Winter Wonderland BBQ: Hosting the Ultimate Festive Garden Party

Contrary to British tradition, the BBQ season doesn’t have to end when we turn back the clocks. People living in the most Northern areas of the world still enjoy cosy winter BBQ nights and Brits are finally discovering the unique charm of year-round grilling. With twinkling lights and festive delights, find out how to throw the perfect winter BBQ bash and how durable rattan furniture can make it much easier. 

Can you have a BBQ in winter?

A delicious winter BBQ is the perfect way to start using your outdoor space all year long while whipping up some delicious grilled feasts. Using some simple planning, a few comfortable outdoor additions, and some winter-inspired recipes, many folks are finding out that winter is actually their favourite time to cook under the stars.

If you’re worried about the cold making it difficult to grill your food, consider a gas BBQ. These are easier to light and quicker to bring up to heat than a charcoal BBQ.

Regardless of whether you are eating outside, many people like to prepare food in an outdoor pizza oven due to the unique infusion of flavour it provides.

Why is a Winter BBQ a Good Idea?

It will probably be cold, so what makes a winter BBQ worth trying? You might be surprised. People who use their gardens more during winter can benefit from: 

• Festive atmosphere: The cold is all a part of the season, so embrace it. Even if there isn’t snow, the cold itself can contribute to a unique Christmas and holiday season vibe that children can be encouraged to appreciate.
• More connection: Many of us feel isolated during colder months, missing the connections from spring events and social summer months. But what could be more traditional than gathering around a fire to make food as a group in winter? A crucial part of our history, you may be surprised at how much fun you have. 
• Culinary variety: Do you get stuck in a winter food rut? People can easily end up making the same old meals when the nights start drawing in. Cooking with a BBQ opens the door to learning so many rich and tasty new recipes. 
• Feel close to nature: We can lose touch with the world around us if we stay cooped up inside too long. Eat and drink under the bright stars of winter to rejuvenate your spirit and get cast off cabin fever. 
• Increased living space: The garden is part of your space and enjoying it can make your entire home feel bigger. When we go on holiday we enjoy eating, socialising, doing yoga, or just reading a book outdoors, so why not bring those habits home. Use your garden as a living space at home and not just a place to put a potted plant. 

What Type of Furniture is Best for a Winter BBQ?

To enjoy your garden regularly in winter, using furniture that can stay outdoors all year round is ideal. Poly rattan furniture is durable, weather resistant, and extremely comfortable, making it the perfect option for a cosy BBQ setup or winter garden party. 

Traditional rattan furniture is made from natural material but breaks down over time. Modern poly rattan options use durable plastic materials to create rattan-style furniture in a weather-friendly and durable design.

Combining your seating with a building such as a log cabin summerhouse can be a great way to enjoy this unique festive party style while still having an escape from any cold winds. If you turn your building into a garden bar, that can only add to the fun.

Prepare Your Garden for Winter BBQs.

Winter BBQs are great fun but require a little forward-thinking to avoid giving up on your outdoor feast ideas too soon. People from Scandinavia to Alaska enjoy outdoor grilling all year round with some simple preparation. Get your garden ready for a comfortable winter BBQ under the stars by thinking about the following in advance:

Staying warm 

If you can stay warm and comfortable, eating outdoors in the winter is a great way to reconnect with nature. Resonating with our inner cave people, gathering and eating around a fire feels good for the soul. Stay cosy no matter the temperature with some of the following options:

• Layered clothing: The air trapped between layers of clothing keeps us warm by retaining heat. A thick winter jacket is useful, but wearing multiple thin layers can be more effective for staying warm outdoors. On super cold nights – use both!

• Patio heaters: For the ultimate winter party patio, electric wall heaters and patio heaters counteract the chill in the air. Lanterns can also warm an area while entertaining, offering a ski-lodge style that brings the alps to your back garden. 

• • A fire pit: Not just for gathering around telling tales and toasting marshmallows, fire pits keep your garden toasty under the festive stars. 
  • Blankets: When you want cosy protection from brisk winter nights, extra blankets are great to leave around for guests to feel chill and not the chill.

• Plant trees: A more long-term plan for garden design, tree canopies retain heat in your garden from patio heaters and provide helpful shade on hot, sunny days. 

Lighting

Ambiance at home is everything and that includes your garden. Lighting sets the scene in any space and is an easy way to change the mood for different events. Create a garden you want to spend time in by considering some of these lighting ideas. 

• Fairy lights: For chilled-out gatherings, romantic dates, and nights spent reading under the stars, delicate fairy lights offer a simple and festive way to light your space. 
• Lamps and lanterns: Rustic-style lanterns add a traditional, outdoorsy vibe to any outdoor space. Available in electric or portable gas designs, give your garden a ski-lodge style with some old-fashioned lamp lights.
• Wall lighting: Cooking on the grill is safer and easier with good lighting. Illuminate your cooking area clearly with well-placed, wall-mounted lighting. 
• Coloured lighting and wall projection: LED lights and projectors offer the luxury of choice. User-friendly, remote control options let us go from disco lights to romantic candle-style lighting with the push of a button. 

The Benefits of Using Rattan Furniture 

An easy way to turn your empty backyard into a serious outdoor dining space, modern rattan furniture comes with a long list of benefits, including:

• Water resistance: Rain is good news for your lawn, but less for traditional garden furniture. As a British garden will always see plenty of the wet stuff, poly rattan furniture is a good investment for year-round garden fun. 
• No rot: Rattan-style furniture resists water and oil, preventing rot and requiring little maintenance compared with traditional wood furniture. Never paint your garden furniture again!
• Stylish design: Elevate your outdoor space with poly rattan furniture and create a holiday resort vibe, right in your own garden.
• Easy assembly: Nobody wants to spend a weekend putting together a complicated garden sofa. Rattan furniture designs feature click-together designs so you can assemble in minutes and get on with the BBQ fun.
• Cleaning: Easy to wash and quick to dry, you can easily dust cobwebs and wipe away small spills in the minutes before guests arrive. 
• Colour options: Available in a variety of colours with no painting required, select a rattan furniture colour to suit your style, complement current decor, or match your favourite hotel.
• Flexibility: Using designs more like living room furniture than traditional garden deck chairs, rattan furniture is available in sofa designs, sectional seating, day beds, single chairs, and tables. Choosing your ideal furniture combination with a matching rattan design gives your garden a cohesive style which further makes it feel like a true living space.  

Seasonal Decor

The crisp weather and dark nights set the stage for your winter BBQ, but seasonal decor adds the finishing touches. Embrace the gift of changing seasons by adding some of these simple pieces:

• Cushions: One of the easiest ways to switch decor each season, select some winter-themed or festive chair cushions to keep your garden furniture looking fresh. 

• Seasonal outdoor crockery: Many people like to have less-breakable crockery on hand for BBQs and outdoor events. Stay seasonal by switching out your durable plastic or melamine plates for crockery with festive designs. 

• Heated coasters: To prevent your hot drinks from going cold too soon, consider electric coasters to maintain the temperature of your mugs. 

Plan Delicious, Seasonal Feasts

Creating a warm and relaxing winter ambience is not the only way to enjoy your seasonal BBQ. Grilling local, in-season foods and incorporating traditional treats can turn your BBQ into a winter wonderland experience. Try adding these delicious options to your next winter grill night:

• Mulled wine: Dating back to the Roman Empire, mulled wine adds spicy and festive flavour to chilly winter BBQ nights. 
• Hot chocolate station: A hot cuppa is always a go-to option for keeping the cold at bay for a winter BBQ. Consider trading your trusty tea for a hot chocolate station next time for a crowd-pleasing treat. 
• Grilled autumnal veggies: Traditional British winter veggies are hard to beat for healthy comfort food options. Brussel sprouts, creamy parsnips, and sweet carrots take on an extra dimension of flavour when cooked on a grill. 
• Spices and curried dishes: Spicy foods and curries are popular dinner options all year round, but don’t forget them for your winter BBQ recipes. Adding heat to delicious cold-weather dishes, curry flavours blend beautifully with the smoky taste of the BBQ. 

Staying Safe

Safety is crucial whenever we BBQ, no matter what season. Fire safety, grill management, and food handling precautions should always be a priority, and following these simple guidelines can help prevent major problems:

• Use caution with sleeves: Winter jumpers and bulky coats can accidentally get too close to grill flames. Keep sleeves clear of cooking surfaces.
• Choose your BBQ Location wisely: Keep grills and firepits at least 3 metres away from walls, fences, eaves, and furniture. 
• Consider food safety guidelines: In colder temperatures, we can easily forget how long raw food or cooked dishes have been out in the open. Don’t let the brisk wind fool you into accidental food poisoning and always follow guidelines for refrigeration. 
• Do not leave a grill unattended: Flames can get out of control, even when the weather is cold. Always supervise active BBQs and check that gas bottle valves are fully closed before leaving.

Maintaining Rattan Furniture For the Easiest Winter BBQs

Modern rattan-effect furniture is made from easy-care and durable polyrattan and can be left outside for all four seasons. This high-quality option is free of traditional maintenance demands but still needs some basic care to be ready for an impromptu BBQ. Keep your rattan chairs and sofas looking great with the following tips:

• Use a furniture cover: Your poly rattan furniture is waterproof, but your cushions are not. Using a simple furniture cover prevents disappointment when you try to sit down an hour after rain. 
• Dust with a brush: To quickly get your rattan looking its best and clear of cobwebs, you can quickly dust your furniture with a brush before guests arrive.
• Deep clean with a hose: If you haven’t used your outdoor rattan furniture in a while and want to quickly clear away dirt and debris, you can clean this durable frame material with a hosepipe to keep it looking new. 

Image Credit: Ideogram

Final Thoughts

At BillyOh, we know you can enjoy your garden with the turn of every season. A cosy winter BBQ offers a unique experience. Once you’ve tried it, you’ll wonder why you didn’t start sooner. As the crisp winter air mingles with the delicious aromas of a smoky BBQ, you can enjoy the relaxing atmosphere of your own garden, under the stars.

There is no better time to start building your outdoor winter haven. Winter-friendly additions like patio heaters and poly rattan furniture make it easy to enjoy a winter BBQ on a whim. Have you braved the cold and discovered the magic of winter grilling? Share your experience with us on social media.