Barbecue Lighting

When asked how to illuminate a winter barbecue, most of us would think of a handy bedroom window. Sure enough, a 25-foot high light bulb and a set of open curtains will illuminate your garden pretty well, especially if you like your bedroom lit by an industrial strength 100w light bulb.

This solution is not however, without its drawbacks. Light from a single source has a tendency to cast impressive shadows at unfortunate moments. Should one stand facing towards the light and be dazzled, or face away from it and have your burgers disappear into a black hole of shadow. You could stand side on and pick out your cooking food in a vivid bass relief combining a bit of dazzle with a bit of shadow. There are a couple of alternatives to the 'What light from yonder window shines' method:

Alternative number one: Buy a torch of small diameter or practice jaw stretching exercises. Firmly grip the torch in your mouth (having first turned it on) and allow the natural movements of your head to cast a controlled source of illumination across the sizzling feast. If using this technique, you may well want to warn your friends that any attempt to engage you in conversation will result in underdone burgers and an overdone torch. Also, the enforced staring at a single spot on the barbecue may have slight self hypnotic effects and the inevitable saliva running down the torch will not endear you to the, suddenly not quite so hungry, guests.

Alternative number two. Invest in some garden lighting. Gas powered garden lighting is very easy to install and is guaranteed to be non-hypnotic and saliva free. A range of styles are available to suit your garden and pocket. Even the most determined shadow will have a tough time casting itself in-between two garden lights.

Even better they are useful for much more than just barbecues, allowing you to enjoy all that hard work in your garden throughout the year, providing a delightful new night-time look to your plants, namely 'visibility'.