Few activities are more quintessentially summer than the backyard BBQ. Whether you’re hoping for a small gathering of immediate family, or you are hoping to host the party of the summer, a few tips can make your BBQ a success.

Pest Deterrents
Few things make any outdoor activity miserable like pests. Mosquitos and yellow jackets can both leave their mark if you’re not prepared. For daytime fun, pour a little tabasco sauce on an open container to keep yellow jackets away. For evening BBQs roast some rosemary in your grill or fire to keep mosquitoes at bay.

Fire Pit
Keep the fun going well into the evening by roasting s’mores over a fire pit. Check with your municipal laws to ensure that you are following fire safety codes. A gas fire pit can ensure the fun of camping without all the work of the regular campfire.

Bistro Lights
Hosting an evening BBQ? Set the mood with bistro lights or another string light. This can enhance your backyard aesthetic and keep everyone safer by ensuring obstacles are well-lit.

Lawn Games
While your chef is busy grilling the food, keep your guests entertained with lawn games. Enhance the fun with prizes or let your guests set the stakes themselves. Life-size games like connect four, Jenga and Farkle are fun for all ages. Or opt for a traditional challenge in the form of cornhole and horseshoes.

Outdoor Fridge
Fight the summer heat with an outdoor fridge that everyone can access. An outdoor fridge makes it easy for the food prepper to safely store ingredients out of the sun and keeps guests feeling refreshed with conveniently located cold beverages.

Covered Canopy
If your backyard is large, be sure to consider shade options during your BBQ. Set up a covered canopy so everyone can get out of the sun to relax or eat. This is also a good idea wherever your food is located. Food should not sit out in the hot sun.

Projector and Screen
Want the party to last late into the night? Get a projector and screen to make your BBQ do double-duty as a movie night! Serve traditional BBQ foods with popcorn and candy to make everyone ready for the big screen.

A BBQ doesn’t need a ton of planning to be fun. However, a successful BBQ can be even more enjoyable with a few extras that you can use throughout this summer and beyond. Find the right additions for your backyard BBQ and enjoy the summer like never before!