Hosting a backyard BBQ is a great way to create new memories with your family and friends. It’s not only an opportunity to gather everyone to spend quality time together, but it’s also a chance to refresh and prepare your backyard.
There’s more to preparing for a backyard barbecue than just thinking about the menu. Here are the top eight ways to make sure your backyard is ready for your next BBQ.
1- Have Enough Backyard Space
Think about how many guests you need to entertain, plus how large the furniture is and any other special setups needed for the barbecue. Then see if you have enough backyard space to accommodate what you need. If you don’t have enough space, think about ways to cut down, such as opening up one of the rooms in your home for guests to sit in addition to the backyard seating.
2- Conduct a Safety Inspection
We want to ensure that our family and guests have a safe environment in which they can enjoy the barbecue. Check the ground on the patio and grass area for any unevenness or repairs that must be done. Make sure the retaining wall is safe by looking for cracks, leaning, or bulging and seeking professional guidance on how to repair it. Do a thorough walk around your backyard to make sure it’s the safest environment so you can enjoy your BBQ with peace of mind.
3- Prepare for Insects
Depending on your area and the time of year, bugs and pests can put a damper on your BBQ. If you have a known outdoor bug problem, plan ahead by purchasing insect repellents such as lanterns or candles. This will make your BBQ a much more comfortable and enjoyable experience.
4- Clean the Grill
Clean the BBQ grill a few weeks before you start barbequing instead of the day of. This will ensure that you have enough time to clean it, especially if it hasn’t been done in a while. It’ll also give you time should you need to do any surprise maintenance or repairs to the grill.
5- Tidy Up the Yard
Preparing your backyard for a BBQ is a great opportunity to tidy up the yard and declutter. Remove any old or unwanted items such as furniture, pool toys, pots, and gardening tools. Starting with a clean slate makes it easier to prepare for your upcoming barbecue.
6- Clean or Replace Outdoor Furniture
Take a survey of your outdoor furniture and tables, and clean or replace any pieces if needed. Having clean and functional furniture will help family and guests feel more comfortable while they enjoy the BBQ. Also consider other decorative or functional items to add to the space such as an outdoor area rug for kids and pets to play on, throw pillows, seat cushions, and outdoor coffee tables.
7- Refresh Landscaping
Planning an outdoor BBQ is a great time to refresh the landscaping as well. Think about any plants or trees that you want to remove and replace with new ones. Also, consider adding more flowers to enhance the style of the space. Refreshing the landscaping doesn’t have to be a big or costly project. You can even refresh the landscaping over the weekend with a few select items from your local gardening store.
8- Set Up Food and Beverage Stations
Along with the BBQ grill, consider setting up food and beverage stations as well. These stations will help serve your family and guests with the other necessary food items such as side dishes and utensils, help organize the drinks and cups, and give a designated space to prepare the food.
Get your backyard ready to host family and friends for an enjoyable BBQ. Planning ahead and starting the preparation early will give you enough time to create a barbecue that’s a memorable experience.
