The Art Of Outdoor Hosting

With the May bank holiday approaching, it's time to dust off the outdoor furniture and dream of a long summer of al fresco entertaining. Whether you're planning a garden party or a lively barbecue, here's your ultimate guide to mastering the art of outdoor hosting.

Set The Scene

Begin by transforming your outdoor space into a welcoming haven. Adorn your garden with fairy lights or colourful bunting, and scatter cushions and blankets across your seating area to keep things comfortable. Consider the needs of individual guests; while teens may happily lounge on a picnic blanket, more mature guests may need proper seating to be comfortable. A large table creates a convivial focal point to lay out the food and allows guests to mingle.

Weather Watch

Let's face it; British weather can be unpredictable. Be prepared for all eventualities by investing in a sturdy gazebo or marquee to provide shelter from sudden showers or the glare of the midday sun in the unlikely event of a heatwave. Just remember to keep any fires or barbecues well away from any shelters. If you plan to continue through the day until the evening, a basket filled with blankets will keep guests warm when the sun goes down.

Entertainment

While the combination of your guests may be entertaining enough, plan for a few games or activities if the conversation begins to lull. Outdoor games like boules are inclusive for guests of all ages. Keep music low and appropriate - consider your neighbours who may not love your favourite band as much as you do, or even better, invite your neighbours too!

Thirst Quenchers

On a sunny day with friends, it can be easy to end up drinking more than you intended. Make sure all guests can stay the course by providing plenty of non-alcoholic drinks. You can make them grown-up by devising your own signature mocktail. For an alcohol free twist on a quintessentially English drink, try this Jamie Oliver English Garden Mocktail recipe.

The Star Of The Show

At any outdoor party, the food is the star of the show. If you are a novice outdoor chef, then follow our guide on how to BBQ for you to get you started.

The next step is planning the perfect menu. We think the key to a successful outdoor party is plenty of options to please every taste.

Old Favourites

It wouldn’t be a barbecue without bangers and burgers. Not just for the youngsters,  especially when they are our juicy organic pork sausages or our meaty organic beef and lamb and mint burgers. Allow for plenty of salads and sauces to allow everyone to customise their plate. 

Picky Bits

Grazing food is perfect for large gatherings, so a charcuterie platter with cheese and fruits makes for a popular table centrepiece.

Ring The Changes

A barbecue is a great time to experiment with flavours. Grilled meat pairs perfectly with herby marinades, spicy dips, and homemade sauces. 

Mix up the meats available by including lamb kebabs, spatchcocked chicken, and sizzling prawns alongside the standard barbecue fare.

For more inspiration, explore our Barbecue Range of organic meats.