Although BBQs are traditionally held in summer when the weather is warm, you can easily host a great event for your loved ones in the middle of a frosty winter.
As long as you’ve got a great BBQ, pellet smokers, and a source of outdoor heat (such as an open fire pit or a bonfire), you can cook delicious smoked dishes that everybody will love. However, hosting a BBQ in winter does require a few extra steps than it does in the hotter months.
You’ll also need to prepare your garden properly to make room for all of your guests. If you don’t already have a seating area, you might also need to buy some outfit chairs so your family can properly relax.
How to Host a Family BBQ During Winter
So, you’re planning a winter BBQ for your family. If you’re not sure where to start, try following the steps below to make sure everything goes smoothly.
Gather the essential equipment and furniture
You don’t need much equipment to host a barbecue but there are a couple of essentials that you can’t go without.
Firstly, you will need a barbecue grill. Depending on the number of people attending your barbecue event and your budget, you can go for a disposable barbecue or a larger, longer-lasting machine that you can use over and over again.
You will also need basic cooking utensils, most of which you probably already have in your kitchen drawers. In particular, you’ll need a spatula and tongs. Consider getting disposable, single-use paper plates, cups, and cutlery so that you don’t end up with a huge pile of washing up to do at the end of the night.
If you don’t already have outdoor furniture, you will need to get some seats for your guests to fully relax during the winter barbecue. If you don’t want to spend hundreds of dollars on a proper outdoor dining set, consider buying camping chairs.
Consider the entertainment for your BBQ
Although entertainment is not essential for a winter BBQ, it can certainly enhance the event. Entertainment is a great way to make your guest feel fully relaxed at the event so they can have the best time possible. Consider hiring a professional entertainer to perform while you focus on the food.
Alternatively, your entertainment can be something as simple as a DJ mix or ongoing music throughout the whole day or evening. You could even ask your guests for their favorite songs to create a playlist that caters to everybody’s preferences.
Buy the ingredients for your BBQ
You might already have a well-stocked kitchen that has every ingredient you need for a successful winter BBQ. If not, you’ll need to head to the grocery store and gather plenty of food to serve to your guests.
Traditional BBQ foods include meat but if you have plant-based family members, don’t forget to buy some vegan alternatives. You should also make sure you cater to people’s medical needs. For example, if one of your guests has a gluten intolerance, be sure to offer gluten-free bread rolls at the BBQ.
Of course, no BBQ is complete without snacks. Buy lots of chips, cookies, breadsticks, and dips for your guests to graze on while they’re watching the entertainment or waiting for you to grill the meats and vegan dishes.
Don’t forget about the drinks
Drinks are just as important as the food at family events. Because the weather is going to be cool in winter, consider offering both hot and cold drinks. For example, you could offer hot chocolate or mulled wine, especially if your barbecue is around the festive period.
Your adult family members will likely want to have an alcoholic beverage or two at the BBQ, whether it’s a glass of wine or a spirit and mixer. However, make sure you also have non-alcoholic options for those who don’t drink and for the children in the family.
Give your garden a good old tidy
Your garden doesn’t need to be spotless but it’s a good idea to give it a quick tidy before your winter BBQ. Keep clutter to a minimum and rearrange the furniture appropriately.
Tidying ensures that your guests have enough space in your garden to fully relax. It also makes room for your BBQing equipment and furniture. A clean and tidy garden is always more welcoming than a messy one!
