Gayle Stellas
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June
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Hosting the Perfect Summer BBQ: Enhance Your Outdoor Living Space
Nothing says "summer" quite like hosting a backyard barbecue. The smell of food cooking over hot coals captures the mood of summer in Chicago like nothing else, and if you're anything like our real estate agents, you're more than ready to get the grill going.
That being said, you may also be ready to make a few improvements to your outdoor living space before inviting all your friends and family over. Here's how to level up your grill game and get your backyard ready for BBQ season in Chicagoland.
- Upgrade your grill.
If you've been using the same small, cramped barbecue grill for multiple seasons, it may be time for an upgrade. Especially if you're planning on hosting a get-together with lots of hungry guests. Charcoal grills are ideal for smoking meats and slow-cooking ribs and brisket, but gas grills are perfectly suited for quickly grilling up burgers, dogs, and chicken. Either way, invest in a high-quality grill with ample space. - Have it made in the shade.
Sunny backyard parties might have your guests looking for a place to beat the heat. Provide some shade to keep everybody cool and comfy on summer days. There are plenty of ways to create shade, some temporary and some permanent. Retractable awnings and pergolas are great long-term options, and you can also choose among a wide range of canopies, gazebos, and patio umbrellas that can all be taken down at the end of the season. - Improve backyard illumination.
Plenty of backyard barbecues end up going well after dark, so you'll want to make sure the ambiance is up to the task. Hanging up a few string lights and lanterns will create a warm, welcoming glow, just the right vibe for low-key backyard hangs. Plus, they're affordable and easy to DIY. - Keep bugs under control.
Few things can put a damper on outdoor activities faster than being swarmed by mosquitoes. Arguably, the best way to keep mosquitoes to a minimum on your property is to get rid of any standing water, which is a breeding ground for mosquito larvae. Citronella candles, insect repellent torches, and a wide range of similar devices can also help deter biting insects. When all else fails, have some bug spray and wipes handy for guests. - Don't crank the music.
Having some fun summertime jams playing in the background is a great mood-setter, so investing in a Bluetooth speaker is a good call. But don't turn the speakers up full blast. Tunes should be at a level that everyone can enjoy while still carrying on a conversation. - Create multiple seating areas.
Guests may naturally congregate around certain spots, so it's a good idea to create multiple distinct areas where people can sit and chat. That way, people can gather and conversation can flow naturally in more than one place, rather than having guests all clumped together or milling around at random. Consider setting up comfy chairs and loungers on the patio, with a separate bistro table and chairs in the garden, and maybe additional seating around an outdoor fire pit. - Keep the beverages cold.
You'll need two things: several coolers and lots of ice. Seriously, don't skimp on the ice. Cold drinks are non-negotiable at a backyard cookout, and even if you ask your guests to BYOB, you should still make it easy for everyone to keep their beverages ice cold.
Contact us today to learn more about getting your home ready for summer in Chicagoland. Still looking for your Chicago dream home with plenty of space for outdoor hosting? Our real estate agents are here to help you find it.
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