Planning for BBQ Season

In our books, it’s always barbecue season but for some people, the time to really showcase grilling skills is the spring and summer. As we head into the thick of the outdoor season, here’s the need to know in order to plan and execute the ultimate backyard barbecue.

Know Your Equipment

Charcoal or gas, whichever set-up you prefer, you should be familiar with how your barbecue works. Stocking up on gas or charcoal is an absolute must as well as taking inventory of your grilling accessories before heading outdoors to cook up a storm. If it’s been a while since you used your grill, make sure to thoroughly clean your grill grates to remove any food particles and ensure that your food tastes great.
For grills using a brass grill brush can help remove particles from previous sessions followed by a good rinse with water. Old ashes will also need to be removed too if it’s a charcoal grill leaving you with a fresh start for the season. If you have a propane-fueled grill, it is imperative you ensure your connections are secure and you have proper venting beneath your grill. If you have any questions about venting, contact a local LP gas company for an inspection.

Menu Selection

Depending upon what type of soiree you are hosting, a good rule of thumb to follow when hosting a successful barbecue is a few different grilled types of meat and vegetables, (fresh corn on the cobb is fabulous on the grill) side salads, a veggie dish, and fruit dish. Chips are always a welcome addition to poolside grilling as well as refreshing beverages.

Outdoor Oasis

Once your grill is clean and your menu is planned, all efforts should be geared towards establishing that relaxing vibe that encourages a good time. Cleaning up your yard and landscaping, ensuring your pool water is balanced and clear, setting up a variety of seating locations for the comfort of your guests, selecting the appropriate tunes to listen to and organizing any decorations are all steps that can help enhance the experience of a beautiful day outdoors.
At Imagine Backyard Living, we have just the items you need to spend a stellar season outdoors grilling. From several of the finest manufacturers of grills, doors, drawers, smokers, and more, we invite you to stop in and visit our experiential showroom to learn how you can transform your backyard into an outdoor cooking environment.