Try these affordable ideas to prep for a crowd-pleasing Memorial Day BBQ

What’s the best way to kick off a great summer? A Memorial Day BBQ, of course. Before firing up the grill, put in a little prep work to make your backyard party-ready. First up? Do a little savvy, secondhand shopping on KSL Classifieds so you can transform your space into a relaxing, crowd-pleasing spot without spending a lot of cash.

How to make your backyard inviting

Before you send out the Memorial Day BBQ invitations, be sure you’ll have comfortable seating for all your guests. Basic folding chairs and tables can work well for large groups. But that doesn’t mean it needs to look utilitarian. Use matching tablecloths and simple decor, such as attractive citronella candles and fresh flowers, to make your barbecue feel put-together.

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Make your patio conversation-ready with cozy furniture found onKSL Classifieds.

Invest in outdoor furniture

While temporary furniture is a solid choice for large groups, it’s worth investing in a quality outdoor dining set for small summer parties. You’ll likely find yourself spending more time eating and playing outside all summer when there’s a comfortable setup waiting for you.

If you don’t have much room outdoors, you might prefer patio furniture with low, cushioned chairs and a sturdy table that can double as a lounging area and dining set. Search outdoor furniture deals on KSL Classifieds to find the right pieces to fit your space.

Whatever your setup, have a few blankets and a patio heater available to keep everyone warm on cooler evenings.

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Outdoor cooking essentials for a barbecue

Is your grill large enough to accommodate all the burgers for this year’s party? Or maybe you want to shake up the menu and use a smoker this year. However you’re cooking, be sure you have adequate fuel. For gas grills, it’s a good idea to have an extra tank, just in case.

If you didn’t do it last fall, give your grill a good scrubbing to remove any lingering grease and food spills. That includes cleaning the exterior.

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Remember the drinks for your barbecue. You can line a cooler or a galvanized tub with ice to keep canned and bottled drinks frosty. A beverage station with drink dispensers may be a more economical option if you’re serving a large crowd. It’s a good idea to keep the drinks on a separate table, so guests can get refills without interrupting the food line.

Be sure you have enough fuel on hand to keep the grill cooking.

Yard prep for your backyard BBQ

In the days leading up to your Memorial Day BBQ, get your yard ready. The previous months of wind, snow and rain may have left your lawn and flower beds looking a bit shabby. Fortunately, with a little effort you can get your yard looking sharp again. The quickest fix is to give the lawn a trim.

Be sure your lawn mower blades are sharp so they can cleanly cut the grass. Use an edger or trimmer to clean up all the overgrowth along the sidewalks. Then clear all the debris with a leaf blower or a sturdy broom.

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If you have a lot of yard debris to clean up, you could be filling your garbage can for weeks. Instead, consider renting a utility trailer to haul it away all at once. Then you won’t have weed piles or full trash bags lying around.

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Keep your yard looking sharp

To keep your lawn and plants healthy all year, check your sprinkler system now for any broken heads or leaks. If you don’t have an automated system, consider adding one now. It’s not only convenient, it also helps conserve water when properly programmed. A sprinkler/irrigation service can help you set one up.

If your backyard is looking a little tired and needs a major overhaul, consider hiring a landscaping service. They’ll help you design your space, as well as choose plants that will thrive in Utah’s summer heat.

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Hang some string lights to make your backyard look inviting.

Add some flair to your backyard BBQ

With the basics taken care of, put some thought into your yard’s ambiance. For a festive addition, string some outdoor lights across the patio. Decorative solar lights placed around the perimeter of your backyard provide some light and make it feel cozier.

If you have a larger yard, consider adding a fire pit. You can get fancy and build one with stones or bricks, or you can use a manufactured pit. Set some chairs around it and you’re ready to go. Just as fun as a campfire, but you get to sleep indoors afterward.

Plan lawn games for your barbecue

Once the food is eaten, keep your guests entertained with some lawn games such as:

• Bocce

• Croquet

• Badminton

• Cornhole

• Spikeball

• Horseshoes

Weather permitting, you could set up a swimming pool. Younger kids will stay entertained for hours on a waterslide or splash pad. Don’t forget to provide sunscreen and some towels.

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Provide some lawn games to keep guests of all ages entertained.

Shop smart with KSL’s backyard BBQ ideas

You don’t need to overspend to host a great Memorial Day BBQ. KSL Classifieds has everything you need to make your backyard ready for the entire summer season. Find outdoor furniture deals, yard care items, used grills for sale and more, all in one place.

And when you shop secondhand, you can usually pick up the item the same day so you can quickly get your yard party-ready. Spring is the perfect time to upgrade your backyard. Start your search now to find the best deals.

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