As those colder months roll around, you might be thinking that it’s time for you and your barbeques to hibernate. However, winter doesn’t have to put an end to delicious grilled food.
If you are looking for some winter BBQ ideas, you’re in the right place! At Open Space Concepts, we offer bespoke outdoor kitchens that will give your winter BBQs a bit more flair and style, allowing you to work in a modern and functional space.
In this blog, we’ll give you 8 of our favourite winter BBQ ideas so that you can look forward to chillier evenings gathered round your BBQ with family and friends.
Keep reading to find out more…
Can you BBQ in the winter?
You might be thinking ‘Can you use a BBQ in winter?’ Well, while the colder months make many BBQ enthusiasts pack away their grills and resign themselves to months of indoor cooking, you don’t have to follow in their footsteps! With a little preparation and the right techniques, you can continue to enjoy delicious barbecues and dinner parties throughout those cooler months.
Ensure you follow these tips to keep your BBQ fired up all winter long:
- Choose the right grill
- Manage heat retention
- Find some form of shelter
- Stock up on fuel
- Maintain your grill
- Wrap up warm
So, the next time you think ‘Can you use a BBQ in winter’, remember to embrace the chilly weather and experiment with winter-friendly recipes to impress your guests and provide hours of fun and socialising.
For further BBQ ideas all year round, check out our blog: BBQ Area Ideas for the Ultimate Alfresco Dining Experience.
Our 8 winter BBQ ideas
Now that it’s clear that you can use your BBQ all year round, it’s time to showcase some of our favourite winter BBQ ideas that you can take inspiration from. From delicious recipes to cosy winter lighting ideas, utilise your barbecue during the depths of winter with our innovative tips and tricks.
Let’s have a look at them in a bit more detail!
1. Try out festive recipes
Cooking and trying new recipes, especially during the festive season, is a great way to make the most of winter barbeques. While most people will opt for a traditional sit-down meal indoors, you can think a bit more outside the box by choosing recipes that work well when cooked on a barbeque.
Go all out and choose to cook your turkey on the barbecue! You might be surprised, but a lot of people use their barbeques for big meals such as their Christmas dinners. Experimenting with festive flavours can be a fun and engaging part of the winter BBQ experience, plus, you can show off your culinary skills!
2. Opt for a Swiss Alps theme
Embrace the cold this winter by bringing the Swiss Alps to your garden. Fire up your barbecue and serve traditional Switzerland dishes such as fondue, raclette, and other Swiss cheeses. Sausages always go down a treat, a popular choice for keen barbeque enthusiasts.
You could also serve hot chocolate and mulled wine, as well as play traditional Swiss music to create a festive and welcoming atmosphere. Chill your glasses for an extra icy experience, and encourage your guests to dress up to make the most of your cool theme.
3. Invest in a protective structure
It’s no surprise that winter weather can be unpredictable, and, whether you like it or not, rain or snowfall can ruin your barbecue completely. Stay extra prepared by investing in a protective structure – and who better to trust than the outdoor living experts?!
At Open Space Concepts, we’ve got modern pergolas that blend seamlessly with an outdoor kitchen, providing you with the perfect space for entertaining guests. And, they’ll keep your barbeque sheltered all year round. Many of our structures are equipped with versatile louvred roofs, meaning that you get complete control of your outdoor environment. So, you can keep that roof fully closed during the winter months!
4. Use the right equipment
Ensuring that you have the correct barbecue equipment is crucial for a successful winter BBQ. First and foremost, you want to make sure that your barbecue is durable and made from high-quality materials that are able to withstand the elements and last throughout all the seasons.
The right equipment can also enhance your overall cooking experience, meaning that your food will taste nicer and your guests will feel happier! For example, opting for a grill with a lid can help protect you from the wind or other harsh weather conditions while you cook. Don’t forget to add an awning and stock up on utensils and crockery for a truly premium barbecue experience.
5. Utilise lighting
Did you know that lighting can actually affect your mood? And, during those colder, duller months, it’s crucial to try and boost your well-being by opting for more natural lighting choices. To create a warm and inviting atmosphere, drape string lights over your trees, fences, or outdoor structures to create a magical ambience.
For a truly luxurious lighting experience, invest in one of our Louvre Pods that comes with the option of adding LED starlight sky lighting. This lighting system gives you the opportunity to relax under a starry sky composed of miniature LED lights, the perfect touch to your winter BBQs. It doesn’t matter if it’s cloudy outside – use this LED lighting system to replicate the skies at night.
6. Add a cosy seating area
There’s no point in hosting a winter BBQ if your guests don’t have anywhere to sit. And, while it’s still chilly outside, creating a cosy and warm seating area is a fantastic addition to your outdoor festivities. A designated seating area encourages your guests to gather, socialise, and enjoy the company of others – just don’t forget the blankets and hot water bottles!
We recommend investing in one of our retractable awnings for extra shelter. Extend as you wish, and snuggle underneath it while you drink hot chocolates and enjoy a delicious meal straight from your barbecue.
7. Get warm with a fire pit
Enjoy eating and dining outdoors during even the colder months by adding additional heating methods such as a fire pit. A crackling fire creates a warm and inviting atmosphere, adding a cosy touch to your outdoor space. And, it’s a great opportunity to toast marshmallows and tell festive stories!
At Open Space Concepts, most of our outdoor structures, such as our glass rooms, come with the addition of infra-red heating and LED lighting, so that you can benefit from your outdoor structure all year round. With all of our structures, you can fully customise according to your requirements, so if you love winter barbecues, our structures are for you!
8. Provide heart-warming drinks
Finally on our list of winter BBQ ideas is mixing and serving heart-warming drinks that will make those colder evenings more bearable. A warm beverage provides much-needed comfort and warmth to guests, especially as the evening progresses!
Hot chocolate is the perfect crowd-pleaser, while mulled wine or cider is easy to make and perfect for sipping by a roaring fire. If you prefer cocktails, then try a hot toddy, a mixture of whisky, honey, and lemon.
For more bar inspiration check out our blog: Stylish Outdoor Kitchen Bar Ideas for a Sociable Space!
Be the host with the most this winter with Open Space Concepts!
Hopefully, this blog has given you some inspiration so that you won’t need to retire your BBQ this winter. Whether you want to host a full-on dinner party or evening nibbles for your family and friends, our innovative winter BBQ ideas have got you covered.
Here at Open Space Concepts, we’re truly passionate about the design and installation of bespoke outdoor structures. With over 30 years of experience under our belt, you can count on us to install your structure with efficiency and ease.
For further information, please don’t hesitate to get in touch. A member of our expert team will be more than happy to get back to you! Or, give us a call on 0808 168 0043.
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