[su_note note_color=”#ffe3e6″]This post contains affiliate links. Affiliate disclosure: As an Amazon Associate, we may earn commissions from qualifying purchases from Amazon.com and other Amazon websites.[/su_note]
It’s almost that time of year again—the time when just stepping outside brings with it the scent of delicious food cooking on an open grill. If you find yourself in that awful yet wonderful predicament, you might be looking to have a cookout of your own. If that’s the case, you’ll need our top suggestions for how to get your backyard ready for a summer BBQ.
Ladle of Contents
Bring Out the Grill
First things first, get the grill out of the shed. You can’t really call it a cookout if you’re not cooking outside. If you don’t have a grill or need to replace yours, then it’s time to make a trip to the store. While you’re there, check out any smokers they might have as well. That would be a surefire way to make it a memorable BBQ and get people excited to come back for the next one.
Get the Patio Furniture Ready
Make sure that all your patio furniture is ready for your guests. The next best thing to cooking outside is eating outside. Figure out how many guests you have coming so that you can plan for the right amount of seating.
Once you know that you’ll have enough, make sure that the seating quality is still reasonable. You don’t want people to fall out of their broken chairs or sit on old, gross cushions. If you do have to replace your cushions, make sure you get some slipcovers for them. These have quite a few benefits, but one of the most notable is how well they repel water.
Tidy Up the Yard
Don’t stop at your furniture, though. Take a look around the yard to ensure that it’s up to your standards. Cut the grass, pull some weeds, and do whatever else you need to avoid any possible judgmental looks from your neighbors when they come over.
Find Plates and Utensils
You might not have thought of this when getting your backyard ready for a summer BBQ, but you should have a special set of plates and utensils specifically for this event. Most people use traditional dishes for their in-house meals, but guests are more likely to drop and shatter them at an outdoor event when everyone is running around.
Many people buy paper plates and plastic silverware, but those can be quite flimsy and blow away in a strong breeze. Instead, get some disposable dishes made specifically for outdoor use. That way, they’re better quality and not as hard on the environment.
Buy Some Food
No cookout is complete without food! This one may seem obvious, but when you’re focused on making everything else just right, buying food specifically for the event can slip your mind. Even if you don’t have the traditional hot dogs and burgers on hand, you have plenty of other options. Most meats are grill-compatible, and just about any vegetable will fit on a kebab or in a foil packet. Stock up on favorites or try out some more unique options, but whatever you get, make sure you have enough for everyone!
