Budget-friendly BBQ Tips.

Budget-friendly BBQ Tips.

With summer just around the corner and National Barbecue Week now underway, there’s never been a better excuse to dust off your BBQ and invite your friends and family round for a celebration.

And the best news is that, by following our handy hints and tips (and keeping an eye on the weather forecast), you can host a brilliant barbie without breaking the bank! Here’s how…

Deciding what to serve.

It’s a barbecue, so sausages and burgers are a must, while kebabs, chicken drumsticks and – if you DO want to push the boat out – streaks are all worth considering too.

In terms of ‘how much to buy’, it’s generally a good idea to go for quality over quantity – 10 top quality burgers are better than 20 bland ones.

As for vegetarians, roasted veggie skewers or meat-free burgers and sausages are always a safe bet.

You’ll also need some sides to serve with your mains. A couple of large bowls of salad, some loaves of garlic bread, coleslaw and a variety of sauces will suffice. Stocking up on crisps/crackers/breadsticks and dips so your guests have something to nibble on while the food is cooking is a good idea too, as is getting plenty of cheese and lettuce for those who want toppings on their burgers.

If you’re serving dessert, keep it summery and inexpensive with some ice cream. You’d be surprised how many guests just a couple of tubs will feed!

Many supermarkets are already advertising summer deals on most of the items we’ve mentioned, so shop around for the best offers currently available or check if your local butcher will do you a deal for buying in bulk.

As for beverages, you’ll want to keep your fridge well stocked but this doesn’t mean things have to get overly expensive. Have jugs of iced water (or fruit infused water) dotted around, and keep plenty of own-brand lemonade or iced tea in the fridge. For guests that prefer a beer or glass of wine, simply ask your guests to bring their own alcohol!

Remember to make plenty of ice cubes in advance or buy a bag of ice just before the party begins too – the last thing you want is your guests overheating.

What else do I need?

Napkins, paper plates and reusable plastic cups and cutlery are all essential and affordable, especially during BBQ season. 

You’ll also need to create a suitable playlist to set the mood and keep things upbeat. Make sure there’s something for everyone, with a few cheesy classics everyone knows the words to – just remember to keep the volume at a level that won’t upset your neighbours!

You may also want to think about providing a few games, especially if children will be present. If you have the room, lawn games like swingball, croquet or cricket are always popular; if not, buying cheap water pistols for kids and decks of cards for adults is an easy win.

Where to get hold of a new barbecue?

If you’re in the market for a new barbecue, check out this ‘Best Budget BBQs’ article for suggestions on bringing your garden kitchen to life, whatever your budget.

Before you make a purchase though, it’s worth asking yourself how often you’re realistically likely to use your BBQ. If the answer is ‘once a year at most’, it might be worth foregoing a more expensive option and investing in some disposable ones from your local supermarket instead.

Cook up a storm with Leeds Credit Union!

Whether you want to invest in a brand new barbecue or just need a hand getting your garden ready for summer, you could borrow from £250 to £25,000 with one of our tailored loans. To find out more, click here.