Liberty’s Guide to Hosting the Perfect BBQ
We’re declaring BBQ season officially open. Umbrellas are likely needed, but these tips to hosting the perfect gathering are a must
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Liberty’s Guide to Hosting the Perfect BBQ
We’re declaring BBQ season officially open. Umbrellas are likely needed, but these tips to hosting the perfect gathering are a must
By: Charlotte Olby
Nothing says ‘summer’ quite like an alfresco get-together, with the smell of burnt sausage and SPF filling the air. So what better time than now is there to dust down the garden furniture, mow the lawn and embrace the start of British Summer Time with Liberty’s guide to the best BBQ hosting tips.
So what makes a good barbecue? Food, of course, comes top of the list, alongside good company and a great atmosphere. You’ve got the obvious must-haves nailed: the grill, burgers, sausages, and an indoors contingency plan (a must) but what about the small details that make your cook-out all the more memorable? Think easy entertainment, refreshing cocktails and salad recipes to dazzle plus garden party ideas that will elevate even the smallest of gatherings.
If you’re looking to transform your garden or outdoor area into a space for entertaining, follow along for all the essentials to help you (and your guests) enjoy a delicious bbq. This is the Liberty BBQ Starter Pack.
Read More: Do You Have Planxiety? Try Our Outdoor Entertaining Ideas
The Outfit
Liberty Daisy Scatter Hemp Resort Short Set, £245
As the host, you want to ensure your outfit is equal parts chic, equal parts comfortable – with a little room for eating. Comfortable, flattering, and – crucially – easy to throw on, Liberty’s Daisy Scatter two-piece screams ultimate ease while ticking off one of summer’s biggest co-ord trends, adorned all-over with our classic ditsy floral. Going to be stood over the BBQ most of the day? Opt for a summer dress floaty enough to bear the heat and keep a statement jacket or cardi close-by for when the clouds inevitably roll in.
Shop NowThe Side Salad
Recipe extracted from Feel Good by Melissa Hemsley (Ebury Press, £22) Photography by Lizzie Mayson
For the perfect antidote to heaps of meat and bread, opt for a stand-out colourful and inviting side salad like Melissa Hemsley’s big broccoli and spinach salad with carrot-ginger dressing. “A favourite lunchbox salad of mine, this recipe happily makes extra dressing,” says Hemsley, meaning you can drizzle over the rest of your barbecued delights for an extra dose of salty-sweet umami flavour. Dress (the salad) to impress in a dish worthy of your loved ones admiration and finish with some eye-catching salad servers.
Download the RecipeThe Refreshments
Anna + Nina Botanical Sea Garden Glass Carafe, £49.95
Good drinks go hand in hand with good food. Of course, you’ll be needing the usual beers (for the inevitable dads-around-the-barbie congregation) and soft drinks, but there’s nothing that pleases a crowd more than a pitcher of punch. Seasonal cocktails (or mocktails) garnished with freshly-picked fruit and flowers are always a good addition to your BBQ menu. Level up your hosting with Liberty’s guide to the best cocktail recipes– as told by our expert glassware designers. Other than that, just make sure there is plenty of ice available throughout the day and you’re good to go.
Shop NowThe ‘Table’ Setting
Henry Holland Studio Big Dipper Chalice, £225
As with the humble picnic, an outdoor feast is one that needn’t lack airs and graces with a few key pieces and a little forward planning. If you’re blessed with a large enough garden table to host all your guests, great! Simply throw over a kitsch tablecloth and decorate with an array of zesty crockery and linens. If you don’t have enough furniture for everyone to be seated, don’t panic. Roll out a picnic blanket with cushions for everyone to sit on, and choose jugs or vases of flowers and grasses to create the most casual of centrepieces.
Shop NowThe Entertainment
Liberty Floral Wood Domino Set, £34.99
It always takes longer than you think to get the grill going, so in order to fill the time and distract your guests from their rumbling stomachs, entertainment is key. Lawn games are a failsafe so why not set up an area for activities like croquet or skittles. Find a playlist to set the mood – ‘Alexa, play Summer BBQ’ – and keep small table-top games around for when the evening chills and everyone starts to flock around the patio heater or the dying heat of the BBQ.
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