With the Queen's Platinum Jubilee bringing a long weekend with it, many of us will be breaking out the barbecues and rustling up burgers and sausages while we enjoy the summer weather.
And whether you're cooking for your family or the whole street, it's important to have the best tools at your disposal when it comes to your barbie hosting skills, especially as everyone relies on you to ensure their food isn't burnt to a crisp.
Thankfully, the kitchen specialists at Magnet have put together their essential tips on how to prepare for the big BBQ event - including the bizarre onion trick that you'll want to try before you start cooking.
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Spring clean your BBQ - with an onion
You may have already broken out your barbecue this year during the May heatwave, but if you've been waiting until Jubilee weekend to enjoy chargrilled cuisine, then it's likely your barbie needs a good clean.
According to Magnet's specialists, you can actually achieve this using an onion.
Simply heat up your BBQ and stick an onion on the end of a fork before rubbing it over the heated grills. The moisture from the onion helps to steam away any food or dirt and its natural antibacterial properties help to clean away impurities.
Keep your menu simple
It can be easy to get carried away when it comes to barbecuing, but the key to success is to use quality ingredients and keep things as simple as they can be.
Experts suggest using "quality prime cuts" when it comes to meat options, as meat with less collagen in it often comes out juicy and tender when cooked on a BBQ.
The kitchen specialists said: "Also, have veggie or vegan options. Veg skewers or stuffed peppers are popular choices. Don’t forget quality fillings and sides too - think corn-on-the-cob or a potato salad which always goes down a treat."
Make sure you're prepared
Hosting a BBQ is no easy task in and of itself, so preparing as much as you can ahead of time will save you a massive headache when the time comes to entertain your guests.
You can get your garden ready in the morning by setting out all the chairs you need as well as blankets for when the evening chill takes hold.
Then, when your guests arrive, all that's left to do is cook the food!
Have your condiments ready
There's nothing worse than having everyone sit down to enjoy their burgers before realising that all your sauces are still in your fridge.
Magnet's experts say you should prepare your condiments ahead of time and suggest using a muffin tin to organise portions of different sauces - meaning your guests simply need a knife to spread some sauce onto their buns.
Remember to stock the bar
What's a garden party without a refreshing beverage to go with the amazing food?
Always make sure you have plenty of drinks available for your guests, including water, so they can fully enjoy their afternoon in the sun without worrying about dehydration.
Experts say: "If you don’t have an ice box, fill a bucket or even your recycling bin with a lot of ice and have a good range of drinks well stocked and to hand.
"You know your audience best when it comes to how much stock you need but remember to always offer water as well."
Lizzie Beesley, Head of Design at Magnet, also shared her advice on styling your garden for the perfect BBQ party, as she said fairy lights and rustic decor can help set the scene.
She said: “Barbecues generally have a casual vibe but taking the time to add small touches to your table decorations and preparation will make it one to remember.
"As barbecues are held outdoors, it’s also a great idea to add a string of twinkling fairy lights or place candles around your garden to create a beautiful ambience when the sun goes down. The aim is to create a warm and calming environment where your guests will feel relaxed."
The design expert also suggested opting for more sustainable options when it comes to crockery instead of using single-use plastic cups and plates.
She added: "Using plastic cups and plates is good for the practicalities of a barbecue, but to help reduce environmental impact, avoid single-use plastics and opt for reusable cutlery instead.
“Disposable barbecues should also be avoided as they are hard to recycle, whereas high-quality equipment will last for a long time and can sometimes be repurposed for parts when you do come to dispose of it."
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