A garden is a wonderful place to entertain friends and family on summer evenings. It’s an excellent setting for al fresco dining, and with some planning, preparation, and lighting, you can create an outdoor room that’s perfect for enjoying good food, good company and the great outdoors all at once. A garden barbecue can be a fantastic focal point in your outdoor space. But before you set up the hotplates, there are also a few things you need to do in order to make sure your garden is ready for a summer of outdoor entertaining. Read on to learn everything you need to know about preparing your garden for a BBQ.
Clear Up The Clutter
The first thing you need to do is clear up the clutter. If you want your garden to feel spacious and welcoming, it needs to be clutter-free. Take some time to tidy up the garden by picking up any dead leaves and clearing away any old pots or dead plants from the garden. Put all of these things away out of sight into a shed or garage where they can’t be seen. This will give your guests an unobstructed view of your beautifully manicured garden.
Mow The Grass
Once you’ve cleared out the clutter, it’s time to mow your grass. Mowing your garden lawn is a good place to start when preparing for a summer BBQ. You’ll want to make your lawn look as pristine as possible, so it’s important that the grass is cut evenly and at a uniform height.
Tidy Up The Flowerbeds
Before you start planning the garden for your summer BBQ, make sure the flowerbeds are tidy and free of weeds. If you’ve got flowering plants in your garden that will be great for adding color and fragrance to your outdoor space, give them a trim, so they look their best.
Jet Wash Your Patio
One of the best things you can do for your garden is to jet wash your patio or deck. This will remove any dirt and grime that’s accumulated, as well as give it a fresh new look. Jet washing your garden furniture helps to keep them clean and looking their best too. Jet washing is best done the day before the BBQ so that your guests don’t slip on the excess water. Soak up any excess water with a towel or sheet laid across the slab and leave it to dry out overnight before placing the furniture back on it.
Get A BBQ
The first and most important thing you need before you prepare your garden for a summer barbecue is a BBQ. There are many different types of BBQs on the market, but before you head to the shops, you’ll need a rough idea of what size and type will suit your garden best. If it’s possible, visit your local garden center to see what might work best in your outdoor space. The most important thing is that the BBQ will fit in the space properly, so check measurements, get advice from staff, and check out customer reviews. For more info on BBQs you can see more here.
Consider Installing An Outdoor Pizza Oven
With an outdoor pizza oven, you can make your pizzas on the spot and serve them up fresh and hot, straight from the source. This can be a great investment for any BBQ enthusiast with a serious love of food, not to mention it’s a fun way to get people involved in cooking outdoors. An outdoor pizza oven is easy to install and won’t take up too much space in your garden. If you’re interested in adding this unique feature to your garden to take your summer BBQ parties to the next level, check out the Ooni Koda 16 pizza oven. This oven will enhance your garden, and ensure that your guests are fed quality food in a good amount of time.
Prepare Your Garden Furniture
In order to have a successful outdoor summer party, you’ll need to make sure you have enough garden furniture. Make sure your garden is well furnished with chairs, tables, and bench seating so that guests can mingle comfortably outside. If you’re worried about getting wet during the unpredictable summer showers, it’s worth considering investing in some waterproof covers for your outdoor furniture. These are a great way to offer protection against water and keep any furniture clean and dry, perfect for when the BBQ inevitably gets postponed by rain.
Ensure There Is Plenty Of Shade
A garden is a wonderful place to enjoy a summer barbecue, but you don’t want your party guests to be left in the sun all day when they want to enjoy an ice-cold drink and some good food. One way to make sure you have enough shade is by using a temporary pop-up gazebo. Choose a variety that provides plenty of coverage and situate it strategically in the garden to supply good shade so your guests can enjoy their food without worrying about burning or getting heatstroke.
Add Extra Lighting
The more light you have in your garden, the better. This means installing a few extra lights on the ground and around the area where you’ll be hosting your party. Lighting will not only make it easier to see while you’re cooking into the evening, but if you install it strategically, it can also help with ambience as well. You can create a focal point by installing lights at the base of trees or even by hanging some fairy lights from branches. Lighting is one of the best ways to make your outdoor space feel welcoming and safe. And when it comes to lighting options, there are plenty available on the market today. The goal is to create a space that looks beautiful lit up at night, so take your time and plan accordingly.
Consider Heaters For When The Sun Goes Down
If you’re hosting a summer barbecue, you should also invest in some heaters. This can be anything from small electric heaters to large gas-powered ones. You might not need them until later in the evening, but when the sun goes down, they’ll come in handy to keep your guests warm. Another option is creating a fire pit for seating near your outdoor dining area.
Consider The Entertainment
The entertainment needs for a garden barbecue will depend on the size of your garden and how many people you’re expecting. If it’s just you, your partner and some friends, then some music through Bluetooth speakers might do the trick. But if you have a larger space to work with and are expecting more guests, then consider setting up some outdoor games to entertain people. Additionally, games will be ideal if there are going to be children at your party, as they’ll need something to keep them entertained as the adults chat over food.
Conclusion
The garden is a wonderful place to have a summer barbecue, as long as you take the time to prepare it properly. Once you’ve successfully cleared up the clutter, sorted out the flowerbeds, and jet washed your patio. What else could you be doing to prepare for your summer BBQ? Getting a BBQ is a given, but you can also install an outdoor pizza oven to wow your guests. Make sure to add plenty of shade and lighting, so everyone stays cool and comfortable. And of course, don’t forget the entertainment. With a bit of planning and preparation, you’ll have the perfect get-together this summer.
