How to Host the Ultimate Backyard BBQ: Setup, Recipes & Gear Checklist

Man and child enjoying time together while cooking skewered meat on a Flaming Coals Mangal Charcoal Grill – a portable shashlik BBQ with glowing charcoal underneath, set up in a sunny backyard with lush green foliage.

Backyard BBQs aren’t just about food they’re about moments

It’s Saturday arvo. The footy’s on. Beers are cold. Mates are arriving. And the unmistakable scent of charcoal and sizzling meat fills the air.

That’s the power of a great backyard BBQ setup. It turns a simple cook up into something legendary. Whether you’re feeding four or forty, the right gear and a bit of planning makes it easy to entertain without the stress.

Two young boys smiling and holding skewers while cooking over a Flaming Coals Mangal Charcoal Grill – a portable shashlik BBQ with skewers of meat grilling over hot charcoal, set in a backyard with green foliage.

So let’s break down how to host a BBQ that’ll leave your guests talking (and full).

Step 1: Get your BBQ setup sorted

Your gear is the backbone of your event. It needs to be reliable, easy to use, and ready for whatever you’re cooking.

Here’s what we recommend:

✅ The BBQ itself

  1. Charcoal Spit Rotisserie – Perfect for slow roasted lamb, pork or chicken.

  2. Parrilla Grill – Great for direct fire cooking like steaks, sausages and skewers.

  3. Cyprus Grill – For those who want to spin multiple skewers at once and show off.

Stainless steel Argentine Parrilla BBQ grill with glowing charcoal below and grilled meat and corn cooking on the adjustable V-grate.

Compare Flaming Coals BBQs here

✅ Accessories that make life easier

  1. Charcoal starter & lump charcoal – Quick light up and long burn

  2. Drip trays – Catch mess, make cleanup faster

  3. Spit prongs or gyro discs – Keep meat secure while turning

  4. BBQ gloves & carving knife – For safe and stylish serving

Step 2: Prep a simple but crowd pleasing menu

You don’t need a five course meal. Just a few showstoppers and easy sides:

Main meats

  1. Whole butterflied lamb or pork shoulder on the spit

  2. Chicken gyros on a rotisserie

  3. Thick cut steaks or skewers over the grill

Chicken gyros roasting on a spit over hot coals in a Flaming Coals Cyprus Spit, with crispy golden-brown meat slowly rotating above the charcoal.

Sides & extras

  1. Grilled veg with olive oil and sea salt

  2. Fresh salads: Greek, potato, or coleslaw

  3. Bread rolls, chimichurri, tzatziki

  4. Something sweet to finish, like spit roasted pineapple with cinnamon

A stainless steel mixing bowl containing freshly chopped herbs and red capsicum pieces, ready for making chimichurri.

Need inspo? Check out our step by step recipes

Step 3: Create the ultimate BBQ vibe

You’ve got the food and the gear, now set the scene:

  1. Lighting: Hang up some festoon lights or grab a few lanterns

  2. Music: Keep a chilled playlist running in the background

  3. Serving area: Clear a table for condiments, carving, and drinks

  4. Seating: Mix it up with chairs, benches, or even picnic blankets

Pro tip: Position your BBQ setup where people can watch the action, it’s part of the entertainment.

Backyard BBQ Hosting Checklist

✅ Spit or grill prepped and fired up

✅ Meats marinated and ready to go

✅ Tongs, knives, gloves and trays on hand

✅ Esky stocked with cold drinks

✅ Sides and salads sorted

✅ Lighting and music sorted

✅ Fire pit ready for the wind-down

Two men standing and chatting while cooking chunks of meat on a Flaming Coals Cyprus Spit rotisserie in a backyard setting

Bonus: Get ahead with pre-BBQ prep tips

  1. Set up the rotisserie before your guests arrive. It takes 20–30 minutes, max

  2. Pre-light your charcoal with a starter chimney for a smooth cook

  3. Have a cutting board and foil ready for resting meat

  4. Keep backups: extra charcoal, gas lighters, tissues, and serving gear

Ready to host like a legend?

With the right backyard BBQ setup, you’ll spend less time stressing and more time enjoying cold beers and good laughs around the grill.

Explore our full BBQ range, gear up with expert tips, and get ready to host the ultimate cook up at Flaming Coals

FAQs

Q: How much meat should I cook per person?

A: Plan around 300 to 400g of meat per adult, especially if you’ve got sides and bread to go with it.

Q: How early should I fire up the charcoal?

A: Start 45 to 60 minutes before cooking time to get consistent heat. Use a charcoal chimney for faster lighting.

Q: What’s the easiest meat to cook on a spit?

A: Chicken is a great starter, fast, forgiving, and always a crowd pleaser.

 

Here’s to mates, meat, and memorable weekends...

Because with a bit of prep and the right BBQ gear, every backyard can become the best restaurant in town.

Author Name

by: Cameron Brewer