After a long winter, during which many of us have been isolated, grilling season is off to a great start. With summer just around the corner it’s time to start thinking about hosting parties (within restriction limits!) and creating new memories with friends and family. What better way to embrace the season than to celebrate outside with a fantastic barbecue party that, with these simple steps, your guests will be talking about for weeks to come.

Plan The Basics

You’ll want to remember the four basics of any good party: food, drinks, comfort and seating. For food and drink, make a guest list to give yourself an idea of how much you might need and consider planning for one extra person so there is more than enough to go around. Keep your guests happy and comfortable can make for some of the best evenings together, so make sure to provide comfort and amenities wherever possible. A warm throw blanket over the back of the outdoor sofa and comfortable cushions can make everyone feel a little more at home.

Prep The Grill

As the grill and the food will most likely be the star of the evening, it’s essential to prepare your primary cooking source and ensure it’s ready to work all evening. Check your fuel supply, clean the grills and ensure all burners are working well before you are ready to cook for the evening. Performing this simple maintenance will ensure you’ll be able to cook all night, with no interruptions. It is a good idea to have your food prepped and ready for grilling before your guests arrive so you can spend less time in the kitchen and more time socializing.

  

Set The Mood

Ambience can be a factor in how your party feels and flows. Help your guests feel as relaxed and comfortable as possible by setting the mood in your outdoor space. An outdoor fireplace is the ultimate source of added warmth, comfort and atmosphere for your outdoor space. For a similar effect to those flickering flames, groups of candles and outdoor lighting can bring a similar effect.

Don’t Forget The Details

The little details can make a big difference to your guests, whether it’s a few decorations to help your space feel festive or a homemade treat your guests can take away at the end of the night. No matter what you choose, keep in mind tiny details that seem insignificant will ultimately make your guests feel special while hosting your fantastic barbecue party.

Visit your local specialty hearth and barbecue dealer to see the exciting range of grill accessories and outdoor items available.