Despite the changeable weather, it seems optimistic Brits are still hosting al fresco with eBay.co.uk seeing sales of BBQ's soar with over 200,000 items sold in the last 90 days; nearly 100 per hour¹.
Do you have the perfect BBQ etiquette?
The online marketplace, which lists products from BBQ Charcoal Grills to top of the range BBQ Hut Grill Houses costing up to £4000, has teamed up with etiquette expert William Hanson to put together some top tips on how to make a Barbie a very British affair:
William Hanson's top tips:
1) Always ask the host if you can bring anything - picnics and barbecues are more relaxed than other forms of entertaining so turning up with food is acceptable, but only if agreed with the host… or else you run the risk of having all the guests bring a salad.
2) Picnic blankets are a lovely idea but do become uncomfortable after a while so best to get your posture and position right first time. By all means spread out on the blanket but make sure there is enough room for everyone as well as the food. Women are best advised not to wear skirts (unless very long, summery ones) so they avoid exposing anything they shouldn't when shifting positions.
3) Hosts should always provide sufficient napkins for their guests. Barbecues and picnics require eating with the hands so ensure ample paper or cloth napkins are on hand to deal with sticky mitts.
4) If you are going all Mediterranean and enjoying an un-stoned olive then the best way to remove the stone is to cup your hand to your mouth and gently spit it out before discarding it in a small bowl your host should have provided for such a purpose; failing that, a paper napkin
5) Whilst traditionally the BBQ is a one-man (or woman) job, friends and family behind the scenes have often done as much (if not more) work, preparing the side dishes, sauces and pudding. By all means congratulate the 'head chef' but don't leave out the others if you know what's good for you.
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