Grilling

✅ Lay the table

In France, style is everything. The same should be true of your barbecue! Ahead of time, make sure you’ve got enough plates, cutlery, napkins and glasses. Don’t forget bowls, a cutting board, serving spoons and the all-important toothpicks! You might want to cut down on clean up with paper plates and cups, or you might be keeping it classy with proper tableware. Either way, make sure there’s enough for everyone, and try to keep a few spare just in case.

✅ Be prepared to weather a storm

Even the best laid plans can be spoilt with a little rain, but a little prep can turn a washout from meh to magnifique! Whether it’s picking up a few umbrellas or ponchos for guests to have on hand, putting up a tent or awning for your grill, or even enjoying your barbecued treats indoors as the rain pours, have a plan just in case the skies open.

✅ Ice, ice, baby!

Sure, you’re grilling so it’s all about the food, right? However, if you don’t get your drinks service right, your barbecue could well be a miss rather than a hit. Fill up the ice cube trays well in advance, and pop them into a zip lock sandwich bag in the freezer to keep room for making more. If all else fails and time gets the best of you, make a quick trip to the grocery store for a couple of handy bags of pre-prepared ice!

✅ Think outside the box

Burgers, hot dogs, grilled corn, s’mores – these are the grilling staples we know and love. But why not try a little ingenuity and creativity? Think like a true Parisian and instil your cookout with a touch of inspiration – perhaps a brioche grilled cheese, charred pineapple with sliced brioche croutons, or a toasted croissant filled with bacon? Sounds magnifique to us.