Sunny days and warm evenings are the perfect excuse for a garden party. If you’re planning one this summer, just make sure you’re keeping safety in mind.
Don’t know where to start? From barbecue tips to keeping pets safe in the heat, we’ve got you covered.
Is garden safety important?
We get it – the least fun thing about planning a party is thinking about safety stuff. But it's still important to check off your list.
With garden parties, you need to consider things like:
- safety around barbecues and pools
- hot weather, especially if it’s a heat wave
- looking after children and pets outdoors
The more you sort beforehand, the more you can enjoy your party without the worry.
So, what steps do you need to take?
Preparing for your garden party
Before your party begins, here are a few things to think about.
Get rid of trip hazards
Gardens can have their fair share of trip hazards, including things like:
- pet and children’s toys
- loose bricks and tiles
- hose lines or loose cables
- unsecured furniture
Clear any bits and bobs away before guests arrive and if you need to, secure any bigger bits of furniture.
Check the BBQ
Barbecues are a staple of summer garden parties, but they can spell trouble if they’re not handled right.
Make sure you:
- keep it on a flat, even surface
- place it away from trees, grass, bushes and fences
- don't use it indoors
Read our in-depth guide on BBQ safety.
Disposable BBQs
If you’re using a disposable one, make sure it’s on a surface that won’t burn or catch alight. Bricks, paving slabs and sand are good options.
Gas BBQs
If you’re using a gas BBQ, make sure the gas bottle is firmly attached and there aren’t any leaks.
To check, you can spray an equal mix of soap and water onto the joint between the gas bottle and pipe. If you see bubbles forming and growing, there’s a leak.
Turn the gas off straight away if this happens and tighten the joint to stop any from coming out. If it happens again, you might need to replace the joint.
Don’t disconnect the gas or replace the joint until the gas is turned off completely.
Coal BBQs
Coal releases carbon monoxide when it burns, which is toxic to humans. Keep your coal BBQ in a well-ventilated area.
Make sure you don’t overfill it with coal, as this can produce too much heat and be dangerous.
You only need a layer of about two inches to cook food properly and safely.
Check fences and gates
Garden security is more important than you’d think!
If you’re going to have pets or young children at your garden party, it’s important to make sure the entrances and exits are secure.
If gates are left open or there are holes in fences, a pet or small child could get out. Have a walk around your garden to make sure everything’s secure.
You might also want to pop a sign on any garden gates to ask guests to close them behind them.
Make sure your shed is locked too so children and pets can’t get access to anything sharp or toxic.
Preparing for the weather
Us Brits welcome the sun whenever we can get it. But we’ve probably all been burned before – literally – by not taking the right precautions!
If you’re expecting a very hot day for your garden party, it’s important to think ahead to help guests deal with the heat.
Have shady spots
Have a room indoors available, like the kitchen or living room, so people can take a break from the sun if they need it.
If you’ve got a canopy or umbrella, have it up outside to offer a bit of shade.
Make sure you've got sun cream on hand, too!
Keep guests hydrated
It’s easy to get dehydrated in the heat, especially if you’re drinking alcohol.
Make sure you’ve got plenty of cold water available for your guests.
You could keep some cold bottles in the fridge or have a decanter of ice water with cups for everyone to use.
Have a backup ready
The British weather is known to be unpredictable. One second, it’s sunny – the next, a storm is rolling in.
Think about a backup option if the weather takes a turn, like:
opening up your living room or kitchen to guests
having a collapsible gazebo with chairs and a table in the garden
If you’ve got a conservatory, that’s also a great alternative if things get a little wet or windy.
We’ve got a handy guide on prepping your garden for a storm too.
Keeping food safe to eat
Whether you’ve planned a full barbecue or just some nibbles, there’s some things to consider when it comes to serving food safely.
Keep an eye on chilled food
If you’re serving chilled foods like meats, cheeses and dips, keep them in a shady spot and out of the sun. Cover them with lids, foil or cling film to avoid insects.
Put food out in smaller portions outside, and refill with the rest from the fridge when things are running low.
Don’t bring any raw meat outside until the barbecue is ready to use. Remember to put any spare meat back in the fridge straight away.
Make sure food’s cooked through
Always make sure any meat is cooked properly before serving it. The easiest way to check is by using a cooking thermometer to see if it’s at the right temperature.
With poultry, check there are no pink spots left inside the meat.
Sausages shouldn’t have any pink juices when they’re fully cooked and should be all one shade of brown on the inside.
Beef burgers can be served with some pink inside but check what each guest prefers first.
Other risks to be aware of
Some other things to tick off your list include:
- keep any lit candles away from grass and trees
- put a guard over any fire pits or heaters
- have a fire extinguisher nearby for the BBQ
- make sure you also clean up any spills or trip hazards as soon as you notice them
