A good menu for a successful garden party suits the group and is right for your grill. Here you'll find ten combinations tested for convenience, flavour and fun, from classic meat to surprisingly vegetarian.
1. The classic: meat, beer and bread
The trusty barbecue classic remains the safest choice for a mixed group. Think burgers, chicken drumsticks, pork belly slices and a good sausage. Serve it with crusty baguette, herb butter and a fresh potato salad. This combination works because there's something for everyone, and because you can do most of the preparation before the fire is lit.
The secret of a successful classic isn't the quantity, but the rhythm. Grill in small batches, top up regularly and keep it simple. That way the food stays hot and fresh, and you don't have to stress about full platters that all need to be ready at once.
2. Italian outdoor menu
An Italian menu is perfect for a summer evening. Use your outdoor kitchen to bake pizzas on a pizza stone, grill ciabatta with olive oil and serve antipasti: tomato with mozzarella, grilled courgette and prosciutto. You could add small veal skewers with rosemary for the meat lovers.
The advantage of this menu is that it works in stages. You can make the antipasti hours in advance, bake the pizzas to order and serve the rest cold. The flavours are simple but intense, and there's usually a pizza for everyone.
3. Street food style
Street food is ideal for street parties where people keep dropping in or don't all eat at the same time. Think mini burgers, chicken skewers, pulled pork sliders and corn on the cob with lime butter. Put everything out as a buffet so everyone can help themselves whenever they like.
The beauty of street food lies in the variety and the presentation. Use small plates or trays so people can easily walk around with their food. It's all about short grilling times and bold flavours. Prepare your sauces, buns and toppings in advance, and keep the fire at a steady medium-high.
4. Surf & turf
The combination of meat and fish goes perfectly with a luxury outdoor kitchen. Use the combinations below as a guide for a successful surf & turf spread:
| Meat | Fish | Side dish |
|---|---|---|
| Entrecôte | Prawn skewers | Grilled peppers with olive oil |
| Chicken thigh fillet | Salmon on cedar wood | Spiced couscous with mint |
| Pork tenderloin | Tuna steak | Grilled courgette with lemon |
Use direct heat for the fish and indirect heat for the meat, so everything is ready at the same time. The balance of salt, smoke and fresh acidity makes this menu irresistible and surprisingly easy to prepare.
5. Vegetarian with a kick
A vegetarian street party doesn't have to be boring. Combine hearty vegetables with proteins such as halloumi or pulses. Think grilled aubergine, portobello mushrooms stuffed with feta, pepper skewers and flatbread with hummus or tzatziki.
Use a cast-iron grate for extra flavour and nice grill marks. The variety of colour and texture makes this menu visually appealing and nourishing. Ideal for hot days or mixed groups. And the bonus: you don't have to worry about cross-contamination or too much meat on the grill at once.
6. Low & slow
For those who like to combine time and fire: low & slow barbecue. Think pulled pork, pork belly or brisket. Let the meat cook at a low temperature, preferably with the lid closed, and serve it with home-made barbecue sauce, coleslaw and brioche buns.
This method takes some preparation, but after that the grill does the work. Ideal for parties that start in the afternoon and go on until late. The meat stays tender for hours and can easily be served in portions, without any timing problems.
7. Tapas in the garden
Tapas is the perfect style for a street party with lots of interaction. Small portions, plenty of variety, and everyone can join in without fixed mealtimes.
- Meatballs in tomato sauce
- Prawns in garlic oil
- Grilled peppers and chorizo
- Bread with aioli and olives
- Manchego and roasted almonds
Tapas gives you freedom: you can make most dishes in advance and keep them warm outside in pans or ovenproof dishes. It creates a relaxed atmosphere and rounds off the evening nicely.
8. Fish on the fire
Grilling fish instantly creates atmosphere: it smells good, sounds good and tastes fresh. Use salmon on cedar wood, sardines, mussels in a pan with white wine, and charred lemon. Combine this with a fresh salad and cold wheat beer.
Fish is less forgiving than meat, so work with oil, lemon and short cooking times. A well-oiled grate prevents sticking, and with a cast-iron pan you can prepare sauces or mussels perfectly. This menu is ideal for warm summer evenings or smaller groups.
9. Asian barbecue
Give your street party a twist with Eastern flavours: duck skewers with hoisin sauce, chicken yakitori, vegetables with a sesame glaze and a rice salad with coriander. Grill at a high temperature for light caramelisation, and serve with chilli mayonnaise or soy sauce.
An Asian barbecue is one of the easiest ways to impress with minimal preparation. You can marinate everything in advance and grill it briefly just before serving. The combination of sweet, salty and umami goes down well with everyone.
10. The evening filler
For parties that slowly shift from eating to lingering at the table. Start with nibbles such as bread with dips, olives and cheese. Then grill meat, fish or vegetables of your choice and finish with something simple from the fire: roasted fruit, marshmallows or a small pan of hot chocolate.
This menu is all about the experience. Everything can be a bit slower and more relaxed, so people stay gathered around the fire. Perfect if your outdoor kitchen is under a canopy and you want to keep going until late.
