1. How to Plan a Themed Barbecue
BBQBarbecues provides tips for successful barbecue parties:
The barbecue is becoming a popular way to host a party all year round, from an impromptu
summer gathering to a bonfire night feast.
Putting a bit more effort into your barbecue by working to a theme can be a really fun way
to break away from the usual types of food and try something different.
Getting Started
Choosing a theme is a good starting point for a truly memorable occasion. With days such as
American Independence Day, Bonfire Night, St. Patrick’s Day, whatever, virtually every day
is a red-letter day somewhere and it can be a great excuse for a celebration.
If you want to recreate the food of your favourite country or cuisine, visit a local specialist
shop for help. You’ll be amazed by how many there are in your area and how happy the
staff are to share their knowledge.
Do some research – the best place to look first of all is our online recipe library.
If you are a BBQ novice consider starting off small, choose the ingredients that you like and
simply find a different way to cook them.
For example, if you want a Mexican theme put chili, guacamole or refried beans and fajitas
on the table to accompany simple chicken kebabs. This allows people to be as experimental
as they like without you having to work hard on creating authentic dishes on the barbecue.
All these ingredients are also available pre prepared from supermarkets to make it even
easier.
Another simple way of getting the right result but with minimal effort is to get your guests
involved – ask them to wear appropriate clothes and bring a corresponding dish or dessert.
First Impressions
Think about the ambience you are trying to create at your barbecues; but remember that
less is more, not everything has to match. Little touches like flowers, fruit, tablecloths and
napkins along with a little music and lighting will do more than you think. Calor has a range
of garden lighting to choose from.

2. Drinks
Never underestimate the power of drink when entertaining!
There are a whole host of cocktails and punches, which can be made with or without
alcohol, to add to your themed BBQs.
For example if you are having a Caribbean theme, make a fruit cocktail by combining mango,
crushed ice and banana in a blender – those wanting a bit more of a kick can add a dash of
rum.
Canapés
Canapés are a sophisticated touch and are ideal served at a barbecue with cocktails.
Canapé skewers are a simple yet impressive barbecue starter and can be prepared in
advance.
Choose small items such as scallops, mussels, chicken livers or mushrooms or chop up
sausages, chicken or a cheese such as Halloumi and place one or two pieces on small
skewers (soak skewers in water first to avoid burning). Place on the barbeque until cooked
and serve with dipping sauces.
If you want to marinade the canapé skewers beforehand, choose one that matches your
desired theme. An easy Italian marinade is fresh basil, olive oil and garlic. For Indian flavours
go with coriander, oil and cumin, or combine chili, lime leaves and lemon grass to make a
simple Thai marinade.
Finishing Touches
Present the food on a large serving plate with a garnish. This allows the guests to see an
attractive spread - don’t just throw some cress on the side, unless you're having a kitsch
theme!
Where appropriate offer salads and side dishes - these don’t all have to be authentic.
Different breads will add authenticity and virtually every culture has specific varieties e.g.
Moroccan flat bread, Italian foccacia or ciabatta, and Indian Naan.
And an obvious, final tip – always have a good gas barbecue to hand and don’t forget to
check you’ve got enough Calor Patio Gas™. Gas barbecues provide greater cooking control
so you are less likely to end up with a charred mess, and allow even the most inexperienced
of chefs to try something more adventurous.
A wide range of gas barbecues, suitable for all tastes and budgets are available from
BBQBarbecues.co.uk