Summer is Coming!
Summer is almost here and backyard barbecue season is almost upon us. School is going to be out, and the sounds of laughter, skateboard wheels on the pavement and bike bells will fill the air. Hungry stomachs will need to be fed, birthdays will be celebrated and family and friends will be spending time with each other all over Orange County as residents capitalize on their favorite time of year. Now that summer is basically here, it’s time to make sure your backyard is ready for guests. Here are some ways to prepare your backyard for summer and all of the fun it’s going to bring.
4 Ways to Prepare Your Backyard for Summer
Clean the BBQ
When you smell that barbecue smell permeating the air, it really starts to feel like summer. Your grill has probably been collecting a little bit of dust over the last few months, but it’s time to get it up and running again, just in time for summer barbecues.
· Clean the grates – Your food comes in contact with the grates, so if you choose to do anything, at least clean those. Remove the grates from your barbecue, wipe off any debris you can and soak them for 15-30 minutes in a warm mixture of water and soap, like Dawn. After you’re done soaking them, put on some gloves and scrub them with a sturdy grill brush or a scrubbing pad to remove any more grease and build up. Maintain extra caution if you have porcelain grates. If your grill grates are really dirty, you can repeat this process until they are cleaned to your satisfaction.
· Clean the interior – While the grates are out, brush out any food particles or excess carbon and grease that’s fallen into the bed of the grill. If you have a charcoal grill, empty the ash catcher as well.
· Clean the exterior – With warm soapy water, wipe down the exterior of the grill. Don’t forget the handles and the sides of the grill. You can even use a grease-cutting all-purpose cleaner if your grill is on the dirtier side.
Create a Gathering Area
One of the simplest ways you can make your backyard more inviting is by creating an area for people to gather. The more comfortable the area is, the more you’re going to want to enjoy it and invite your family and friends over to enjoy it. A gathering area can come in the form of an outdoor dining table, a patio area, a fire pit or whatever your imagination comes up with. Create a place for people to gather, and you’re creating a place where people will want to be.
Add a Fire Pit
If you want to extend your summer, adding a fire pit to the backyard would be a great way to accomplish that. There’s something about sitting around a fire with your family and friends, conversing and enjoying each other’s company, that really makes you feel grateful to live in such a wonderful place like Orange County. You may not necessarily feel like you need the fire pit now, but a fire pit doesn’t just keep you warm. It prolongs the evenings and gives people a place to gather. It’s also a piece that can increase the resale value of your home if executed properly. Talk to a professional if you’re thinking about adding this to your backyard.
New Furniture, Cushions or Throw Pillows
Give your backyard an easy face lift before the summer starts by either adding new furniture, changing out the patio furniture cushions or adding some decorative throw pillows to the mix. Again, comfort is the key to adding any of these elements. Use bright colors and patterns to add a pop to the area, or take a more conservative approach. Your backyard is your canvas, so be brave and try adding something new and exciting this summer.
Find the Perfect Backyard in Orange County
If you’re looking for a beautiful home with a backyard to match, you want to start looking in Orange County. So many homes here have yards with the ability for you to create your perfect outdoor living area. Whether you want to find a home that already has a gorgeous outdoor space or you want to create your own, Rosemary Hieber can help you. With more than 20 years of experience, the #1 Coldwell Banker Agent in the Laguna Niguel Office in 2018 is ready to assist you in finding a backyard you love. Contact Rosemary today to find the listing that’s right for you.