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6 Ways to Bump Up
Your Barbecue Decor (Just in Time for Labor Day)
No summer weekend (or
fall or mild winter weekend for that matter) is complete without grilling a few
awesome meals in the great outdoors. So why isn’t anyone ever enthusiastic
about coming over to your place for some hot dogs, bean burgers, or even wagyu
steaks? Could it be that your backyard barbecue decor is a little less than
appetizing?
Well, look no further
than these ideas to get the creative juices running. From hanging lights to a
full-on bar cart, these simple tweaks will make your Labor Day or any old
excuse for barbecuing all the more memorable.
Hanglights
Candles are fine, but
unless you get an early start, you’ll be eating your grilled emu in near
darkness. Instead, transform your backyard with better lighting, whether by
spotlighting a few significant trees or adding solar-powered lanterns along the
walkway. Lorena Canals, a home living expert in Hastings on Hudson, NY, likes
Christmas lights for their price and ease of use.
“Just put in a few
wooden posts if you don’t have a pergola to drape with them,” she suggests.
Place the posts around the seating and grill area, and string twinkle lights in
between. Or go old-school and hit up the hardware store for half a dozen Tiki
torches. Insert them into the ground to light the way to your backyard, or
arrange them to light up dark corners of your yard.
Lay a rug
Define your backyard
barbecue space with an outdoor rug. There are literally thousands of
inexpensive options that are relatively easy to clean and maintain.
“Most backyard barbecue areas a have a cement,
brick, or wood floor,” notes Canals. A rug adds instant warmth to cold flooring
and makes your backyard look like an extension of your indoor style. A fire pit
is another smart bonus outdoors.
“You can easily build
your own with a DIY tutorial online or pick up one at your local home or garden
center,” she says.
Or add a swing.
“A hanging chair or
swing are two fun ways to inject a little energy into the party scene,” notes
Jessica Sutton, lead curator with Dot & Bo. In particular, bold geometric
patterns look great outside, like this black and white rug for $197.
Tap into the power of
pallets
If you have a few
extra wooden shipping pallets hanging around—or you know someone who does—you
can get very creative, notes Canals.
“Pallets can be taken
apart and made into the most perfect seating areas for your patio,” she says.
Just toss on a few cushions—and you’re done. Or stand up two pallets and
connect them with a slab of concrete to make a patio bar. Paint pallets in a
coordinating color, install hooks on one side to hold bar towels, and then top
it with a colorful set of melamine glasses on a tray.
Wheel in a bar cart
Your friends love you
(really, they do!), but they aren’t coming to your backyard to watch you fiddle
with marinated octopus on the grill. It’s all about the drinks—fresh mojitos,
icy cold lemonade, rum punch, summer sangria, or plain ol’ beer. Add a bar cart
or create an outdoor bar area off to the side, and stock it with an ice bucket,
openers, and a serving tray, suggests Sutton. This bar cart from Dot & Bo
is $272.
Arrange better
seating
Your lawn chairs are
most likely fine, but why not curate a look that’s way more inviting? Backyard
barbecue furniture should have the same consideration as your indoor dinner
parties. Think cozy and comfortable, and toss out a few outdoor cushions in
bold colors and patterns that pop. Or take a cue from Sutton.
“One of my personal
favorite arrangements is simple: Place an outdoor sofa facing two chairs to
encourage conversation, and then add a side table in between the seating or use
an ottoman,” she explains. A stool plays double duty, functioning as a table
when topped with a tray or as additional seating when guests are over.
by: Jennifer Kelly Geddes
realtor.com
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