1. Spruce up your outdoor space

Before you begin shopping for food and drink, spend a few minutes outside in the area you want to host your BBQ.

Have a look around and see what needs tidying up. Sweep up any leaves or rubbish, mow the lawn and weed the flowerbeds and pots.

This might seem like a lot of effort but your guests will really appreciate the welcome it creates.

Next, get out your garden furniture out of storage and give it a good clean remember to treat wooden items with specialist products like garden furniture oil.

2. Add atmosphere

When it comes to planning a successful BBQ, you need to think about exactly the kind of style you are trying to create.

Do you want a laid-back beachy vibe or a more of a sophisticated garden party feel?

Once you have decided, you can choose your food and drink accordingly – with cocktails for a more relaxed affair and chilled champagne or prosecco bubbles for a special occasion.

3. Are you sitting comfortably?

You and your guests will need somewhere to sit so make sure there is enough room for everyone.

If you are short of space, consider using floor cushions for younger guests and move benches and other garden furniture around to provide extra seating.

Look for great value garden furniture sets that include both a table and chairs for the ultimate in BBQ hosting.

This Alexander Rose Cornis 6-Seater Round Folding Dining Set is perfect for an outdoor dinner party with food from the grill.

Or how about this Primrose Rattan 8-Seater Cube Set which invites lounging around on long lazy days.

4. When you’re out of the kitchen, make sure you can stand the heat

Hopefully, you’ll have picked a beautiful day to host your BBQ to help things go smoothly. But you’ll also need to protect your food – and your guests – from the sun.

Gazebos and parasols can help keep food cool and provide shade for those who want to relax out of the heat.

This Noah 2.4M Parasol even includes LED lights so you can carry on celebrating late into the evening.

5. Be prepared

To truly be the hostess with the mostess, you need to make sure you aren’t constantly scuttling in and out of the house as your prepare your BBQ feast.

Getting everything ready in advance means all you have to do it pop it on the grill and let it cook.

That means marinating your meat, skewering your kebabs and sorting your sausages and burgers in advance. You should also make your salads and side dishes ahead of everyone’s arrival.

A table like the Carlos Double BBQ Table can be a big help too, giving you somewhere to keep condiments, crockery, tools and other useful items.

6. Keep the atmosphere going after sundown

As night falls and it starts to get a little cooler, you don’t have to call off the party.

Put pretty fairy lights in the garden to add a cosy glow when it gets dark and bring out soft blankets for your guests to wrap-up warm in.

Lighting a chimnea or outdoor patio heater will also keep things comfortable.

Or how about this dining set which has an inbuilt fire pit for everyone to gather around?

And, no matter what the British weather may throw at you, remember to embrace and enjoy your licence to grill.