Memorial Day weekend marks the unofficial start of summer, but this year things look a little different. For many, Memorial Day weekend also signifies their first chance to invite friends and family over for a backyard barbecue. Even though we are practicing social distancing, make this weekend your summer kickoff by hosting a BBQ with your kids, even if you can’t have guests attend. Here’s a refresher you may need to ensure your Memorial Day BBQ starts summer off on the right foot.
Stock Up on Supplies
Before shopping for your first backyard barbecue with your family, take inventory of your supplies, making sure you have a spatula, tongs, oven mitts, a sturdy grill brush, and other accessories you may need during grilling season. Check each item to make sure it’s not worse for wear and do the same with the grill as well. Replace supplies that have too much wear and tear in advance of Memorial Day weekend so you have one less item on your to-do list come the day of the barbecue.
Designate Some Time to Do Some Cleaning
Even if you cleaned the grill and patio furniture before putting the items in storage for the winter, they likely will need to be cleaned again before you head out into the backyard to kick off summer. Remove any dust and check for spider webs or signs of other critters that might have made your furniture home over the cold winter. Droppings from rodents can be dangerous, and spiders can bite unsuspecting grillmasters. Clean patio furniture before putting it out as well.
Find Some New Recipes
Hot dogs and hamburgers are perfectly acceptable backyard barbecue fare, but you may want to try something new this summer. Consider recipes for grilled vegetables to try and incorporate some healthy, vegetarian options. And while grilled meat tends to be popular at backyard barbecues, don’t overlook recipes for grilled fish that can be both nutritious and delicious!
Although we may not be able to have our normal Memorial Day Weekend BBQs, hopefully this weekend will prepare you for the many BBQs to come this summer!
Adapted from Metro Creative