(NC) Summer is here and with it Canadians’ favourite time of year, barbecue season. While we’re not sure how many we’ll be entertaining, here are some tips to prepare for sharing a summertime meal – even at two metres apart.
Inspect your grill. First things first, make sure your barbecue is up to task by completing a top-to-bottom inspection.
Look for rust, clean any debris from flame tamers and wipe down the exterior. Soak your grates in two parts vinegar and one part baking soda overnight to remove pesky residue from last season.
Be prepared for the unexpected. Keep a fire extinguisher nearby in case of emergency.
Safety pro tip:
Keep your grill at least three metres from the house and make sure your insurance policy is up to date. PC Insurance will consult up to nine different companies to compare your policy, so you can get the best rate.
Spruce up the deck. Check your deck’s structural integrity and look for any rot and loose nails or screws, and consider whether it may be time for a new coat of stain or sealant. It’s also a good time to reinforce any protection measures against guests of the animal variety.
Bring the indoors outside. A good decorating tip is to treat your deck or patio like a room. Add an outdoor area rug and arrange patio furniture in a cozy corner. Try adding some twinkly lights or greenery to make it a nice space to eat and relax after you finish cooking.
Maintain your green space. The warmer weather can be tough on your grass, but having a lush lawn makes your backyard special.
One tip to keep grass thriving is to try mowing your lawn on a higher setting. This allows the roots to grow out and reach moisture deep in the ground, even on hot days.