These are possibly the 12 most stylish grilling accessories you can find – I'll be buying them to elevate my BBQs

Summer staples that will help your backyard barbecue reach new heights

A backyard barbecue and socializing area
(Image credit: Laura Moss Photography. Builder: Michael Robert Construction. Designer: Ellie Mroz Design)

If you're planning to feed a crowd al fresco this summertime, upping your barbecue game is a must, and it doesn't just mean investing in the best gas grill. It's also about those essential accessories, utensils and barbecue buys that makes the hosting process a smooth one this summer.

Oonagh Turner
Oonagh Turner

Oonagh is an interiors writer and editor, and expert at keeping up with trends from the world of interior design. For this story, she's spoken to the florists to find out why ranunculus flowers are the unsung hero of the floral world.

Utensils

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Your utensils are an important part of the barbecue process and essentials that you can't do without. The grill can get seriously hot, so you need long tongs that are heat proof and can help you turn over food as it cooks. They often look a little too utilitarian for my liking, but any of these work to balance functional and decorative.

Heatproof wear

It's safety first when it comes to working the barbecue. But these often mean seriously unflattering aprons and kitchen cast-off oven gloves that have made their way outside. Invest in this equipment for your charcoal or gas barbecue and you might find you feel more encouraged to barbecue more too.

Perfect platters

When time is of the essence, it's all about having those platters on hand to move food from the barbecue to the table with ease. Have these staples on hand and they'll look great on the table too. With your tableware ready, you can concentrate on the cooking. 

Stools

Finally, you want a place to perch while you're cooking, so something that is compact, easy to put away but aesthetic is perfect. You want it to sit at the perfect height, and nothing too low to the ground, so bar stools often fit the bill perfectly, although they might not be weather-proof. These three are perfect investments. 

What essentials are needed for the ultimate summer barbecue?

If you're looking to buy the ultimate barbecue, you'll also want to make sure you invest in the outdoor accessories to make sure it functions properly, and is a stylish corner of your backyard. A permanent barbecue is often its own zone, so you want to invest in it properly. 'Buying a BBQ without accessories is like using a wrench to hammer a nail. It might work, but not as well as it should! says Shawn Hill, barbecue expert and owner of The Grilling Dad. 'Using the right tool for the job helps make barbecuing easier and more enjoyable.'

In terms of utensils, Shawn recommends 'tongs, spatulas, grill gloves, thermometers and grill cleaning brushes without metal bristles at a bare minimum,' he says. 

'Tongs and spatulas allow for easy handling and flipping of meats without damaging them or losing precious juices, while a meat thermometer ensures that your meats are cooked to the proper internal temperature for optimal safety and taste,' adds Jakob Miller, founder at Barbecue Pals. 'Other important barbecue essentials include a reliable smoker box, wood chips or chunks for flav'or, high-quality barbecue sauces and rubs, and a good cleaning brush to keep your grill or smoker in top condition.'

'Investing in these barbecue essentials may seem like an added expense, but trust me, they're well worth it in the long run. Not only will they make your cooking experience easier and more enjoyable, but they'll also help you achieve the best possible results when it comes to flavor and tenderness. So don't skimp on the accessories - your taste buds (and your guests) will thank you!'

It's about more than just the functional element, and while barbecuing can be quite a dangerous job, you can still prioritise that decorative element. The perfect stool, pretty tableware that you can have on hand to take food to the table, and utensils that are both aesthetic and functional are all you need for the ultimate summer party. 

Oonagh Turner
Livingetc content editor and design expert

Oonagh is a content editor at Livingetc.com and an expert at spotting the interior trends that are making waves in the design world. Writing a mix of everything and everything from home tours to news, long-form features to design idea pieces on the website, as well as frequently featured in the monthly print magazine, she's the go-to for design advice in the home. Previously, she worked on a London property title, producing long-read interiors features, style pages and conducting interviews with a range of famous faces from the UK interiors scene, from Kit Kemp to Robert Kime. In doing so, she has developed a keen interest in London's historical architecture and the city's distinct tastemakers paving the way in the world of interiors.