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Our guide to hosting the perfect BBQ party

Nothing beats a great British BBQ party. Rain or shine (often both, let’s be real), BBQ parties bring huge servings of delicious food, good vibes and valuable time spent with friends and family. Plus, they’re usually on a bank holiday, which is never a bad thing!

Whether you’re hosting at home or entertaining everyone on a staycay, our step-by-step BBQ party guide will help you with all your BBQ planning. As well as covering how to host a BBQ party, it’ll tell you what to buy for a BBQ party and even give you some winning ideas for the best BBQ food.

So, don’t sweat it. Keep scrolling and soak up our top tips for a grill-iant BBQ party…

1. Plan your BBQ like a professional

First things first; you need to choose a date and time for your BBQ party. Weekend afternoons or early evenings tend to work best, and it goes without saying that you may wanna check out the weather forecast before confirming.

We recommend writing a guest list regardless of whether you’re throwing a casual BBQ party or inviting a bigger crowd – it’ll help you with everything from picking a theme (optional, but everyone loves tailored decorations, don’t they?) to deciding on your BBQ party food. Talking about themes, our selection of party supplies is sure to inspire you.

Top TK tip: Send your invites or ‘save the date’ messages early! We find creating a group chat the best way to communicate.

2. Organise your outdoor BBQ area

Before you begin buying your BBQ essentials, we recommend organising your outdoor BBQ area. Whether you’re working with a grand ole garden or a petite patio space, you can create the perfect al-fresco atmosphere for less. Here, at TK Maxx, we’ve got everything from outdoor furniture to flowerpots and furnishings – all with scorching hot savings.

Start by sorting out seating – think comfy chairs, picnic tables, cushions and blankets for prime cosy vibes – and consider your lighting (we love to see lanterns and string lights!) A gazebo or parasol may save your guests from the unpredictable British weather, while outdoor games will help keep everyone entertained. Oh, and don’t forget an outdoor speaker – create a fun playlist with summer hits, country or classic rock... and let the good times roll!

Top TK tip: Have extra blankets and throws on hand in case your BBQ party gets chilly at night.

3. Make sure you’ve got the BBQ essentials

Obviously, the biggest BBQ essential is the actual BBQ, so if you haven’t already got a grill, start there. Charcoal ones add smoky flavour but take longer to heat, gas BBQs are quick and easy to control, and smokers are the flipping best for slow-cooking meats. The other BBQ must haves? BBQ accessories – like tongs and thermometers – and stylish serveware (outdoor-appropriate, of course).

Here at TK Maxx, you can bag all your BBQ tools and BBQ accessories at really *grate* prices. Act fast and you’ll find everything from BBQ baskets and trays to full BBQ sets – all for up to 60% less than the RRP. And if you think that sounds sweet, you better ketchup with our serveware... we’ve got the most stunning selection. Patterned plates, silver salad servers, ceramic carafes and so much more, with pretty little price tags to match.

Top TK tip: Keep your outdoor BBQ area clean. Provide rubbish and recycling bins, keep bugs away with food covers, and put out plenty of napkins (BBQ sauces get messy!)

4. Look into BBQ party menu ideas

A supreme BBQ party menu should have a mix of meats (unless you’re only serving veggie BBQ food, obviously), sides, dips and appetisers, and some dreamy desserts. And if you’ve already picked a party theme, you can use this to guide your BBQ party food. Not really a themed-party kind of person? Then, why not let your BBQ food ideas dictate the vibe…

Sun’s out, bread buns out – you could create a classic American BBQ with grilled burgers and hot dogs, smoked brisket, macaroni cheese and s’mores. If you’re looking for meatless BBQ ideas, you can’t beat a mediterranean BBQ party menu. Halloumi skewers, stuffed peppers, Greek salad and grilled veg… what’s not to love? Tex-Mex is also great food to cook at a BBQ. Let guests help themselves to tacos, fajitas, salsa with tortilla chips and caramel-covered churros.

Top TK tip: Don’t forget drinks! Sure, people will bring their own but there’s nothing like a BBQ party punch to set the mood.

5. Research the best BBQ recipes

Once you’ve worked out what kind of BBQ party food you want to serve, it’s time to find the best BBQ recipes. You’ll find a whole host of BBQ food ideas online, but we don’t think you can beat flicking through a big old cookbook or two. Cookbooks offer a more tangible and organised cooking experience and they’re just all-round chef’s kiss.

We’ve got so many crowd-pleasing cookbooks – a collection of the crème de la crème if you will – and at prices you’ll want to get a whiff of. With everything from simple family-oriented guides to cookbooks published by Michelin-rated restaurants, you can get your BBQ mitts on all the top BBQ recipe ideas for up to 60% less than the RRP.

Top TK tip: Pre-make any marinades and sides to save time on the big day.

BBQ Party Planning

Our planning checklist for the perfect BBQ party

Pre-party planning (1-2 weeks before): Set a date and time, choose a theme (optional), create a guest list, send your invitations via text, email, or online invites, plan the menu including meats, sides, desserts, and drinks, and check dietary restrictions to offer vegetarian or allergy-friendly options.

Grocery and supply shopping (3-5 days before): Purchase meats and proteins, sides and condiments, beverages, desserts and snacks, and ensure you have enough fuel for grilling, such as charcoal, propane, or wood chips. Don't forget utensils and serveware, coolers, and ice.

Set up and prep (The day before or morning of): Marinate and prep the meat, chop and prep ingredients for salads and veggies, clean and set up the grill, arrange seating and tables, decorate if themed, and prepare your playlist.

BBQ party day: Fire up the grill 30-45 minutes before guests arrive, set up a self-serve drink station with ice and glasses, put out appetizers and snacks, start grilling and serve food in batches, keeping it warm in foil trays. Have rubbish and recycling bins nearby, take photos, and enjoy the party!

Post-BBQ party clean-up: Store leftovers in airtight containers, dispose of rubbish and recyclables, clean the grill by scraping off residue while it's warm, and pack up decorations, seating, and tables.

More home and hosting inspo this way...