What do you need for a barbecue? Our tips for your grill party

Would you like to spend next weekend relaxing with friends and family, chatting and enjoying your time together? A barbecue with some good music is the perfect way to do it. In this article we share our tips and tricks for hosting a big barbecue without the stress.

A barbecue at home: delicious and relaxed

Warm summer evenings are hard to imagine without a barbecue. To avoid a rush and stress while you prepare, make a clear plan and stick to it. Your barbecue will be a great success and your guests will have a lovely time.

First of all, focus on the most important question: what do you need for a barbecue? True grill fans will tell you that a successful party takes this equipment:

• a top-quality BBQ apron
• a wide pair of grill tongs
• grill cutlery
• a grill brush
• charcoal

That way you can grill delicious food in comfort, without the rush and stress. As the host, you can let your guests enjoy the evening under the open sky. With a few tricks and a little planning, there is nothing to worry about.

Invitations and decorations

Before you start planning, think about where you will grill. More and more people hold these parties in the garden. If you don’t have a house with a garden, that is your first challenge. Finding a suitable place nearby is rarely easy, and there are legal rules for grilling in public places. If you break them, you may have to pay a fine.

We do have a few ideas, though, so you can hold a party in the open air after a hard week’s work. Top of our list are:

• a large park in your town
• open meadows on the edge of town
• your balcony (if your landlord and neighbours agree)
• a rented holiday home with a garden

Once you know where the party will be, it’s time to write and send the invitations. Keep these points in mind when creating an invitation card:

• address each guest personally
• invite them to take part in the barbecue
• add a personal touch
• we recommend writing the card by hand
• digital or printed invitations can feel a little impersonal

If you find it difficult to create an invitation card, you can always turn to an event organiser, whose experienced staff can give you professional help. One last tip: tell your guests about the party as early as you can, so they can keep the time free.

Once you have found the right spot and sent your invitations, you can start decorating. When setting up the grill area, keep these things in mind:

• whatever the weather, think about shelter from sun, wind and rain
• divide the grill area into zones
• a semicircular layout works best
• storage combined with greenery looks charming

To create a sense of depth in your garden, you could set up different levels, such as a work surface with a sink and a seating area nearby. And do remember to add a roof, so rain and wind can’t spoil your party.

Having your own grill area is a dream for many people. It is the perfect place to spend beautiful summer evenings with friends and family. With a little creativity, you can make the grill area in your garden a real highlight and inspire your friends and neighbours to create one of their own.

No barbecue without fish and meat

When it comes to a barbecue, never forget fish and meat. Both belong to a successful evening and should definitely be on your table.

It is important for the host to offer dishes made with fish as well as grilled meat. Many people come to a barbecue, and each has their own eating habits. Some can’t or don’t eat meat, because they are on a diet or for health reasons. So it is a good idea to offer a wide variety of ingredients, and don’t forget fresh vegetables.

Ideally, plan a full menu and send it out with the invitation. That way, your guests know in advance whether to expect a quickly grilled steak or a big, exotic spread.

To avoid any confusion about the menu, make a plan and follow it. First answer the question of what you can grill. Then ask whether your guests are allergic to any ingredients.

With step-by-step planning, your barbecue will run smoothly and without stress. In the end, your friends and family will be happy, and so will you.

What about drinks?

A checklist is essential for any barbecue. Drinks matter as much as the food. Ask your guests to bring something to drink. These go best with grilled fish, meat and vegetables:

• beer, the true classic at a barbecue
• wine, for more style at the table
• whisky, for a very special treat
• soft drinks, which are a must

There is such a wide choice of drinks that every guest can find something they like. And do make sure there are alcohol-free drinks. That is a key part of planning a party.

The most important thing: BBQ apron, knife roll and beer carrier

What else do you need? Food, drinks, the location and decorations all matter, but don’t forget your grilling equipment. Good equipment protects you from accidents and adds a touch of style.

Above all, make sure you have:

• a modern leather knife roll
• a beer or bottle carrier
• a long or short BBQ apron in genuine leather

Many local companies sell grilling accessories, but it is often hard to find one with a solid reputation. At Mergel you can buy the best protection for your knives and order other grilling accessories too.

To complete your outfit for the next barbecue, choose effective protection from heat, oil and dirt. A Mergel BBQ apron gives you a stylish look and excellent quality, with full coverage from hip to knee.

You can also order knife rolls and beer carriers online from Mergel. Both are of excellent quality and fairly priced, and a genuine leather knife roll and a smart beer carrier are the perfect addition to your barbecue outfit.

See our website for the current range. This family business with a long tradition offers many styles and finishes, and almost all our leather goods can be personalised. Mergel is ready to make your wishes come true.

If you have any questions, our customer service team is happy to help by email or phone.