Faced with a grand vision for an outdoor meal with friends and family, it can feel like there is a never-ending collection of things we forgot on that shopping run. The focus required for the actual cooking and the relaxation to enjoy your time with food, outdoor spaces and the people in it become scarce when there’s yet another thing that we didn’t even know we needed until the fire was up and running.

Shopping lists for food are the first point of departure, but what about equipment lists?

This will save you time and energy you didn’t know you were wasting. Start with your cooking tools, and all the supporting gadgets and hardware. Once you’ve mastered the equipment for cooking and eating, it’s time to think about transporting everything in a convenient, easy-to-clean way.

It’s also worth contemplating practical problems such as lighting. If it’s a night-time affair, check if there will be adequate lighting. If not, grab oil or battery-powered lanterns if you really want to set the mood, you could grab battery-powered portable fairy lights, too.

Cooking by fire

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COOKING BY FIRE

  • Firewood or charcoal
  • Axe (for cutting wood)
  • Firelighters or starters
  • Matches or lighter
  • Braai grid
  • Skillet pan or frying pan
  • Pot holder or pot lifter
  • Cooking pots and lids
  • Dutch ovens
  • Tongs and other cooking utensils
  • Bottle opener, corkscrew or multitool
  • Sharp knife for cutting and prepping
  • Cutting boards
  • Kettle
  • Plates or bowls
  • Mugs or cups
  • Eating utensils
backyard cooking 1

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COOKING WITH GAS

  • Camping stove or Webber
  • Grill top
  • Fuel bottle
  • Skillet pan or frying pan
  • Cooking pots and lids
  • Dutch ovens (optional)
  • Tongs and other cooking utensils
  • Bottle opener, corkscrew, or multitool
  • Sharp knife for cutting and prepping
  • Cutting boards
  • Kettle
  • Plates or bowls
  • Mugs or cups
  • Eating utensils
  • Napkins
backyard family lunch

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STORAGE AND PANTRY CHECKLIST

  • Cooler boxes (with ice packs)
  • Large storage boxes
  • Tupperware for food
  • Aluminium foil tin foil or beeswax wraps
  • Camping table
  • Water bottles (if there are no clean water outlets)
  • Tablecloth
  • Lantern or lighting

Now that your setup is prepped, make your best recipes and share a great bottle of wine and some nonalcoholic fizzies with your family. We’ll be indulging, too!

ALSO SEE:

How to get oil rid of oil stains using pantry staples

A version of this article was published in Garden&Home January 2023 print magazine.

Feature image: Unsplash