It’s officially backyard season. The invites are out, the playlist is ready, and the warm Western Australian breeze is calling for long afternoons spent outdoors. But as any seasoned host knows, the difference between a stressful event and a memorable one lies in the preparation. This year, we are ditching the 48-hour marinades and the high-maintenance table settings. Instead, we are embracing the art of "looking like a pro with half the effort."
We’ve pulled together the Ultimate BBQ Host Edit — a curated collection of essentials designed to elevate your hosting game. From instant gourmet food hacks to the styling touches that set the mood, here is everything you need to upgrade your menu, style your summer table, and keep the vibes high from the first pour to the final wipe-down.
Style the Summer Table: Coastal Chic
The first rule of effortless entertaining is setting a scene that does the talking for you. This season, we are moving away from paper plates and embracing a whimsical, textural approach to outdoor dining. The trend is undeniably coastal — think "seafood soirée" meets "relaxed luxe."
Start with the foundation: texture. The Coast to Coast Beaded Placemats are an instant game-changer. They add a layer of sophistication and tactile interest that flat cotton mats simply can't achieve. By layering these under your dinnerware, you create a "wow" factor before the food even hits the table.
For serving, lean into the playful side of summer. The Rainbow Fish Plate and Lisbon Sardine Platter bring a splash of colour and personality to the table. These aren't just serving dishes; they are conversation starters. Perfect for serving shared sides, fresh seafood, or a charcuterie spread, they capture the essence of an Australian summer by the water. The key here is effortless elegance — items that look curated and collected, rather than stiff and formal.
Upgrade the Menu (Without the Prep)
We believe you shouldn't have to marinate for 48 hours to impress your guests. The secret to a gourmet spread often lies in the pantry, not the prep time. Our edit focuses on "heavy lifting" condiments that deliver authentic, complex flavours in seconds.
The Dip Hack:
Forget chopping onions and tomatoes for hours. The Tasteology Guacamole Seasoning is the ultimate hack for the busy host. Simply mash your avocados and add a sprinkle of this seasoning. Packed with natural lemon essence, garlic, cumin, and coriander, it delivers a perfectly balanced, zesty dip that tastes chef-made in seconds. Serve it alongside corn chips or fresh vegetable crudités for an instant crowd-pleaser.
The Meat Masterclass:
For the main event, rely on sauces that bring the smokehouse to your backyard. Finn’s Smokehouse BBQ Sauces are authentic, rich, and deeply flavourful. Whether you are grilling ribs, brisket, or simple sausages, these sauces add a sweet, smoky, and bold Southern-inspired glaze that usually takes hours of slow cooking to achieve. A quick brush of the Peach & Bourbon or Sour Whiskey glaze near the end of grilling will give your meats a sticky, caramelised finish that will have guests asking for the recipe.
The Gourmet Touch:
To elevate salads and sides, turn to the master of flavour: Ottolenghi. The Ottolenghi Spices & Sauces range allows you to drizzle, sprinkle, and serve your way to gourmet status. Use the Kalamata Olive & Harissa Sauce to coat and roast vegetables (or spoon over them while they’re still hot), and finish grilled prawns with Pipelchima for an instant hit of bold, layered flavour. These jars are your secret weapon for transforming simple ingredients into complex, restaurant-quality dishes.
The Drink Station: Batch & Serve
No host wants to be stuck behind the bar shaking individual cocktails while everyone else mingles. The solution? Batch cocktails. The Coast to Coast Rosita Dispenser is your best friend for hydration and libation.
Fill it with a refreshing mix of iced water with lemon and mint, or go bold with a batch cocktail like a spicy margarita or a fruit-filled punch. The stunning glass design with its delicate pattern adds a visual element to your drink station, allowing guests to serve themselves. Pair it with the matching amber-hued glasses for a cohesive, retro-inspired look that catches the golden hour light perfectly.
Keep it Fresh: Scent Sets the Mood
Ambiance isn't just about what you see; it's about what you smell. Before your guests arrive, light the Circa Alchemy White Tea & Wild Mint Candle in the kitchen or powder room.
This isn't just a candle; it’s "scent with benefits." The Alchemy range is designed to neutralise unwanted cooking odours, replacing them with a crisp, gender-neutral fragrance. The punchy blend of wild mint, zesty bergamot, and herbaceous white tea creates a breezy, uplifting atmosphere. It signals that your home is fresh, clean, and ready for guests, cutting through any lingering prep smells instantly.
The Clean Up: The Real MVP
Finally, the part no one talks about but everyone deals with: the clean-up. When the BBQ is done and the sticky prep bench is calling, reach for the Koala Eco Natural Multi-Purpose Kitchen Cleaner.
Smelling like an Australian bushwalk thanks to Lemon Myrtle and Mandarin essential oils, this cleaner makes wiping down satisfyingly simple. It’s safe, effective, and non-toxic, meaning you can use it around food prep areas without worry. More importantly, it kills 99.9% of germs while leaving your kitchen smelling like a sanctuary rather than a chemical lab. It’s the final step in the hosting ritual—resetting your space with products that are kind to you and the planet.
This weekend, don’t just host — host smart. Shop the Ultimate BBQ Host Edit in-store and online now.