Your Summer BBQ Checklist

Bringing Aussies together for as long as we can remember, the backyard summer barbeque is a national staple. There's something undeniably magical about summer's balmy nights and warm afternoons so with the heat upon us, it's the perfect time to put out the word, dust off the grill and get that barbie fired up! From aprons that will have your guests vying to kiss the chef, to the best tools for the job, our simple BBQ checklist will have you prepared for the fuss-free feast of the season!

GET PREPPED

Ah, the feeling of knowing you've covered all bases while calmly waiting for the first visitor to arrive is priceless when entertaining. No one wants to be scrambling at the last second for an elusive eggplant or that lost pair of tongs! So, what is the secret to keeping your cool? Preparation! Our favourite way to get sorted is to go through the game plan systematically, which is why we've created this handy list for your next summer BBQ. Simply tick off each point and you'll be ready to welcome your nearest and dearest with open arms and a snag in hand!

GRAB THE GROCERIES

We all know that perfectly grilled food is the hero of any BBQ, so simply use this shopping list to keep you on track while wandering the aisles. From something hearty, like burgers and sausages, to a slew of sides like salads and desserts, we've got your menu sorted.

THE CLASSICS

• What better starting point than the humble sausage? Load up on your choice of pork, chicken, lamb, beef or veggie snags to keep the whole family happy
• Keep those tummies full and satisfied with burger patties made from ground beef or lentils
• Steaks or chops are made to be grilled! Go for beef, lamb or thick cut cauliflower
• Skewer some shish kebabs with colourful cubes of meats and veggies
• Try marinating firm tofu slices overnight - these are perfect for your meatless mates

SIDES TO DIE FOR

• Crisp and refreshing salads are a must for warm days. Our favourites include potato, garden, Greek or bean varieties
• Fresh bread, from brioche buns to the old faithful sliced will give your barbequed meats a cosy home
• Onion, because what else goes better stuffed in with a snag?
• Juicy, charred corn cobs are the perfect addition to any BBQ spread
• Snacks to munch on while the cookout is underway - think, cheeses, crunchy chips, dips, crackers, celery and carrot sticks
• Something sweet will go down a treat. We love fruit salad for the ultimate refreshment in the heat
• Your favourite beverages, from the humble stubby to fizzy drinks and juices for the kids

DON'T FORGET THE EXTRAS

• Bin bags to house all your scraps
• Napkins, because there's always that one rogue drip of sauce ready to spoil Aunt Marge's new frock
• Speaking of sauces; tomato, chilli and barbeque (of course!)
• Salt and pepper to enliven every dish
• Oil for marinating and brushing over
• Spark up the party with a gas bottle, or charcoal, matches and fire starters
• We know it's all about the grub, but don't forget to slip, slop slap with some sunscreen
• Bug spray to keep those pesky mozzies away
• Load up an esky with bags of ice to keep drinks chilled

ASSEMBLE THE ESSENTIALS

Arm yourself with an arsenal of must-have items to make cooking and serving a breeze (extra points for stylish choices like our favourites below).

SETTING THE TABLE

• Burgers might only need one hand, but don't forget the cutlery set for all your other munchies
• Scoop up the salads with some beautiful serving spoons
• Get ready to cut the cheese with petite mezze cheese knives
• Display the cutest charcuterie selection on a dramatic serving board or opt for a more traditional wooden offering
• These babies are too sophisticated for the grill, serve up in style with silicone tongs
• Keep the Aussie theme alive with a printed bamboo serving bowl
• Arrange your delicious delights across a large platter for sharing
• Dish out the goods on some fun plates that everyone will love
• Gorgeous and practical beverage dispensers make pouring out drinks a dream
• Deck the table out in a pretty tablecloth that matches your vibe
• Summery botanical printed cups are perfect for the outdoors

GETTING THE JOB DONE

• Put some robust stainless steel tongs and turners to work in the heat
• Go for optimum convenience with a everything you need in a single BBQ toolset
• Look the part while keeping your summer linens clean in a sophisticated chef's apron, or go full Australiana with a more funky design
• A large and in charge knife, board and pronged fork set works beautifully for slicing up meats
• Slather on the tastiest marinades and bastings with a grilling basting brush
• And finally, we can't forget the main character! Try an indoor/outdoor grill for a scrumptious barbeque banquet no matter the weather

Shop our extensive range of barbeque cookware and entertaining items on the Harris Scarfe website