Autumn and Winter BBQ Ideas

Autumn is here and in full swing. Normally a time for gathering and being warm indoors, but why not do something a little different this year. We have the perfect idea for you… have an autumn or winter BBQ. It could be a great opportunity to enjoy catching up with your family and friends and do something a little different.

We know you might think, but the rain and the cold, but a BBQ isn't just for sunny summer days. If you have prepared your garden for autumn and winter, you will be all set to have the perfect autumn or winter BBQ with these irresistible ideas for your BBQ.

We also have all the ideas for your garden lighting to make your autumn or winter BBQ the perfect way to escape.

Why an autumn or winter BBQ is a great idea

Doing something different is good for us. Create lasting memories with friends and family. Also, summer weather in the UK isn't the most reliable, so why not have an autumn or winter BBQ?

Another reason for an autumn or winter BBQ… fewer insects are around in the autumn and winter, so there's a bonus. Your food keeps nice and cool outside, so you will not be faced with a limp warm salad. It's also good to be outside away from technology.

It's your BBQ, so it can be whatever you want it to be. It's just a little colder outside. This doesn't mean you have to be colder though. We have plenty of ways you can keep warm outside.

Creating an Autumn and Winter BBQ Area

You don’t need to go all out creating your autumn and winter BBQ area. But with the unpredictable UK weather, it may be wise to cover your seating area with an angled tarp to stop your BBQ area getting wet. This way after the BBQ you can all stay dry and cosy while wrapped up warm in front of the fire pit.

If it’s a windy day, this may impact the starting and maintaining of your BBQ, so consider how you can stay out of the wind the best you can. Setting up a small gazebo for your cooking area may be the best option.

Getting ready for an autumn and winter BBQ

Here is a checklist we have put together to help with everything you'll need:

• A working and clean BBQ
• Patio heaters
• Dry charcoal or a full gas bottle for the above
• Fire Pit to sit round
• Hats, scarfs and warm blankets
• Hot Food ideas (we have plenty below)
• Warm drinks (and some cold ones)
• A food thermometer
• A dry day (this last one is always a risk any time of the year) but be spontaneous.

Keeping Warm

It's autumn or winter, so yes, it is going to be cooler outside. But that just means you have to find ways to keep warm. Warm food, warm drinks, fire pit and patio heaters are all ways you can keep warm.

You can also offer guests blankets, woolly hats and spare warm clothing. What are you waiting for?

There are plenty of ways to feel warm and cosy while you toast marshmallows over the fire pit or hug a warming drink of hot chocolate or warming hot toddy.

Warm drinks for your BBQ

Keep your guest warm outside and have plenty of warm drink options. Mulled wine, Mulled cider are great options but there are so many more. How about a spiced hot chocolate to enjoy while toasting your marshmallows?

For children, you could warm up blackcurrant juice or apple juice (but adults also enjoy this)  

Autumn and Winter BBQ Food Ideas

Choosing what food to have at an autumn and winter BBQ can feel daunting, but it can and should include any the summer BBQ classics you choose to. Just keep your food thermometer handy to check things are cooked fully, as it can be difficult to see visually with lighting.

While classics like burgers and ribs are always a winner, you can also be different for when deciding what to have on your autumn and winter BBQ. Some great ideas include:

• Jacket potatoes with various filling options
• All kinds of meat and vegetable kebab combinations
• Corn on the cob is always a winner
• Baked apples or bananas with melted chocolate
• Apple crumble with warm custard or sticky toffee pudding
• Think food in foil to slow cook

You could also look for recipes that can be cooked in a Dutch Oven. which are then ready to serve to your guests.

*Tip – Part cook your food before taking it out to the BBQ, this way you don't have to spend as long cooking over the BBQ (use a food thermometer to help make sure it's fully cooked).

Garden BBQ Autumn and Winter Lighting

Having a BBQ in the autumn and winter is truly magical. When you get the mood right, it just might become your preferred time to host a BBQ for friends and family. Think beyond a flood light that just lights up the garden and more subtle lighting options that create a warming and cosy feeling.

Sitting under a security light works but isn't quite the feeling you'll want to create, unless you are going for the interrogation feeling for your family or guests?

Using warming lights will give your autumn and winter BBQ event that special feeling. Here are some ideas of how you can do this:

• String lights down the inside of your garden fence. This helps open up the garden and creates a nice warming glow
• Add lighting into your decking
• Wrap lights around any trees or bushes in your garden
• For more ideas check out our post on garden lighting ideas

Need help adding lighting to your garden get free quotes from a qualified electrician