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There are few better ways to celebrate summer than with a backyard barbecue. Although kicking back with friends and family in your own backyard might seem like the simplest thing on earth, a little planning and preparation can make your next get-together as fun and problem-free as possible. This article will provide you with all the information you need to host a successful backyard barbeque this summer.
Outdoor Furniture and Decor
You don’t have to transform your backyard into a five-star resort, but a welcoming environment will set the stage for a great time. In addition to providing plenty of comfortable seating and sturdy, spacious surfaces for eating and stashing drinks, make sure there’s enough shade to shelter everyone from the sun’s harsh rays. For your furniture, consider purchasing some outdoor fabric to create new pillows for your chairs, couches, and other patio furniture. If you have electrical outlets on the outside of your house, place oscillating fans strategically around the seating area. Some festive outdoor decor provides the perfect finishing touch.
Pest Prevention
Although bugs may not be the first thing you think of when it comes to summer fun, keeping pests away will help prevent your guests from experiencing painful, itchy bug bites or stings. Keep flying, crawling, and stinging insects at bay with these tips and a few products from your favorite local or online outdoor store.
- Keep food and trash cans covered
- Remove sources of standing water
- Hang gnat- and fly-preventing mesh fabric
- Opt for warm yellow lighting instead of blue tones
- Burn candles containing lemongrass or peppermint oil
These pest prevention tips will help guests remember your gathering for the right reasons — not because they need to apply calamine lotion for days after the party.
Festive Food for Everyone
A great barbecue starts with mouthwatering meat. Providing a variety of classics ranging from hot dogs and brats to burgers and steaks will satisfy every carnivore at the table. Fresh summer salads and savory veggie dishes round out the meal and allow vegetarians and vegans to enjoy a fabulous summer meal as well. Asking each guest to bring a side dish, something sweet, plasticware or paper plates, soda, or other essentials helps cut costs and allows everyone to ensure that their favorite dishes will be available. No one minds a BYOB BBQ, so feel free to provide only non-alcoholic drinks or make a large batch of crowd-pleasing cocktails.
Keep it Clean
Make clean-up easy and avoid attracting bugs by placing covered garbage cans in multiple locations around the yard. Guests will appreciate that you’re making it easy to keep their dining areas clean, and you’ll find cleanup much easier when the festivities come to a close. Don’t feel bad about accepting offers of help at the end of the party, and enlist the aid of everyone in your family to get your home and yard back to normal before going to bed.
Whether you’re inviting the whole neighborhood or keeping it small and intimate, kick off the summer months with a fun-filled BBQ. From stocking up on ground beef to picking up some bug spray, cover all the bases with these tips for a warm-weather backyard party.
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