bbq ideas: how to host the perfect BBQ party

bbq food ideas

Wondering what to serve at your BBQ garden party? We've got plenty of BBQ food ideas, including healthy, vegetarian, and vegan recipes. We've picked simple yet delicious dishes that can be largely prepped the day or morning before, so you can spend more time enjoying the party. Just make sure to follow Food Standards Agency advice when prepping, storing, and cooking.

Looking to serve some nibbles while the barbecue's heating up? Take a look at our guide to creating a charcuterie board.

main dish ideas

A mixture of BBQ classics and inventive recipes is sure to impress. The key is grilling to perfection, ensuring your ingredients take on that characteristic smokiness and charring while retaining their own flavour.

• Burgers — make your own patties with mince (turkey makes a healthy alternative to beef), finely diced onion, panko breadcrumbs and seasoning. Elevate your burger buns by brushing with garlic oil and lightly toasting on the grill. 
• Hot dogs — perfect for kids. For more grown-up options, provide gourmet toppings like jalapeños, sauerkraut, chimichurri, tzatziki, blue cheese, and chopped peanuts.
• Chicken wings, legs, or thighs — bone-in, skin-on chicken is less likely to dry on the barbecue. Marinade overnight for the best results and serve with side salad.
• Prawn and chorizo skewers — with just five ingredients, this recipe is simple yet delicious.
• BBQ ribs — baby back ribs work best on the grill. For tasty and tender pork, marinade well and cook slowly. We recommend serving BBQ ribs with corn on the cob and homemade 'slaw.

You might also want to try some of our alternative BBQ ideas below.

vegetarian

• Courgette and halloumi skewers — these summery skewers are easily prepped ahead and cook in around five minutes. 
• Portobello mushroom and goats cheese burger — marinating and basting your mushrooms in balsamic vinegar, olive oil, oregano, salt, and pepper will ensure they're bursting with flavour.
  vegan

vegan

• Vegetable kebabs — a delicious, versatile, and healthy BBQ idea. The possibilities are almost endless. Quick tip: soak wooden skewers in water for ten minutes so they don't burn.
• Stuffed peppers — prep a flavourful buckwheat or cous cous mix and stuff peppers before wrapping in foil and putting on the barbecue. Cook for around 20 minutes, turning regularly.
• Vegan burger or wrap — make your own healthy and tasty patties using a base of chickpeas or black beans. You can also get creative with toppings and bread options.
   

side dish ideas

We recommend serving three side dishes at your BBQ garden party, as this should provide a good level of variety while remaining manageable — especially if you prep the day or morning before. All of these dishes are suitable for serving vegetarians at your BBQ, and we've provided some vegan options too

vegetarian

• Mac n cheese — one of our favourite BBQ food ideas. Simply prep your favourite recipe in the kitchen in a cast-iron dish then crisp off and smoke over the barbecue.
• Corn on the cob — you'll get the best results from pulling back the husk, removing the silk, adding butter and seasoning, then grilling with the husk replaced, according to an Epicurious experiment. Add a sprinkling of paprika to cooked cobs for extra flavour.
• Beetroot and feta salad — a lighter option. Prep the veggies and dressing ahead, then assemble and present in a ceramic serving bowl while your BBQ's heating up.
• Watermelon, feta and glazed walnut salad — a summery dish that's best enjoyed al fresco. Ideal for serving with barbecue chicken.
• Coleslaw — homemade 'slaw is so much tastier than store-bought! Mix white wine vinegar, mayonnaise, and seasoning with your choice of shredded veggies. 
• Sundried tomato and mozzarella salad — simple yet full of flavour. Perfect alongside Italian herbed chicken or tofu.
• Potato salad — if there's one side dish to serve at a BBQ, it's this. A classic for a reason. Simply mix mayonnaise, white wine vinegar, and chopped fresh chives with boiled new potatoes. 

vegan

• Barbecue baked beans — prepare your chosen recipe with extra liquid in a shallow cast-iron dish and then warm over the grill, leaving to simmer for a while so that the smoky flavours can develop.
• Grilled asparagus — a super-healthy BBQ idea. Simply wash, trim, season, then char on a hot grill. A squeeze of lemon juice just before serving adds a zing of freshness.
• Balsamic roasted vegetable rice salad — best served at room temperature, so great for prepping ahead of your BBQ garden party. Just make sure not to leave out of the fridge for more than two hours.
• Summer bean and pea salad — flavours that are perfect for al fresco dining. Make sure to keep the dressing separate until it's time to serve.

salad ideas

Add a refreshing twist to your BBQ menu with vibrant and flavourful salads, perfect for complementing smoky grilled meats and adding a burst of freshness to your plate. We’ve got plenty of BBQ salad ideas to try out.

• Quinoa, avocado and spinach salad with orange  — packed full of summery ingredients, this easy salad is bound to be a showstopper. 
• Watermelon, feta and glazed walnut salad — a summery dish that's best enjoyed al fresco. Ideal for serving with barbecue chicken.
• Beetroot and feta salad — a lighter option. Prep the veggies and dressing ahead, then assemble and present in a ceramic serving bowl while your BBQ's heating up.
• Summer bean and pea salad — flavours that are perfect for al fresco dining. Make sure to keep the dressing separate until it's time to serve.
• Balsamic roasted vegetable rice salad — best served at room temperature, so great for prepping ahead of your BBQ garden party. Just make sure not to leave out of the fridge for more than two hours.
• Sundried tomato and mozzarella salad — simple yet full of flavour. Perfect alongside Italian herbed chicken or tofu.

dessert ideas

When it comes to BBQ food ideas, desserts are often forgotten, but it's always nice to finish a meal with something sweet! Here are some puddings you could serve at your BBQ party. We also have two dairy-free BBQ dessert ideas which are a great option for vegans. 

• S'mores — a real crowd-pleaser! Simply toast marshmallows over fire then sandwich between chocolate digestives. Present skewers, biscuits, and mallows on a serving tray. 
• Strawberry mille-feuille — with Madagascan vanilla crème pâtissière and strawberry jam. Delightfully refreshing on a sunny day. Our bakeware and pans are perfect for the job.
• Raspberry ripple and white chocolate cheesecake bars — these flavours work perfectly after BBQ food. Plus, the bars are super simple to serve.

vegan

• Fruit kebabs — easy to make and serve. Use a rainbow of colours for a tasty, healthy, and eye-catching treat — try grape, kiwi, pineapple, orange, and strawberry.
• Raspberry sorbet — an intensely flavoured and refreshing dessert perfect for capping off a BBQ. To serve four people, blend 400g frozen raspberries then gradually introduce 100g sugar syrup until smooth. Finish by blitzing with the juice of half a lemon.

drink ideas

When you're deciding what to serve at a BBQ, it's not just about the food ideas — don't forget about the drinks! A welcome cocktail or mocktail is a great way to get the party started, and we've shared some of our favourite recipes below. You might also be interested in setting up a drinks station.

• Summertime gin twist — a refreshing citrus G&T, beautifully presented with edible flowers.
• Champagne cocktails — discover simple ways to elevate a glass of sparkling white wine.
• Mint and lime mojito — a classic cocktail that's sure to be popular with your BBQ party guests.
• Rose, rhubarb and juniper mocktail — a luxurious alcohol-free option.

bbq garden party ideas

While your BBQ food should be the star of the show, if you want to host the perfect garden party, you also need to keep your guests comfortable and entertained. Be inspired by our BBQ party ideas and make memories with your loved ones this summer.

set up a condiment station

Setting up a separate condiment and toppings station means everyone can easily help themselves and saves space on your dining table. If you don't have space for another small table, present everything on an attractive serving tray instead.

It depends what BBQ food you're serving, but you'll probably want to include ketchup, mustard, and mayonnaise, as well as sliced onion, gherkin, tomato, and cheese. Try whipping up some homemade guacamole, houmous (like our red pepper houmous), and relish to really impress your guests.

For an attractive and practical set-up, present your condiments and toppings in ramekins or bowls and provide utensils for self-serving.

create a bar area

When hosting a garden or backyard BBQ party, it's best to keep the drinks outside for easy access. If you have the space, a separate 'home bar' area will add to the fun and free up space on your outdoor dining table.

To keep cans, cartons, and bottles cool, you'll need a well-filled ice bucket — if you don't have one big enough, one of our favourite garden party ideas is to use a wheelbarrow instead! Everything else can sit on a nearby table, ideally in the shade. Here are some ideas of what to include:

• Drinking glasses, including tumblers, wine glasses, and champagne flutes
• Jugs filled with your choice of drink
• Garnishes, such as lime wedges, fresh mint, and lemon peel
• Eco-friendly straws, stirrers, and cocktail umbrellas
• Bartending accessories such as a cocktail shaker, strainer, and muddler
• Cocktail syrups and purees 
• Spirits and a spirit measure
• Corkscrew and bottle opener

If you haven't already, make sure to take a look at our BBQ drink ideas above. You might also be interested in reading our guide to serving sparkling wine. 

play the right music

Although you'll have to consider your neighbours, background music is great for creating the right ambience at your BBQ party. Try to create or choose a long playlist so that you don't have to keep switching it. Why not ask your guests to add some of their favourite songs ahead of time? This Summer BBQ playlist on Spotify is also a great choice.

make it cosy

The weather can't always be relied upon to keep your guests comfortable, so it might be a good idea to put up a gazebo or parasol if you have one. You could also put out some blankets in case it gets chilly. 

Once it gets dark, a fire pit will help to keep things cosy and provide the perfect place for toasting marshmallows or making s'mores for your BBQ dessert. To add to the ambience as the sun goes down, use string lights, lanterns, and candles. 

Keep the kids entertained

If there will be any children at your BBQ party, garden games are perfect for keeping them (and the adults) entertained. Giant outdoor board games, ring toss, and skittles are sure to go down a treat — just make sure there's enough space to play safely away from the barbecue.

review your outdoor décor

Before a BBQ party is the perfect time to review your garden design and outdoor décor to see whether there's anything you want to improve. If you love to dine al fresco and have enough space to work with, perhaps you could put together a dedicated BBQ area. Or maybe you just want to spruce up your borders and get some extra chairs with your summer schedule in mind.

outdoor bbq table ideas

To host the perfect BBQ party, you need your outdoor table setting to be functional and stylish. To start, think about the positioning of your table: you need it to be safely outside the barbecue area, perhaps on your backyard patio, and possibly in the shade. You can also use a gazebo or parasols to help protect against the sun.

You may wish to lay a tablecloth, but bear in mind that you might need surfaces on which to place hot dishes. Our stylish ceramic coaster tiles are perfect for this, as they're heat-resistant and easily combined to create the space you need. Of course, these can also be used for drinks, candles, and more.

We recommend using your usual tableware (or buying a new ceramic dinner set if it's time for an upgrade) rather than plastic dishes. Not only is this the conscious choice, but it will result in a far more luxurious dining experience. You can then mix and match with your favourite glassware, cutlery, and serveware to create a cohesive outdoor table setting. 

It's also a good idea to use fabric napkins, as BBQ food can get messy and tissues are prone to fly away in the wind — they’re also a more sustainable option. For modern and beautiful presentation that works perfectly al fresco, roll and tie with a piece of twine, tucking in a sprig from the garden.

You can further incorporate elements of the outdoors, and therefore embrace the garden party theme, by using plant markers as place cards. Potted plants can be dotted around your BBQ party table. For the centrepiece, try presenting a stunning bunch of flowers in a ceramic jug.

Want to go for a different theme? Let our 17 dinner party theme ideas inspire you.

equipment needed to host a bbq

Below are the main pieces of equipment needed to host a BBQ. Try to check you have everything you require at least a few days before so that there's less chance of stress or disappointment on the day of your garden party.

It's also a good idea to plan what food to serve at your BBQ party and go shopping for ingredients early. When there's sunny weather, BBQ foods and supplies can sell out quickly.

Browsing our outdoor table setting ideas and other BBQ party ideas will help you work out if there's anything else you want or need.

BBQ

While you can cook barbecue-style food in your kitchen and serve outdoors, using a BBQ allows you to socialise with your guests. With the right equipment, it also enables you to achieve that authentic smoky flavour in your food. Just make sure to follow the London Fire Brigade's 'Be BBQ Safe' advice.

If you already have a BBQ, built-in grill, or outdoor kitchen, make sure all your equipment is nice and clean ahead of your summer party.

If you're purchasing a new BBQ, two of the most important features to consider are fuel type and size. John Lewis has a buying guide that you might find helpful.

bbq fuel

You'll need to choose a fuel that's suitable for your barbecue and make sure you have enough to cook all your food.

If you're using a charcoal barbecue, there are a number of fuel options to choose from. We recommend FSC-certified hardwood lump charcoal because it does not use chemical additives that can negatively affect the flavour of your food. Remember that the wood type will determine the smoky flavour of your BBQ food. 

You will also need fire-lighting accessories such as matches, kindling, and firelighters (we suggest natural wood wool). You might also find it useful to have a chimney starter, which is a piece of BBQ equipment that helps to ignite charcoal. 

If you're using a gas grill, a smoker box is a handy piece of BBQ equipment. This allows you to use wood pellets to impart an authentic smoky flavour into your food.

bbq utensils

BBQ utensils have longer handles than kitchen utensils to help protect you from the heat, and are usually made from stainless steel so they can cope with everything the outdoors throws at them, so it's well worth investing if you throw frequent BBQ parties. 

Using separate tools for raw and cooked foods is the easiest way to prevent cross-contamination, so it's handy to have at least two pairs of tongs and two spatulas. If you're using a charcoal barbecue, you'll want an extra pair of tongs for manoeuvring the coals. 

cooking accessories

There are lots of BBQ cooking accessories out there to help you achieve the perfect results with any dish. Our cast-iron casserole dishes and griddle pans are suitable for use on barbecues (out of direct flame) — ideal for delicate or liquid-based foods, or for keeping dishes separate.

If you'll be cooking meat, it's a good idea to invest in a meat thermometer, as this will allow you to ensure it's reached a safe temperature before serving. BBQ temperatures can be inconsistent, making it easy to over- or undercook your food.

tableware

It's common for plastic or disposable dishes to be used outdoors, but our durable ceramic tableware provides a more memorable dining experience. Using the plates, bowls, and other items you already own is also the more conscious choice. 

You may prefer to use your usual glassware for the same reasons. If you haven't already, take a look at our outdoor BBQ table ideas above.

serveware

Laying the table with serveware and utensils means that everyone can help themselves- perfect for a relaxed and indulgent BBQ party. Our range of serving bowls and platters are ideal for creating a welcoming setting. Other ideas for what you will need depends on what food you're serving at your BBQ.

We hope these garden BBQ ideas help you have a great time with your friends and family this summer. Dining al fresco is one of the best ways to make the most of warmer weather, lighter evenings and your outdoor space. For more ideas and advice, browse our 'be inspired. where you’ll find tips for hosting a garden party and more.

Beautiful, versatile, and durable, Denby tableware is the perfect choice for any occasion. Why not browse our collection of dinner plates, side plates, glassware, or dinner sets for your next BBQ party or gathering?