Essential Items to Make Your Christmas BBQ More Fun

Christmas in Australia is all about sunshine, family gatherings, and of course, the great Aussie BBQ. While many parts of the world celebrate Christmas by the fireplace, Aussies head outdoors to enjoy good food, laughter, and long summer days. Planning a Christmas BBQ can be exciting, but it also takes a little preparation. Having the right items on hand can turn a simple cookout into an unforgettable festive feast.

In this guide, we’ll walk through the must-have items that will make your Christmas BBQ not only fun but also memorable.

Table of Contents:

• A Quality BBQ Grill
• Durable Plates, Cups, and Cutlery
• Shade and Shelter
• An Eski or Cooler
• Refreshing Summer Drinks
• Fresh Salads and Sides
• Portable Speakers for Music
• Fun Games and Entertainment
• BBQ Accessories You Shouldn’t Forget
• Lighting for Evening Gatherings
• A Festive Touch
• Wrapping Up

A Quality BBQ Grill

The centerpiece of any Christmas BBQ is the grill. Without it, the party doesn’t even start. Whether you prefer gas, charcoal, or a portable grill, choosing a reliable one makes all the difference.

• Gas BBQs heat quickly and allow you to cook a large variety of meats with ease.
  

• Charcoal BBQs add that smoky flavor Aussies love, perfect for steaks, sausages, and kebabs.
  

• Portable grills are great if you’re heading to the beach or park for your Christmas gathering.
  

👉 Pro Tip: Clean your BBQ a few days before Christmas so you’re ready to fire it up without hassle.

Durable Plates, Cups, and Cutlery

Disposable plastic isn’t ideal for the environment, and nobody wants plates breaking mid-meal. Opt for durable, reusable options instead.

• Melamine plates and cups are lightweight, colorful, and reusable.
  

• Stainless steel cutlery ensures you won’t be stuck with flimsy forks.
  

• Eco-friendly disposables made from bamboo or palm leaves are also great for larger gatherings.
  

Having sturdy tableware makes eating more enjoyable and keeps the vibe stress-free.

Shade and Shelter

The Aussie sun can be harsh in December, so make sure your guests are comfortable.

• Pop-up gazebos or marquees provide much-needed shade.
  

• Large umbrellas are perfect for smaller BBQ setups.
  

• Outdoor fans or mist sprays can help cool everyone down.
  

Nobody wants sunburn on Christmas Day. A little shade keeps the atmosphere cool and welcoming.

An Eski or Cooler

Cold drinks are non-negotiable at a Christmas BBQ. An eski or cooler filled with ice ensures everyone stays refreshed.

• Keep one cooler for drinks and another for perishable food items.
  

• Use ice packs to avoid water-logged drinks.
  

• Stock up on a mix of soft drinks, sparkling water, and maybe a few festive beverages for adults.
  

A well-packed cooler keeps the party flowing without trips back to the fridge.

Refreshing Summer Drinks

Food may take the spotlight, but drinks set the tone. Offer a variety of beverages to suit every guest.

• Homemade lemonade or fruit punch adds a festive touch.
  

• Iced tea or sparkling water with fruit slices keeps things light and fresh.
  

• For adults, consider holiday-themed cocktails like sangria or mojitos.
  

👉 Add reusable straws and fun drinkware for an extra festive vibe.

Fresh Salads and Sides

A BBQ is never complete without sides. Fresh, colorful salads balance out the meats and give guests variety.

• Classic potato salad
  

• Coleslaw with a zesty dressing
  

• Grilled corn on the cob
  

• Fresh fruit platters with watermelon, mango, and pineapple
  

These easy-to-make dishes bring freshness and color to the table, making your BBQ feast even more inviting.

Portable Speakers for Music

Music sets the mood and keeps the energy alive. Invest in a good portable Bluetooth speaker.

• Create a Christmas BBQ playlist with festive hits and summer anthems.
  

• Keep the volume comfortable so people can still chat easily.
  

• Waterproof speakers are perfect if you’re near the pool or beach.
  

Good tunes turn a casual BBQ into a real celebration.

Fun Games and Entertainment

After the food, guests often want to relax and enjoy some fun activities. Simple games can keep both kids and adults entertained.

• Backyard cricket or soccer
  

• Card games or board games under the shade
  

• A friendly trivia game with Christmas-themed questions
  

Adding entertainment ensures the fun continues long after the BBQ.

BBQ Accessories You Shouldn’t Forget

Don’t let the small details ruin your BBQ. Having the right accessories makes grilling smoother.

• Long-handled tongs and spatulas
  

• A good meat thermometer for perfect cooking
  

• Heat-resistant gloves
  

• Serving trays and foil for keeping food warm
  

These essentials keep your BBQ running like clockwork.

Lighting for Evening Gatherings

If your BBQ stretches into the night, good lighting is essential.

• String lights create a festive and cozy atmosphere.
  

• Solar lanterns or LED candles are safe and eco-friendly.
  

• Citronella candles keep mosquitos away while adding soft lighting.
  

With the right setup, your Christmas BBQ can smoothly transition into a magical evening party.

A Festive Touch

Since it’s Christmas, don’t forget a little holiday cheer.

• Use Christmas-themed tablecloths, napkins, or serving ware.
  

• Add small decorations like wreaths or fairy lights around the BBQ area.
  

• Hand out Santa hats or novelty sunglasses for fun family photos.
  

These small touches create a festive spirit and make the day feel extra special.

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Wrapping Up

A Christmas BBQ is more than just food, it’s about celebrating the season with family and friends under the summer sun. With the right items, from a solid BBQ grill to festive decorations, you can make your gathering stress-free, enjoyable, and memorable.

When planning, think about comfort, convenience, and entertainment. Keep your guests cool with shade and drinks, wow them with delicious sides and music, and wrap the day up with fun games and festive cheer.

This Christmas, make your BBQ the highlight of the season. With these essentials, you’ll be ready to host a gathering that everyone will remember and look forward to year after year.