Pale pink with just a hint of fat keeps it moist and tender.
Pre-Marinated vs. DIY – Whilst store-bought marinades can be convenient, I’d always recommend doing it yourself if you have the time. A simple mix of olive oil, garlic, lemon, and fresh herbs can work wonders for chicken or lamb. For beef, a marinade of soy sauce, brown sugar, and a splash of whiskey is divine.
Don’t Forget the Alternatives – Not everyone eats meat, so it’s worth stocking up on veggie or vegan options like halloumi, portobello mushrooms, or pre-made veggie patties.
Sides
A BBQ is never complete without a table full of vibrant, delicious sides to complement the grilled mains. In fact, I’d argue that sides can actually make or break your BBQ spread! Plus, many of the sides below can be prepped ahead of time, saving you precious minutes on the day:
- Light, leafy salads
- Potato salads
- Pasta salads
- Cous cous salads
- Coleslaw
- Salsa & pickles
- Chunky Mediterranean veggies
- Marinated halloumi
If you’re short on time, divvy up making the side dishes between a few friends and family attending – it’s customary for them to contribute to a BBQ, and making suggestions that fit within your vibe/theme certainly doesn’t hurt!
To learn more about choosing the perfect sides to complement your selection of grilled meats, check out our recent blog: What Side Dishes Go Best With a BBQ?
Dessert
When it comes to pudding/dessert, honestly, having one option available is absolutely fine. You’re hosting a BBQ, not a birthday party! I love to choose something that is easily made ahead of time, to save fussing on the day, or something that can be made using the BBQ itself. My go-to options include:
- Tiramisu (for my fellow Sheffield blog readers, you must try Paradiso Authentic Italian – Mattia kindly made a limoncello & raspberry flavour tiramisu for our last BBQ and it was divine!)
- Ice cream or sorbet
- Cheesecake – plain or flavoured
- BBQ’d bananas & chocolate (this is SO nostalgic to me)
- Smores
- Meringue nests (find 8 wonderful topping ideas here)
Drinks
It is essential to greet your guests with a drink – ensure you have an option or two ‘out’ and ready to grab. Our go-to is a glass of fizz upon arrival, but you could also offer a fresh homemade lemonade or a signature cocktail.
I also love to create a ‘serve yourself’ station for guests to use during the BBQ – that’ll save you so much time as a hostess. On top of the table, lay out a few 8-litre drinks dispensers. I fill one with cold water (add a few lemon slices and mint if you’re feeling fancy), lemonade, and a pre-made summer cocktail.
Pop a stack of disposable cups and straws next to the dispensers for guests to use, as this will save you from having to wash up later. For the guys, pop a bucket underneath your station and fill it to the brim with beer and ice – don’t forget to leave a few bottle openers lying around!
Vibes & Entertainment
Creating the right vibe for your BBQ is just as important as the food you’re serving. You want to keep your guests entertained whilst they wait for food to be served, or for something to do as they mingle with family and friends.
Set the Mood With Music
I’d recommend creating a fabulous playlist ahead of time. Tailor it to your BBQ’s theme (e.g., tropical vibes, classic summer hits, or a laid-back acoustic mix). Streaming platforms often have ready-made BBQ playlists if you’re short on time!
A small Bluetooth speaker is perfect for outdoor gatherings. Keep the volume at a level that allows for conversation – music should be a complement, not a distraction. If your BBQ stretches into the evening, you can easily switch up the vibe as the party moves inside…
Plan a Few Activities
Keeping your guests entertained is a must, especially if your BBQ has a mix of kids and adults. Here are some fun and easy activities to include:
- A BBQ-themed quiz
- A piñata
- Giant Garden Games (think jumbo-sized versions of your favorite games, like Connect 4, Jenga, or a ring toss)
- DIY smores station
- Scavenger hunt
- Beer pong
Preparing Your Garden
Ensuring your garden looks gorgeous is a surefire way to impress guests at your next BBQ. Not only does this mean landscaping and completing essential garden maintenance tasks, but putting up decorations too.
Garden Jobs
To ensure our outdoor area looked as good as it possibly could come BBQ day, there were a few essential jobs we completed the week before to freshen everything up. This included:
- Pressure washing the patio
- Painting the fence (totally unnecessary but it seemed like a good opportunity to do it!)
- Cutting back any wilted flowers & plants
- Planting a few new pots with fresh herbs (which doubled as table centrepieces), flowers, and foliage
- Mowing the lawn
- Putting up additional outdoor lighting
Decorating For Your BBQ
Decorating your garden for a BBQ may seem strange, but it’s something that can help to bring the ‘wow’ factor. It’s also nice to go the extra mile if it’s a special holiday (like the 4th of July), or you’re celebrating a birthday at the same time. Struggle with choosing decorations for your get-together? I honestly find it easier to pick a theme to stick to!
This year, we went with a Summer in Sicily theme (for food, decorations, drinks, and entertainment). Decoration-wise, we incorporated pops of blue and yellow into everything – table linens, napkins, and even the flowers in the centerpieces. Small touches like fairy lights, citronella candles (to keep the bugs away), and bunting instantly elevate the space.
We also created an indoor/outdoor feel by bringing chairs, cushions, rugs, and wireless lamps outside, as well as popping up a gazebo just in case it rained (which it did!!).
BBQ Hosting Tips, Recipes, and More From Savery Grazing
Hosting a BBQ doesn’t have to be stressful – it’s all about planning ahead and adding those extra special touches to create a memorable get-together with friends. We hope these tips inspire you to host your next BBQ at home with confidence!
Looking for more hosting ideas, recipes, or BBQ inspiration? Check out more of our blogs, or follow us on Instagram, Facebook or Pinterest. Don’t forget to share your BBQ tips in the comments below!