Pick a Great Location

1. Eat outdoors. Barbecues are usually held in the spring, summer, and early fall months. In some parts of the U.S., where the climate is particularly exceptional, barbecues are popular year-round! If weather permits, it’s ideal to eat outside, celebrate the warmth and enjoy the fresh air. Eating outdoors is a wonderful dining experience.

2. Location, location, location. For many people, the most convenient and best location to throw a barbecue for family and friends is in their own backyard.

Another great location could be at your local park, which often has built-in outdoor grills, tables, and benches. If you live near the water, some locations allow you to grill on the beach. If you live in an apartment complex, having your barbecue at a park or beach are great options. However, most apartment complexes either have built-in outdoor grills, or designated areas that allow you to safely set up your own barbecue grill.

3. Where and how to set up. If you decide to have your barbecue in your backyard, depending on the number of guests you invite, set up your outdoor table(s) and chair(s) in a nice, open area, preferably under a tree or patio, which provides plenty of shade. If there is no available shade in your backyard, use patio table(s) that have built-in umbrellas. Another great option that will create instant shade in your backyard is using a retractable patio awning. Your guests will be much more comfortable and appreciative eating in a shaded, cool area than sitting under the blazing, hot sun.

To help cool off your guests even further, use patio water misters. Water misting systems are not only an effective cooling method, but will provide a relaxing, tropical, retreat-like visual effect for you and your guests at your barbecue. You’ll forget that you’re in your backyard, and you’ll think you’re on vacation!

Also, remember, set up your barbecue grill in a safe, open area away from your home.

Check the Home and Garden center at your local store (e.g., Lowe’s Home Improvement, The Home Depot, Ace Hardware, Target, Wal-Mart, Sears, JCPenney, Macy’s, Kmart, Ethan Allen, Crate & Barrel, and Ikea) for patio furniture and supplies such as:

• Outdoor dining set tables
• Patio lounges
• Hammocks
• Outdoor chairs
• Porch swings
• Garden benches
• Umbrellas
• Gazebos
• Patio awnings
• Patio water misters  
• Barbecue grills and grill accessories

There are numerous outdoor patio furniture collections to choose from. Several of the most popular brand-names, listed alphabetically, include:

• Agio
• Alfresco
• Brookbend
• Charleston Gardens
• Design Works
• Emu
• Ethan Allen
• Evolutif
• Kannoa
• Kettal
• Lebello
• Martha Stewart Everyday Garden
• Schou
• Siesta
• Thomasville
• Tidelli
• Tortuga
• Triconfort