There is no greater use of one’s backyard than to entertain. Whether you have a lavish, island style lagoon or a humble gravel getaway, you can host an unforgettable backyard barbecue.
The star of the barbecue is always going to be the food. However, the second most important part of hosting a gathering is the comfort of you and your guests. From screen doors with magnets to comfortable seating, here are four items you need to host a great backyard barbecue.
Pest Control
Hosting a barbecue and dealing with unwanted pests getting into your house or around your food is almost inevitable. Your backyard may be prone to wasps, flies, or the most annoying pests of all—mosquitoes. That doesn’t mean they are invited to your party, however.
During a party, almost everyone has to enter the house at some point, even if most of the celebrating is outside. Going in and out of doors means letting tons of unwanted pests enter your home. Unless, of course, you have screen doors with magnets.
You may already have a screen door that successfully allows the breeze to flow through your home. However, opening and closing a screen door means easy access for bugs; they are just waiting for their chance to get inside.
Screen doors with magnets are super effective in keeping bugs out because they instantly seal again after you walk through. The strong magnets close behind you, guests, children, and pets, so you don’t have to worry about closing it each time. Most importantly, it’s hands-free! You can be carrying a huge plate of barbecue and walk right through the door with no hassle.
Guests will appreciate the ease of use and the cool, bug-free breeze they will be able to enjoy when inside. Another great perk of screen doors with magnets is you can still see and hear the action through them, so you don’t have to feel too isolated!
For bug control outside, use citronella candles. These tried and true classics not only keep away mosquitos, but they can provide a wonderfully pleasant atmosphere as the sun sets. While they probably won’t keep the barbecue party 100% bug-free, you don’t want to use any type of bug spray near or around your guests or the food.
You should also avoid devices that attract bugs by zapping them. The sound itself is annoying, and it will end up attracting more pests than if you used nothing at all.
The more effective you are in eliminating pests inside and around the barbecue area, the more enjoyable the experience will be for you and your guests.
Get Comfy
There is nothing worse than being a guest at a party who has to figure out how to stand and balance your plate of food and your drink while still being part of the conversation. While a little standing and munching is expected and enjoyed on some level, you will want to supply your guests with comfortable seating.
You definitely don’t need to go out and buy new chairs or have everything match—your guests will simply appreciate the effort you make to have any and all seating available to them. You may have a patio set that seats six but you have 12 guests. You might not have six extra chairs that match perfectly, but get creative and bring out the beach or camping chairs!
You can also be sure an adult seat isn’t being taken by providing children with alternative and fun seating. Spread out a big blanket for kids or let them sit on benches, boxes, or other non-traditional seats since they are lighter and will most likely find it fun.
Play Some Tunes
Another great way to make guests comfortable is to create an ambiance. Don’t alienate your neighbors with loud noises, but try to have a great playlist going throughout the party.
Be sure to include appropriate music for the occasion; you wouldn’t be playing Mozart at a barbecue. Cheese it up a little with some golden oldies while keeping the volume under control. You definitely want your guests to hear and enjoy the music, but not to the point where it’s too loud to hold a conversation through.
Depending on your neighborhood and time of the party, you could always have the music playing inside the house where it’s less likely to disturb anyone. If you have screen doors with magnets installed, you can keep the door open and hear it faintly outside.
Light It Up
Although pest control candles look great at night, you should have some patio or yard lighting to really make your party pop. Not only do they create a great atmosphere, but it is essential for guests to be able to see stairs and obstacles well enough to navigate.
Conclusion
From a screen door with magnets to beautiful outdoor lighting, there are endless ways to host a backyard barbeque that everyone will remember for years to come. Incorporate these four items the next time you host, and your party will surely be a success!