to throw a winter BBQ party?

[flatbread]

We are FINALLY getting the renovation of our South of France completed. It has taken five long, painful years! We also have our 15th wedding anniversary in December. So, I suggested to DH, why not have a nice winter BBQ around 17th or 18th of December?

OH thinks it is a very bad idea and we should wait till summer. I think it is brilliant because-
*The people who come will be ones who want to celebrate with us, and not just looking for a free holiday (as will probably be the case in summer)

• It can get very cold, but people will be expecting the worst weather-wise (it can get down to minus 7), so any sunshine can only be a bonus. Unlike summer where people are expecting sun and may instead get rain on the planned day.
  *There is something very naughty and celebratory about a winter BBQ, and frankly after a few glasses of wine, how cold will people feel in any case?

We would be inviting 50 or so guests, around 35 would be from overseas. The celebration will cost us a fair bit, so really want to make it a success!

AIBU and just plain mad to consider an outdoor BBQ in winter?

My brother wanted a BBQ for his 18th birthday! His birthday is new years day and the BBQ was awesome! Everyone had a really good time so I'd say go for it! Have fun!!!

You OWN the South of France? Respect.

I'm free that weekend. Thanks.

Yes, sorry you are- it can get v cold in france in the winter, particularly near the mountains. Why not a christmas party?

Lovely idea. We celebrate new year`s by barbecuing on New Year's day!

YANBU... It'll be like Bonfire Night won't it? I went to a theme park in Holland one December and they had lovely bonfires and braziers everywhere and the concession stands were serving hot soup and gluwein!! You can dress the place up with fancy outdoor lighting and candles - much nicer on a dark winter night than a light summer one. Set off some fireworks.. why not? Keep the patio doors open so people can bob inside out of the cold.

I go to a bbq every December at a friends house. Its always brilliant. They set up some outside fires (can't remember what they are called), and in addition to the bbq, they have an enormous vat of mulled wine on the go. Yum.

I think the only downside for ye could be travelling at that time of the year. Flights get tricky/pricey and roads may be dangerous/icy.

Plus, if many are travelling, won't it make it difficult the weekend before christmas? Most people tend to take christmas week and new year off...

YANBU to want a winter barbecue, as long as you have alternative plans in case it rains. I think the dates you mention are a bit close to Christmas though. Lots of people will have plans and travel might be more crowded and expensive.

Sorry, meant house in SOF, obviously.

MY DH is worried that it will be too expensive/inconvenient for people to travel.

Glad that many of you think it is ok. This is the first time ever that we are throwing a catered party and DH is worried that a) No one will turn up and b) If they do, they will be too cold to enjoy the BBQ

I am very careful about money, and we don't have extra, but instead of Christmas or anniversary presents, would much prefer to have family and friends over

Kevlar, sounds very interesting. What are these outside logs?

Don't worry, I'll be there.

Line Runner

Really, I would chew off my own arm to come to something so bloody brilliant. I hope your friends appreciate it. As long as they're not all up their own arses it should be great.

I would slim down the numbers a bit and get definite acceptances, though.

Are you ferry-able from Dover or Portsmouth, or only fly-able?

Do it! Hot soup, spicy baked beans, baked potatoes done in BBQ coals, baked bananas, hot chocolate, mulled wine, fairy lights/candles ... It will be atmospheric and beautiful and memorable.

I'll book my flight ...

Linerunner, it is an eight to 10 hour drive from Calais, but there are trains from Paris. In fact,, there is a really convenient overnight train from Paris that leaves at 11 pm and gets in at 7 am. There are also quicker TGV options, but imo, the night train is really nice.

I would like to have the BBQ at noon, so don't think fireworks will be an option, for the poster who mentioned them. For all of you who have been to winter BBQs, has it ever snowed/rained and what arrangements have you seen for bad weather?

I just asked my sis if she would come for our celebration, and she said "it is a lovely idea, but no, it will be too cold for me"

Linerunner, looks like you might be the only one there!

Could you put some details about the different routes in the invitations? That would be nice

I think it sounds great; DD had a bonfire party last year & it was the best ever

LadyClarice is my +1.

I really do think, even if it would be a gorgeous event, that the travel/time of year is against you on this one

I think it's a nice idea but 17th/18th December would be a nightmare time to travel - unless you want people to then stay on for Christmas?

Why not make it end of November which will brighten everyone's winter?

Or even end of October - you would probably still get decent weather in the South of France then?

October half-term would be great (imo)

Just that bit warmer, people planning to be off work to look after children or make alternative arrangements, Hallowe'en, Bonfire night it all adds up

Half term fine for me

Thanks LineRunner!

When DH was 50, (his birthday is in March), I hired a marquee and a blow heater. It doesn't make it piping hot, but it certainly takes the chill off the air and makes it bearable to be outside.

I think it's a lovely idea, but I do agree with your DH that at that time of year it might be inconvenient for many of your friends/family.

Thanks everyone. The reason I want to do it on those dates is that our 15th wedding anniversary is on 21st December.

We never celebrate anything really, no pressies or special meals on our birthdays or anniversaries. Life somehow always seems too busy to take out time to celebrate . And I am also very practical and tell DH not to waste money on presents because we really don't need extra stuff. I was not even that focused on our wedding as I was in uni at that time and was busy with submitting final essays/papers just before the close of term.

So I really want to make this anniversary special. Celebrating in October or November while lovely, will not really be our anniversary celebration, iyswim.

People will be welcome to stay till after Christmas (although it will be hard work entertaining guests for a whole week ) I was thinking more of a weekend or three day trip, except for close family who will probably stay for longer. I imagine most friends will want to celebrate Christmas with their own families, anyway.

LadyClarice and I will be there for the full 10 days, never fear. We thought about bringing BoysAreLikeDogs too; she'll be fine in the travel cot.

Merci.