How to Decorate a Patio for a Barbecue

Nothing says summertime like a good old-fashioned barbecue. Get the grill fired up and invite over all the friends and neighbors for some lemonade, homemade ice cream and a nostalgic remembrance of yesteryear. Just don't forget to set the mood by decorating your patio barbecue-style.

Instructions

1. Go traditional with red-and-white-checkered tablecloth, napkins, and seat cushions.

2. Think denim and rhinestones. Opt for denim-inspired blues and silvers for tablecloths and paper plates. Hang blue and silver crepe paper and adorn the wall with a rhinestone-studded cowboy hat.

3. Decorate your patio with stars. Hang star-shaped novelty lights around the patio and fence for a festive way to light up the night.

4. Add a barbecue-perfect centerpiece to the tables by using old Mason jars filled with fresh summer flowers in bright yellow hues.

5. Show your patriotism with heart- and star-shaped decorations painted in Old Glory shades of red, white and blue.

6. Hang a tire swing reminiscent of long summer days spent cooling off in the local swimming hole.

7. Tie napkins with chords of raffia as an alternative to napkin holders.

8. Scatter your patio area with votive candles to add romantic sparkle when the sun goes down.

Tips & Warnings

• Make country-inspired place cards using miniature cowboy hats with the name of one of your guests written on each hat. Not only will your guests know just where to sit, but they will have a unique souvenir of your night together as well.

• Serve up barbecue sandwiches and corn on the cob in traditional diner-style plastic sandwich baskets.