hosting bbq garden party

Summer’s still here, the sun’s (hopefully) out and what a better way to celebrate this summer than throwing a BBQ garden party! But if you’ve got little ones running around, the idea of hosting can feel a bit... daunting, to say the least. Don’t worry, we’ve got your back! Here’s how to throw a brilliant BBQ bash that’ll keep both the kids and the adults happy—without the stress.

1. Plan ahead, but keep it simple

The key to a successful BBQ is in the planning, but that doesn’t mean you need to go overboard. Choose a few crowd-pleasing dishes that you can prep in advance. Think marinated meats, easy veggie skewers, and a couple of showstopping side salads. The less you have to do on the day, the more time you’ll have to actually enjoy the party.


2. Kid-friendly food ideas (even for the more picky eaters!)

When it comes to feeding the little ones, the simpler, the better. Here are some winning ideas:

  • Mini burger sliders: always the winners for us! Fun, bite-sized and perfect for small hands. You can set up a 'burger station' so that your child can prepare their own burgers.

  • Veggie rainbow skewers. Get the kids involved in making these—let them pick their favourite veg and slide them onto the skewers. They’re colourful, healthy and quick to cook. You can also do this with fruit - some great tips on grilling fruit here.

  • DIY pizza station. Set up a little pizza-making station with pre-made bases and a selection of toppings. The kids can create their own masterpieces, and you can pop them on the BBQ for a smoky twist.

bbq food kebabs

3. Sweet treats & drinks

No party is complete without a dessert! Try these sweet ideas:

  • Fruit & marshmallow kebabs. A fun and healthy(-ish!) treat that’s as much fun to make as it is to eat.

  • Homemade ice lollies. The possibilities here are endless. You can blend up some fresh fruit with a bit of juice and freeze them in lolly moulds or make these amazing banana ice creams. Perfect for keeping cool on a hot day.

And for the adults, why not whip up a refreshing jug of Pimm’s or a mocktail station for something a bit special?


4. Entertaining the troops

Keeping the kids entertained is half the battle won. Set up a few simple games like a scavenger hunt, water balloon toss, or a bubble station. Here are some great sources for outdoor party games, garden party games and other summer activity ideas!

Also, don’t forget to have some easy crafts or colouring activities for when they need a break from running around.

kids garden games

5. Keep calm and carry on!

Finally, remember that not everything will go perfectly—and that’s okay! The most important thing is to relax and enjoy the time with your friends and family. Even if the burgers are a bit burnt or someone spills a drink, it’s all part of the fun.


Ready to throw the best BBQ of the summer? Have fun!

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