Former Royal butler shares what you should never bring to a barbecue or picnic
One former Royal butler has shared his top tips for BBQs and picnics, and there's one thing he says you should always avoid when hosting a summer event
As the UK finally gets come summer heat, even if it is a little overcast, it's the ideal time for picnics and barbeques.
Even if your event isn't as grand as a Buckingham Palace garden party, there's still scope for Royal etiquette, according to former Royal butler Grant Harrold, who has shared his top tips for BBQs and picnics.
Grant, who served as the Royal butler for King Charles III and Queen consort Camilla from 2004 to 2011, has divulged secrets on how to dress to impress, delegate tasks, and make your guests feel special.
In an interview for Spin Genie, Grant also outlined what to 'avoid' at a barbecue or picnic, advising against plastic and paper napkins if you want to wow your guests, reports the Mirror.
He said: "When it comes to cutlery and crockery, I always think you should use the best of what you have. These days, plastic is not acceptable. It's best to go back to having china and cutlery out.
"You can always find second hand cutlery and china if you don't want to use your finest china, but why not impress your guests? Make sure you've got napkins - never serviettes. Let's avoid paper napkins if you can, nothing wrong with paper napkins, but use the finest linen napkins to really impress your guests.
"Invite as many of your close friends and family, but make sure they all get on! You don't want any fallouts, or needing to be a mediator for an evening."
While it's not typically required to don "white or black tie" for such occasions, Grant advises that it's generally better to "overdress than underdress". He adds that if you're the host, you can specify a dress code on the invitations. And if you're a guest and uncertain, it's best to check with the host.
When it comes to hosting an event, Grant suggests delegating tasks. He said: "Who's in charge of the BBQ? That's a good question. Traditionally, it was always the man in charge, the ladies were in charge of the table settings. Despite our modern world, this seems to still be the norm.
"Even with same-sex couples, someone always takes the lead. People say, 'Oh it's just the man', but it isn't at all. The roles have to be divided, and it's probably fair that the person who is best at cooking should handle the BBQ, while the person who excels at setting the table and prepping should take on those duties.
"It's as simple as that. As a family or group, you can delegate responsibilities... someone to assist with the bar, someone to help with table service. It can truly be a group effort."
Grant's final pieces of advice are to strive for formality, ensure your guests' glasses are always full, and subtly inform someone if they have food around their mouth.
