Barbecue Party

There are endless ideas for barbecue parties, and for barbecue recipes that are sure to keep you and your tastebuds screaming for more.

Cooking outdoors with a barbecue can be very innovative, from making your own, using a simple DIY barbecue grill, to much more elaborate systems, all using a variety of fuels such as wood, charcoal, electric, natural gas or propane.

You can liven up your barbecue party with a party game, a few decorations, balloons and banners. Adding a party theme is becoming more and more popular, and adds to the fun and excitement....

There's something about barbecued food that appeals to both adults and children alike. No matter what the weather, rain or shine you can make your barbecue party a real event.

	Choosing Your Barbecue... From choosing your barbecue grill to planning your barbecue party, it should be fun, that's what it's all about.

There are Charcoal Barbecues, Gas Barbecues, Electric Barbecues, Wood Barbecues, Pellet Barbecues and Barbecue Smokers or DIY Bar-B-Q'S. Check out each one to see which one is right for you.

So where do you start?..... Decide on your barbecue party well in advance, preferably allowing several weeks, you will find it much easier if you have a checklist. Always allow for inclement weather, maybe a Gazebo as a back up would be a good idea.

	If it's hot you can keep out of the sun, if it's wet you can keep out of the rain. Outdoor lighting can also add a new dimension to any garden party.

A variety of food and drink should be available to suit all tastes, and do use unbreakable plates and glasses, we don't want any injuries that would end up spoiling the party. Safety and hygiene should be the main priorities so don't take any shortcuts here.

Set up your Bar-B-Q with some brightly coloured banners, balloons and a selection of music. Keep it varied so there is something for everyone, mix it up, all loud music and the adults will probably want to leave early.

Also ensure your guests have plenty of seating and somewhere to place food and drinks. A huge range of garden furniture is available from your local garden centre as well as our BBQ store, or you can purchase from one of the many online stores if you know what you want. Patio heaters can extend the barbecue season into the cooler months of the
year, and are a nice feature.

Party Invitations...
Let's add to the fun by sending out some brightly coloured or unusual barbecue invitations by snail-mail, or you can send invitations online, adults and children will appreciate the extra effort.

Party Games...

The children will have plenty of energy so make sure there are plenty of party games to keep them occupied. Put someone in charge of games and
give prizes, these only have to be small. Losers as well as winners should always receive some little gift from the party game so that no one feels left out.

Barbecue Recipes....

The food.... ahhhh. Hundreds of different barbecue recipes will ensure you never get tired of BBQ food. A good mix of meats, fish and vegetables combined with plenty of soft drinks, with maybe something a little stronger for Dad. Sorting out your barbecue recipes should be done well in advance, leave nothing to chance and everything will run like clockwork. If you have some time, why not take a look around our new Barbecue store, there is a great selection of food and recipes for sale.

The exciting thing about barbecues is they can be as simple or complicated as you wish to make them. A barbecue for two with a couple of bottles of your favourite drink, on the terrace or in the garden can be an enjoyable and relaxing time.

Budgeting....

Of course your budget will determine how much you can and can't do as far as decorating is concerned. But don't let that put you off. Simple picnic tables and chairs will do just fine. A barbecue party really is all about getting together with friends and family, having fun and enjoying the food.