Presidents' Day Weekend? Plan the Perfect BBQ!
President's Day Weekend is coming up, and you're going to want to spend some time with your family. But that doesn't mean that you can't make it fun! Whether you're hosting a large group of friends or just making it a day with the kids, this guide will help you plan the perfect weekend BBQ.
Start by decorating
For a quick, easy way to make your outdoor space look festive, you can use solar lights. You can put them in the garden or on your patio, line your driveway and walkways with them, or decorate your deck or porch with them. They're versatile enough for all of these uses!
Just remember that when you get outdoors this winter, it's probably going to be dark by 5:00 pm (before you start dinner). You'll want to make sure that your solar lights are working properly so they don't leave you in the dark.
In addition to illuminating your backyard, make sure that you have plenty of seating and a comfortable selection of patio furniture. You can add a patio set, outdoor chaise lounge, or even an outdoor couch if you have the space. Don’t forget about some pillows!
Featured Image: Mt. Rushmore Garden Decor with Solar Spotlight
Deciding what to serve
You've got the location and date sorted, but now you need to think about what your guests will be eating. Whether you're planning a casual backyard party or an elegant sit-down affair, here are some tips on choosing the best foods to serve:
Have no shame in going traditional with hotdogs and hamburgers, but if you're looking for something a little more hearty, you may want to try some steak or chicken—they're both universally loved! As for sides, keep it simple. Potato salad is always good (especially when made with roasted potatoes), as are coleslaw and pasta salad (though we recommend making these at least a day ahead). If you want something different from the norm, try out one of our favorite recipes for potato pancakes or cabbage rolls. It'll be sure to impress your guests!
Plan on at least two pounds of meat per person if they're eating just that; add another pound if they plan on having other dishes as well. And don't forget that there's always room for dessert! We particularly love lemon meringue pie recipe—it's sure go down well after all the BBQ has been devoured by hungry guests
Make sure you have enough seating
When hosting an BBQ party, it's important to make sure that you have enough seating for all of your guests. You can always use folding chairs or lawn chairs, but if you want something more permanent and sturdy, consider setting up a table with some sturdy legs. This will help keep everyone comfortable as they eat and drink.
Add a few centerpieces to your table for a more home-y feeling. You can add our solar tiki torch in its tabletop mode for a dancing flame effect, or just keep it simple by adding some flowers!
Make it fun for the kids!
If you have children and plan to have other friends or family over, make sure to have games for them. If you don't, feel free to ignore this section.
Add some lawn games to make it a full afternoon and evening's worth of activities. Our favorites include Bocce ball, corn hole, or even NERF football for the more active families.
Light the way with solar lights
Solar lights are a great way to add some ambiance to your outdoor living space, whether you're entertaining guests or just hanging out on the patio with friends. They're easy to install and don't require wiring, which makes them a good option for renters who don't want to spend money or time making any permanent changes. And because they run off of solar power rather than electricity from an outlet, they're also environmentally friendly!
Pro tip: Solar-powered lanterns are especially perfect for adding a little light where there might not otherwise be any (like under your deck).
You'll have the best Presidents' Day Weekend ever!
Make sure to plan ahead and know what you will do if it rains, or if it’s too hot. It’s always better to be prepared than to have nothing ready in case of bad weather.
And there you have it: Have fun with your friends and family while enjoying some time outdoors, just don't forget about safety!