How to Decorate Your Yard for a Summer Barbecue

At a summer barbecue, the food should be the centerpiece.

Outdoor barbecues are an integral part of summer. The sounds of children laughing and murmured conversations mixed with the delicious smell of the grill evokes wonderful memories for just about everyone. When you get ready to throw a backyard barbeque, decorate with the season in mind. As the twilight deepens you may fall prey to mosquitoes or other nighttime insects, so make your decorations functional and do not overdo the decor as the weather and the lush outdoors will do most of the job for you. In this article, we will discus how to decorate your yard for a summer barbecue.

Things You'll Need

• Red and white checked table cloths (one for each table)
• Citronella candles
• Tiki torches
• Citronella oil
• Large glass plates (for candles)
• 2 pink plastic flamingos
• Yard games
• Masking tape
• Lawn chairs
• Large, colorful umbrella
• Small plastic or glass outdoor table

Instructions

How to Decorate Your Yard for a Summer Barbeque

1. 

   Tape the red and white checked table cloths to the tables. These will make picnic tables look uniform and protect the wood from sweating glasses, bottles or cans. They also lend a festive, picnic air to the event.

2. Place the large glass plates in the center of each table. If a table is square or circular, it should have one in the middle. If the table is rectangular then place two or three in a line down the middle.

3. 

   Group some of the lawn chairs in a corner of the lawn.This will serve as an additional conversation corner.

4. Place the small table in the midst of this group of chairs. Guests can set drinks on this and it will make it easier to clean up later.

5. Prop the umbrella so it shades the conversation corner. If there are already trees shading the corner, the umbrella is not necessary.

6. Place the citronella candles on the glass plates each table. This will keep the bugs away from the food and also from conversing guests.

7. Stake the two pink plastic flamingos in the area of the yard where you want the kids to play. This will keep them away from the hot grill and from banging into the grownups and food.

8. Pile the yard games around the flamingos. You may have games like croquet, Frisbee or volleyball. These games should be easy enough for most children to play them if they are old enough to walk around without a parent.

9. 

   Insert the citronella oil canisters into the tiki torches. These will also help with summer insects.

10. Place a tiki torch on either side of the grill and line at least one side of the patio and dining areas. This is a great way to add some fun atmosphere while also driving away unwanted six-legged guests. Now, you and your yard are ready for the barbecue!