May is National BBQ Month, so let’s get that Grill – and Yard – Ready for Entertaining!

Memorial Day weekend is almost here, which is plenty of incentive to get those outdoor spaces ready for entertaining. From scheduling house painting to organizing your outdoor cooking tools, tick these 4 items off your to-do list so you can get to the good stuff: hanging out around the grill, kicking back on the porch and savoring the season. Let the countdown to summer begin!

Check Your Outdoor Lighting.

Make sure all outdoor lights are in working order, including porch lights, landscape lighting and motion-sensing security lights. Replace bulbs or schedule repairs as needed.  Still feels a little dark?  Look into solar-powered Tiki Torches for a little extra flair.

Clean and Prep that Grill.

Giving your grill a deep cleaning before the start of the season will help it work more efficiently and prevent flare-ups. Clean the grates and interior with a grill brush and wash the exterior with warm, soapy water. Clean and organize your grilling tools (tongs, spatula, skewers) and pick up charcoal or propane if needed. If you have a gas grill, be sure to check the fuel line for cracks and clean out any clogged burner holes.

Refresh Your Deck. 

You have plenty of nights ahead of you to enjoy the deck with family and friends. Now is the perfect time to beautify it! Make any necessary repairs and restain if needed. Just like your indoor décor, you’ll want to consider what you can do outside!

Add a Relaxing Porch (or Patio) Feature.

Make your porch or patio an inviting place to relax and hang out with the addition of a porch swing, rocking chairs, or a glider.  Clean and/or update the patio furniture cushions. Too much sun? Look into an umbrella for that table, or think bigger and go for a pergola or awning.  Just add a tall glass of iced tea or lemonade, and you’ll be ready to savor the season in style.


Photo Credit: Ozgur Coskun / Shutterstock.com