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From the tablecloth to metal tongs, there’s everything you need to host a gorgeous get-together in your own back garden.
Is there anything that builds excitement in Ireland than the prospect of a good barbecue?. On any summer day that tempts us with a few hours of sunshine, plans are quickly made. Burger buns start to disappear from supermarket shelves, and chairs are hastily moved outside.
If you’d like for your next outdoor cooking session to look a little more put-together, then you’re in luck. Zara Home have created an affordable-yet-chic collection of barbecue essentials (and not-so-essentials), all so beautiful that you’ll be looking for any excuse to bring them out. Here are our favourites.
Make any table look instantly chic with this gingham tablecloth, whether it’s an outdoor one that’s suffered a few too many Irish winters, or a wonky one you’ve dragged out from the house.
Not only does it sum up that quintessential summer feeling, it’s also resin-coated, making it waterproof and impervious to the inevitable spills. Gingham resin-coated cotton tablecloth, from €35.99.
If your barbecues are more often on the go than in your back garden, then this portable design is perfect. Set it up at the beach for a seaside feast, or make the most of small patio or balcony.
Its lid features a handle that makes it easy to carry, and has a plated steel cooking grate. Weber Smokey Joe portable charcoal barbecue, €99.99.
It seems there’s always things to be carried in and out of the house during a barbecue: more drinks, dirty plates, or food for the grill. Make the task easier, and infinitely more stylish with this gorgeous tray.
Made from Acacia wood, its handle also means that even the clumsiest of us should be able to transport glasses without incident. Tall wooden tray, €45.99.
Even the most mismatched assortment of chairs will look eclectic rather than erratic with these beautiful cushions, and keep your guests comfortable.
Their cotton covers have a subtle stripe, and ties mean they’ll stay secure on most chairs. Striped chair cushion, €11.99.
As much as I love a linen napkin, do you really want to run the risk of someone spilling ketchup on your beloved (and expensive) set?
If there was ever a time for paper napkins, it’s a barbecue, and I love the whimsy of this set, which go so far not to just have a fun pattern, but are also shaped like the corn they depict. Perhaps I’m easily pleased, but I think they’re great. Corncob-shaped napkins, pack of 20, €3.99.
Tongs are probably the most useful piece of barbecue kit you can have, the easiest way to pick up everything from sausages to vegetable skewers.
This sturdy pair is made from forged stainless steel and has a long acacia wood handle, so your fingers are kept out of burning distance from the heat. Forged metal barbecue tongs, €22.99.
Although Zara Home has tastefully filled this bucket with plums, we all know it’s going to be filled with ice to keep our wine cool, giving our barbecue a ‘fine dining’ feel, even if the burgers are a bit overdone. Small galvanised bucket, €35.99.
I don’t know if this is a universal problem, but it seems that before every barbecue I’ve ever attended, a panicked message comes through to the group chat asking if someone can pick up wooden skewers.
A reusable set means they’ll never be forgotten again, and their handles mean they’re much easier to manoeuvre. Barbecue kebab skewers, €15.99.
Personally, I always steer clear of grilling duties, but would love this relaxed apron to throw over my clothes when preparing salads and sides.
Its crossover straps mean you don’t have to fiddle around with strings, and it even has pockets to keep tools (or you know, your phone) to hand. Striped apron, €22.99.
Speaking of salads, it can be hard to find a bowl big enough to properly mix a salad for a crowd, without showering the floor of your kitchen with leaves.
This mixing bowl fits the bill, has nice deep sides, and its frosted effect exterior is a nice touch. It would also be handy for marinating meat. Mixing bowl, from €9.99.
A beautiful wooden board is something you’ll find yourself using constantly. Not only can you use it to chop ingredients, but it doubles as a stylish serving board.
This one comes in three sizes, and also has a leather handle. Wooden cutting board, from €22.99.
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