14 Things You Need for a (Safe) Summer BBQ
Updated: Jun. 02, 2020Here’s everything you need for a fun, festive, and healthy outdoor dinner.
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Fire up the grill
Whether you’re chilling out on your patio or kicking back poolside, these BBQ party ideas and items will help you make the most of your outdoor living space and ensure that your next summer BBQ party is a success. Impress your guests by serving up any of these 22 foods you wouldn’t think to grill, but totally should.
Note: Prices listed were accurate as of press time; pricing fluctuations may occur.
JC Penney Outdoor Oasis Palm Tree & Flamingo Melamine 2-pc. Serving Tray
$22.49
Add a touch of the tropics to your backyard with these adorable palm tree and flamingo melamine serving trays. They’ll hold up way better than paper could ever hope to, aren’t breakable like glass, and are dishwasher safe and reusable, unlike disposable aluminum foil trays. Here are 36 other reusable items of things you use every day.
Airstream + Pottery Barn Party Cooler
$169
Keep your beverages chilled in the cutest way possible in the hand-cast aluminum cooler from the Airstream + Pottery Barn collection. It can hold up to 4 quarts and is finished with a lacquer coat. Note: It’s not food safe.
Arctic Zone Titan Deep Freeze Roto Cooler
$150
For the ultimate in backyard food safety, invest in this Arctic Zone cooler with built-in Microban antimicrobial protection and cooling properties so strong it will keep your ice chilled for up to eight days! It has a wire basket to keep your food safely separated from the ice, anti-skid feet, and an oversize drain. Taking it fishing or camping? Fishermen will appreciate that there’s in an integrated fish ruler and it’s even certified bear-resistant. Learn the 13 grill mistakes that could make you sick.
Villeroy & Boch BBQ Passion Meat Platter with Handle
$41.39
Cook your marinated meats and grilled veggies on this porcelain platter—with the removable handle you can readily take it from the grill straight to the table. With its own raised marks, the platter holds the food above any juices and fat to stay perfectly crisp. Don't miss these 31 delicious grill ideas for the best summer BBQ.
Ashland 14.25" Wood Floral Tray with Galvanized Handles Wooden Tray
$7.99
You can never have enough trays for carrying things out of and into the house, and this fir wood tray with galvanized iron handles will match any decor. Speaking of, it makes an ideal hostess gift, too.
Backyard Discovery The Haven Cabana Pergola
$1,799
Looking to give your backyard a major upgrade? This pre-stained, pre-cut, and pre-drilled cedarwood pergola is an easy and attractive way to add shade, comfort, privacy, and style to your backyard. Use promo code readersdigest600 for $600 off.
Bed Bath & Beyond Carafe and Tumbler 5-Piece Drinkware Set
$11.24
Few people have the cabinet space for a full set of outdoor drinkware, which is why we love the clever construction of this carafe and tumbler set so much. When it’s not in use, the four BPA-free plastic tumblers store handily inside the carafe under its bamboo lid. Plus each cup is its own bright hue so you won’t forget which cup is yours. If this appeals to you, you’ll definitely want to check out these 14 clever storage hacks from people living in tiny homes.
BigMouth Giant 6-ft. Unicorn Yard Sprinkler
$53.99
You might not have access to a pool this summer, but the kids won’t mind after you bring home this giant 6-foot unicorn yard sprinkler. She inflates quickly and hooks up to your standard garden hose and is tall enough for mom and dad to get in on the fun, too! Find out if chlorine kills the coronavirus.
Delta Children Teepee Play Tent and Matching Sleeping Bag Set
$39.99
Once you set kids up with their own comfy play area, you won’t have to hear, “Mom! I’m bored” every five seconds. They’ll love snuggling up in the matching sleeping bag to play Uno, read books, or count fireflies. Note: This tent isn’t recommended for nights outdoors.
Yinou Candle 100 LED Globe String Lights
$18.99
Mood lighting is just as important outside as it is in. These LED bulbs cast a soft glow and can be sent to one of eight lighting effects: waves, a slow fade, twinkling, and more. At 45-feet long, a single strand is likely all you need to light up your backyard or patio. Plus they’re waterproof, so no worries about leaving them out during that afternoon thunderstorm. While the string lights can safely stay outdoors, find out the 13 things you should never do in a thunderstorm.
Pottery Barn Caleb Handcrafted Metal Lantern
Starting at $34.50
Deck your table or the corners of your patio with a beautiful powder-coated black finish aluminum lantern. Each can hold a candle for a soft, summer glow. The lanterns come in four sizes from 15 to 42 inches and can be used indoors or out.
RSH Décor Set of 4 Indoor/Outdoor Square Throw Pillows
$99.96
These pillows will instantly spruce up your patio and help your guests get cozier. They’re made of Sunbrella solution-dyed acrylic weather-resistant fabric and come in a pretty, go-with-anything green, blue, and gray stripe.
Destination Summer Miami Border Stripe Outdoor Rug
$59.99
Rugs aren’t just for the indoors. This dense, braided woven rug will protect your deck and is easier on your feet than wood or stone which tends to get hot. It’s easy to clean and resistant to soil, weather, and sunlight. These beautiful summer flowers will add a touch of color to decks and patios.
Room Essentials Melamine Polka Dot Salad Plate
$1.99
This dishwasher-safe melamine salad plate is virtually unbreakable and 100 percent reusable. With a batik-like look, the indigo polka dots are totally on-trend this summer. Bugs can ruin a backyard BBQ—find out the plants that repel mosquitoes naturally.
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