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The rest of Europe has been sweltering in a heatwave but it’s still pretty pleasant in the UK, so why not come together over the Bank Holiday weekend for a fun and flavour-filled barbecue? We have some delicious recipes for inspiration and top tips on making sure everyone has a great time.
Classic grilling with a twist
Brits are committed to grilling as soon at the slightest hint of sunshine, so it’s likely your guests may have already indulged in a certain amount of classic barbecue fare this summer. Make your event memorable by moving away from staple bangers and burgers. Instead, get creative with some deliciously-different grilled grub.
Wow friends and family with butterflied prawn skewers with feta, mint and watermelon salad, or super-easy Piri Piri chicken with sweet potato wedges served up with a side of Bourbon BBQ beans. Cutting down on meat? Try these crowd-pleasing spiced corn ‘riblets’, which take just 30 minutes to make.
Inject even more variety to your summer spread by asking guests to bring a dish or a dessert.
Celebrate the Caribbean
August generously gives us two Bank Holidays, the latter of which coincides with the incredible Notting Hill Carnival. So, if you can’t make it to London to witness the spectacle and celebrate Caribbean culture in person, why not raise a toast at home with some delectable authentic Caribbean recipes.
Have a go at cooking up these Jerk barbecue-style ribs with coleslaw from brothers, Shaun and Craig McAnuff, or even serve up their original Rum-Roasted Potatoes with steak, chicken and plantain skewers. You needn’t leave your veggie or vegans guests out of the fun either, thanks to this stunning Jerk Tofu with sweet potato salad recipe. Wash it all down with a rum punch made using a traditional recipe courtesy of Trinidadian chef Shivi Ramoutar.
Live stream the carnival for a glimpse of the famous parade or tune in on the radio for sounds that are guaranteed to get your celebrations going. Just make sure you create some room for dancing! Stacking chairs can be handy for this if you need to free up space quickly.
Entertain in style
Picture whether you want a formal dining set-up or a more laid-back experience and plan accordingly. If you want everyone around the dining table, then draw them in with a showstopping table setting (there’s plenty of inspiration for summer table settings online). A side table is always handy to use for serving dishes and to help clear the decks to make room for people chatting at the table.
With our hardwearing Duraboard® tabletops, you won’t need a tablecloth to protect your furniture, thanks to its extreme durability and resistance to stains. Our stunning Jade table is another one you’ll want to leave uncovered, as the beauty of the teak tabletop will only enhance your display. This table is available with our Bermuda 6-seat dining set or can be mixed and matched with any LifestyleGarden® collection.
For more relaxed entertaining, set up a buffet-style spread or build-your-own burger station, where people help themselves and can then take a seat round a low-style table and sofas. For added flexibility, opt for a height-adjustable table, so you can raise it to a comfortable dining level and then lower it back down when people have finished eating.
The Topaz Casual Dining set offers the best of both words; a formal dining table with relaxed seating and stylish sofa set up. Don’t forget to have a few throws scattered around too, so people can snuggle up if they get chilly later on.
A drinks trolley or outdoor bar is another way to give your BBQ an extra edge.
Have a back-up plan
With the British summer it always pays to have a plan B in case the weather isn’t on your side. A gazebo is useful for covering seating areas or, for something more stylish, consider a pergola to provide shade from the blazing sun or protection from the rain and wind.
If outside is a complete no-go, don’t panic because our furniture is designed for use indoors and out, so you can simply move the party inside. Choose a lightweight aluminium set, such as Palau or Panama Dark, to make relocation quick and easy. Our fast-drying Olefin® cushions will be ready to sit on again in no time if they do get caught in a downpour and, because our furniture is designed to be low maintenance, all you need is a quick wipe down with a cloth and you’re ready to go.
Most BBQ recipes are easily adapted to cook in the oven or on a griddle anyway, so your banquet need not be ruined.
