Garden BBQ Lighting Outdoor Lights DIY Installation Summer 2023 Techmar Systems Plug n Play 12v

Techmar low voltage garden lighting systems are perfect for BBQs and outdoor gatherings for the British summer. Homeowners should take advantage with an array of benefits that make Techmar lighting systems the perfect choice for illuminating your outdoor space. 

Family friendly, their emphasis on safety and ease of installation with no need for an electrician means DIY installation is simple with the Techmar plug and play bundles on offer with The Garden Light Shop. We deliver throughout England, Scotland and UK mainland for free with orders £75 and over. The great news is that we have collated starter kits and bundles to suit every size garden and function.

Buy online: Techmar Garden Lights, Smart Low Voltage 12v, Techmar Lighting Bundles, Techmar Lighting accessories (Transformers, Cables, Cables, Connectors and Plugs, Receivers + Sensors, Replacement Lamps, Spares, Outdoor Plugs, Outdoor Plugs, and Wireless Switching), Brochures, Gift Cards and Trade range for landscapers and events.

Versatility, energy efficiency and cost-effectiveness, these systems provide an enchanting and sustainable solution to enhance the beauty and functionality of your garden. Embrace the magic of low voltage garden lighting and transform your garden into a captivating oasis for endless enjoyment.

Why not have a look at our video to see how easy it is to install. 

Outdoor Lighting for Events and Garden BBQ Parties 2023

 If you know your BBQ garden parties usually carry on past midnight, when planning this year, remember to invite us along if you are in Camberley! Alternatively, we love it when our customers email us their garden lighting photos, we feature them on our blog, Twitter and Facebook page. Get in touch today with any questions about stock, delivery or our Price Match Promise on 01276 903228.

Why do you invite your friends and family to gather outside in your garden? Afternoon events which are planned to stretch into the evening are when outdoor lighting is a necessity. Our customers love Techmar lights, the most popular reasons include:

  • Summer Solstice Celebrations: Summer solstice is a special occasion celebrated around the world, and people gather outdoors to welcome the longest day of the year with festivities that often extend into the night.
  • Birthdays: Outdoor birthday parties are popular during the summer months, and when the celebration continues late into the night, proper outdoor lighting becomes essential for creating a festive atmosphere.
  • Graduation Parties: Graduating from school or university is a significant milestone, and hosting an outdoor gathering with night time lighting allows for a memorable and joyous celebration.
  • Anniversaries: Celebrating anniversaries, whether it's a wedding anniversary or the anniversary of a business, outdoors can be enchanting. Illuminating the space with outdoor lighting sets the perfect ambiance for the occasion.
  • Summer Garden Parties: Garden parties are a quintessential summer gathering, and when the festivities continue past midnight, outdoor lighting ensures that the party can carry on in a lively and enjoyable atmosphere.
  • Wedding Receptions: Outdoor weddings and their accompanying receptions often extend into the evening. Beautifully lit outdoor spaces create a romantic and magical setting for the newlyweds and their guests.
  • Outdoor Music Festivals: Music festivals are not limited to daytime hours. Many events continue into the night, and effective lighting systems are crucial for the stages, walkways, and other areas to ensure a vibrant and immersive experience.
  • Summer Barbecues: Apart from the mentioned BBQs, hosting evening barbecues with friends and family requires adequate outdoor lighting, allowing everyone to enjoy the food and company long into the night.
  • Cultural Festivals: Various cultural festivals take place outdoors, and when these events extend past midnight, proper lighting ensures that the performances, displays, and activities can be enjoyed by all attendees.
  • New Year's Eve Celebrations: Welcoming the new year with outdoor festivities is a common tradition. From fireworks to street parties, outdoor lighting helps create a lively and festive atmosphere as the clock strikes midnight.
  • Outdoor Movie Nights: Outdoor movie screenings under the stars have become increasingly popular. When hosting these events in the evening, appropriate lighting not only sets the mood but also ensures a safe and enjoyable viewing experience for all.
  • Decking Spotlights - Techmar Garden Lighting Bundles 

    Our garden LED deck lighting as with everything else on our site is part of the Techmar 12V Plug and play garden lighting system. Everything is simple to install and plugs into a normal plug socket.

    Garden Decking and Lights FREE UK Delivery

    The garden decking lights themselves come in two type of cabling arrangements. The Alpha, Astrum and Atria decking lights deck lights have the ability to be "daisy chained". This means that each light can be plugged into the next. The other decking lights in the range have to be cabled individually, often with the aid of a 3 way splitter cable. If you would like more information on cabling, please view our >12V decking lights cabling guide.

    BBQ recipe - a vegan dish for 8 people, with the ingredients, tools, cookware, flavouring and seasoning.

    Vegan Grilled Vegetable Skewers with Lemon-Herb Marinade - Preparation

  • Wash and cut the veggies into bite-sized pieces. Cut the courgettes and peppers into chunks, slice the red onion into wedges and keep the cherry tomatoes whole.
  • In a mixing bowl, whisk together the lemon juice, olive oil, minced garlic, chopped basil, parsley, thyme, salt, and pepper to create the marinade. You can use packet dried herbs if you have them in your kitchen cupboard.
  • Add the prepared vegetables to the marinade and toss until they are well coated. Let the vegetables marinate for at least 20 minutes to allow the flavours to permeate throughout.
  • Ingredients:

    • 3 courgettes
    • 2 red bell peppers and 2 yellow, or 4 sweet pointed peppers
    • 1 large red onion
    • 16 cherry tomatoes
    • 8 wooden skewers (soaked in water for 30 minutes)

    For the Lemon and herb marinade:

    • Juice of 2 lemons
    • 1/4 cup olive oil
    • 3 garlic cloves, minced
    • 2 tablespoons fresh basil, chopped
    • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
    • 1 tablespoon fresh thyme, chopped
    • Salt and pepper to taste

    Tools and Cookware:

    • BBQ grill
    • Mixing bowl
    • Whisk
    • Cutting board
    • Knife
    • Skewers

    Instructions:

    1. Preheat the BBQ grill to medium-high heat.
    2. While the vegetables are marinating (above), assemble the skewers by threading the marinated vegetables onto the soaked wooden skewers, alternating between the different vegetables.
    3. Once the grill is heated, place the vegetable skewers directly on the grill grates. Cook for about 10-12 minutes, turning occasionally, until the vegetables are slightly charred and tender.
    4. Remove the skewers from the grill and transfer them to a serving platter.
    5. Serve the grilled vegetable skewers hot, garnished with additional fresh herbs and salad leaves.

    This vegan BBQ dish is not only vibrant and tasty but also packed with nutrients. The lemony herby marinade adds a zesty and herbaceous touch, perfectly complementing the smoky grilled vegetables. 

    Grilled Swordfish with Sweet Chili Marinade and BBQ Grilled Potatoes 

    Before you go shopping, look for alternatives to swordfish if your local supermarket or fish source doesn't feature them this weekend. Sea bass is a versatile fish with a delicate flavor and tender flesh. It can be grilled, pan-seared, or baked, and works well as a substitute for swordfish in recipes. Tuna steaks are a commonly available fresh fish with a firm texture and a mild to moderate flavor. It can be grilled, seared, or baked, making it a versatile BBQ staple.

    One type of fish that's often forgotten is the British Halibut: A lean and mild-flavored fish with a firm texture. Wrap in foil and allow to steam over the BBQ coals, or inside a smoker.
    We all love a classy Salmon - a popular fish known for its rich flavor and tender flesh. Some people adore the burned flavour the charred crispy skin produces whilst on the grill, it can be a delicious alternative in recipes that call for grilled or baked fish.

    Here's a recipe for 8 guests for grilled swordfish with a sweet chili marinade and a side of grilled potatoes, you can choose any type of fish that's local to you:

    • 8 swordfish steaks (approximately 6-8 ounces each)
    • 150ml sweet chili sauce
    • 150ml soy sauce to taste
    • 2 tablespoons lime juice and sesame oil (or groundnut oil)
    • 2 cloves garlic, minced
    • Salt and pepper to taste

    For the Grilled Potatoes:

    • 2lb baby potatoes, halved
    • 2-3 tablespoons olive oil or vegetable oil
    • 2 teaspoons paprika (hot or mild)
    • 1 teaspoon garlic powder (or onion powder)
    • Salt and pepper to taste

    Instructions:

    1. Preheat the BBQ grill to medium-high heat.
    2. In a mixing bowl, whisk together the sweet chili sauce, soy sauce, lime juice, sesame oil, minced garlic, salt, and pepper to create the marinade for the fish.
    3. Place the swordfish steaks in a shallow dish or a resealable plastic bag. Pour the marinade over the steaks, making sure they are evenly coated. Allow the steaks to marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes, or up to 2 hours for more flavor.
    4. While the swordfish is marinating, prepare the grilled potatoes. In a mixing bowl, combine the halved baby potatoes, olive oil, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Toss until the potatoes are well coated with the seasoning mixture.
    5. If desired, thread the potatoes onto skewers for easy grilling, or place them directly on a grilling basket or aluminum foil.
    6. Place the marinated swordfish steaks on the preheated grill. Grill the steaks for about 4-5 minutes per side, or until cooked through and grill marks appear. Baste the steaks with the marinade occasionally during grilling.
    7. While grilling the swordfish, place the seasoned potatoes on the grill. Cook for approximately 15-20 minutes, turning occasionally, until the potatoes are tender and nicely charred.
    8. Once cooked, remove the swordfish steaks and potatoes from the grill.
    9. Serve the grilled swordfish alongside the grilled potatoes for a delicious meal. Optionally, garnish with fresh herbs, such as chopped coriander or parsley, for added freshness and flavour.

    Crispy Chicken Drumsticks:

    • 16 chicken drumsticks
    • 1 cup tomato ketchup
    • Some brown sugar
    • 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
    • 2 tablespoons soy sauce
    • 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce (or chilli)
    • 2 teaspoons smoked paprika
    • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
    • 1 teaspoon onion powder
    • Salt and pepper to taste

    Creamy Coleslaw with Endame Beans:

    • 1 small green cabbage, finely shredded
    • 2 large carrots, grated
    • 1 tub endame beans, whole
    • Your favourite mayonnaise
    • 200ml sour cream or creme fraiche
    • 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
    • 1 tablespoon Dijon/French mustard
    • 2 tablespoons sugar, salt and pepper to taste

    We made a hitlist of our favourite family garden friendly recipes, and crispy chicken skin just had to be included. If you fancy chicken thighs or whole legs, be sure to increase the cooking time. Test with a knife to see that the flesh close to the bone is creamy white and not pink.

    Sweet Potato salad when made from scratch is terrific: To make Grilled Sweet Potato Wedges, cut four large sweet potatoes into wedges, then toss them with two tablespoons of olive oil, one teaspoon of smoked paprika, half a teaspoon of garlic powder, and salt and pepper to taste.

    To prepare the delicious BBQ cooked Sweet Potato wedges, start by preheating the grill to the appropriate temperature. Meanwhile, take four large sweet potatoes and cut them into wedges of your desired thickness. In a mixing bowl, combine the sweet potato wedges with olive oil, smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Toss the wedges until they are evenly coated with the mixture.

    Next, place the seasoned sweet potato wedges on a grill basket or wrap them in aluminum foil to prevent them from falling through the wire. Ensure that the grill is at medium-high heat and arrange the wedges in a single layer. Grill the sweet potato wedges for approximately 15-20 minutes, turning them occasionally to ensure even cooking. Keep an eye on them until they reach a tender consistency and develop a delightful semi burned exterior appearance.

    While the sweet potato wedges are grilling, it's the perfect time to attend to the chicken drumsticks. Remove the drumsticks from their marinade and place them on the preheated grill. Let the drumsticks cook for about 25-30 minutes, turning them occasionally to ensure even browning and cooking. The chicken is done when it reaches a safe internal temperature and the skin turns crispy. During the grilling process, remember to baste the drumsticks with the remaining marinade to enhance their flavor.

    Once the chicken drumsticks and sweet potato wedges are cooked to perfection, carefully remove them from the grill. Place the grilled BBQ chicken drumsticks alongside sides such as coleslaw and the smoky sweet potato wedges on a serving platter. The combination of tender and juicy chicken, creamy coleslaw, and charred sweet potato wedges will create a delightful and satisfying meal for everyone to enjoy. So gather your friends and family, savor the delicious flavors, and indulge in the incredible taste of this grilled feast.

    Best Garden Lights for Summer Outdoor Parties and Family BBQ - Post Lights, Techmar Garden Lighting and Decking Spotlights. Free UK delivery - Buy Online

    Garden Lighting for Safety and Family Fun Throughout the Year - Automatic Timer Sensor

    When the leaves are falling and the car headlights are on while we drive home after work, it's time to dust off the seasonal lighting kits from last year. Not the sunniest time of year for most of us, but remember that Bonfire Night, also known as Guy Fawkes Night, is celebrated on November 5th in the UK. Outdoor gatherings with bonfires and fireworks call for proper lighting to ensure safety and enjoyment.

    If you have one of these great units on your system, now is the time to adjust the ON time setting on your Techmar timer sensor so the outdoor lights stay on longer. If you don't the lights may switch on and then off again an hour or two later (your summer setting). This not only looks better, but helps with security and deter any unwanted visitors to your home. It is also much nicer and more welcoming to arrive home and the garden and/or driveway lights are on.

    You can adjust the ON time from one hour to nine, so if it gets dark at 5pm and you set the ON time to 6, the lighting system will switch off at 11pm. Simple. There is still an automatic mode that will switch on at dusk and off at dawn. This is a great option especially if you are away.

    Please remember that the timer sensor must be wall mounted, perhaps on a wall, shed or even a fence post. It also needs to be able to SEE daylight or darkness for it to work. Mounting inside the house or shed is not an option.

    Also, why not try repositioning some of your post or spotlights in the garden as you can create some great effects now a lot of plants are dropping leaves. Perhaps shooting light up the fence or across the lawn. We also have a range of high power 7w coloured MR16 LEDs for the Focus spot light that is great for Halloween and Christmas time. (please make sure the transformer has the capacity to accept the extra wattage)

    Remember having the lights on always looks great for Halloween...


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    Thursday, 05 December 2024