Backyard Furniture

Well, let’s talk about ways to save money and really set yourself up to host a barbecue that will set the standard for years to come. Shop your local thrift store first and discover all the items you could hope for to be a success.

Let’s start with patio furniture, the price of which at local big box stores is exorbitant, not to mention poorly made. You can find what you’re looking for – from small intimate patio sets to larger six seat tables that also offer the ability for shade with an umbrella – and save money at the same time. Sometimes there are also those citronella candles to keep the pesky insects at bay while enjoying the barbecue atmosphere with your company.

The Barbecue Grilling Machine

At the Arc Stores there are often times very nice barbecues become available, from traditional charcoal burning units to the newer gas operated ones. Some do need new hardware or grilling grates, but those can be found at local hardware stores, and after that voila! – you’re in business.

Another one of the ways to save money is to look for nice heavy duty utensils that are sure to make the cooking and serving duties a breeze, like those really wide spatulas and a pair of tongs that actually work and won’t bend at the handles, letting your gorgeous tri-tip fall to the ground – I hate when that happens! A nice long basting brush or turning fork keeps the hair on your hands and arms from being singed too.

How to Serve the Feast Once It’s Ready

Now that your cooking skills have taken on a whole new level of greatness, let’s talk about serving-ware. At your local thrift store you can find ways to save money on everything you need to get your finely cooked food to your guests in style. A large serving platter makes it easy to get the wonderful comments you desire when you set it on the table loaded down with everyone’s favorites.

You could use paper plates and plastic spoons and forks; but let’s be honest, while it saves dish washing time these items sometimes don’t hold up the task when it comes to barbecued food. How many plates of food have you seen hitting the ground? Or worse yet, getting barbecue sauce all over someone’s lap? 

The presentation of your masterpiece should be laid out and served on real plates, and while I’m sure nobody would complain, even if that steak is a little tough to cut through, your guests can handle it with ease and eating comfort.

There is also an opportunity to save money on serving bowls, pitchers and glassware. At this stage especially if there are children involved, you might consider plastic, which is easy on the budget and won’t shatter if dropped. You’ll usually find every type and brand of serving-ware for re-heating things or holding fruit or potato salad that can be used in the refrigerator or ice chest and also look good on the table.

In closing, use these ways to save money and take the time to shop your local thrift store for everything you need to pull off a killer backyard barbecue. Good Luck Grilling!