Ready, set, grill! Five simple tips to make the most of your summer BBQs.
In our household, the summer months brings the entire family closer together. Usually marked by Father's Day, the beginning of summer starts a long line of either pre-planned or last-minute barbecues. Aunts and uncles, cousins and grandparents all enjoying the season's heat by eating a hot dog or hamburger right off the grill. At one point, we would hold annual family reunions, for which the barbecue took centre stage. Whether at my grandparents' cottage or in our own backyard, I loved and cherished each and every one. Maybe it was because we always had something to celebrate. (With Father's Day, Canada Day and three different birthdays to rejoice in, it felt like every other weekend the family was getting together to have another barbecue). Or, more simply, that the whole family was united again - each barbecue seemed like an enchanting event.
I feel barbecues are taken for granted as a summer staple and are not given the proper attention to make them more memorable. In our most recent YouTube video, Carmelina and I provide five tips on elevating your outdoor cookouts. The tips vary to fit everyone's budget. Watch below and keep reading for an in-depth explanation and exclusive downloads!
Tip #1: Bring the Inside Outdoor
The first suggestion included upcycling used dishware, pillows and blankets and other various household items. In the video, we decorated our conversation set with decorative pillows and throws from our bedroom, giving them a second purpose and making the area more cozy. The great thing is that it makes the outdoor space polished and Instagram-worthy, without having to spend an extra cent. If using indoor pieces is not ideal for you, be sure to search your local thrift store first. It is important to remember that incorporating rare items with coordinated sets makes them more engaging and dynamic. The beauty of a barbecue is that it doesn't need to be taken seriously.
Tip #2: Use Small Kitchen Appliances
This year, Carmelina and I decided to try something new and use small kitchen appliances outdoors! Not wanting to take any spotlight from the grill, we used different kitchen gadgets to prepare side dishes and generally enhance the dinner.
The first product we used was Salton's Raclette and Party Grill. This item is unique in the way it seamlessly allows for table-top entertaining. Inspired by Swiss dining, raclette is actually a type of cheese from Switzerland that is prepared with vegetables on the specific grill. The Salton Raclette has an upper component for grilling and a bottom rack for warming and melting the chesse.
The second appliance from Salton is the Cordless Hotray. This handy tool allows you to keep food warm as it is served. Great for any barbecue, Salton's Warming Tray only needs eight minutes of charge to last an hour! In the video, we used it during dessert to keep the homemade pie a desirable temperature.
The last product we used at our get together was Salton's Cold Brew Coffee Maker. This coffee machine makes the perfect cup of cold brew every time. With four preset brew strengths – light, medium, bold, and concentrate - as well as variable time settings, Salton's Cold Brew Coffee Maker allows for a smoother and sweeter blend in under 20 minutes. The coffee maker has a seven cup capacity, which makes the appliances ideal for intimate gatherings!
Tip #3: Add Fresh Flowers and Garden Plants
Other suggestions included incorporating fresh flowers and greenery to the setting. Even if you don't want to buy additional planters, there is always the possibility to highlight your backyard's natural landscape. For instance, we purchased various hanging baskets and standing plants. However, we also placed our buffet table parallel to our backyard's plant bed, instead of aligning the table against the side of the house for a bland backdrop. It's the small detail of adding a potted succulent or a vase of carnations that show guests you paid attention to creating the right atmosphere.
There is no real need for decorations when throwing a barbecue party - let the summer garden, in all its vibrant and luscious splendour, speak for itself. - Pippa Middleton
Tip #4: Make a Homemade Mosquito Repellant
Another way Carmelina and I found to incorporate a refreshing yet practical centrepiece was by making a DIY mosquito repellent. The self-made arrangement lasted throughout the day and into the night. It took about three minutes to put together and cost no more than $2.50 per jar. We show how to assemble it in the video, but I will leave you all with the recipe card.
Tip #5: Dress Up An Outdoor Bar Chart
For the last tip of our video, Carmelina designed our bar chart with the essentials needed for outdoor entertaining. Our list included bottles of San Pellegrino, a lemon-infused water dispenser, acrylic drinkware, coasters and cutlery for dining. We purchased our bar chart from Ikea during their outdoor summer sale. Of course, you don't need to buy brand new, you can always revive an old nightstand or second-hand side-table!
I hope this article finds you well and that no matter how your summer has changed during the pandemic that you can find a way to celebrate the season. I know that in Ontario, province-wide, social gathering limits have been increased to 10. If you are planning to entertain, be sure to abide by any social procedures in your area to stay safe. I know that all we want is to enjoy the warmer weather with friends and family, but we need to take care of one another, and sometimes, that must be done at a distance.
Warm regards,
Sara
P.S. Check out the Spotify playlist "Summer Grill & Chill" we made to automatically set the right mood for a summer cookout!
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