Few things are as enjoyable as getting together with family and friends for an afternoon of great food and fun games, especially during the summer. If you have the space, there's no better time than now to host a barbecue. However, like any party, there's quite a bit of work to get your backyard ready; it'll involve a lot more than just making a few passes of your lawn mower. If you're new to the process, here's what you need to know. 

How to Throw a Backyard Barbecue 

1. Plan Your Menu Early

As soon as you start making a guest list, start making a menu. Then, when sending out your texts, calls, or emails about the date, don't forget to ask your guests if they have any allergies or dietary restrictions so you can accommodate them. Once you have that information, you can build around that. 

2. Prioritize Play

While the food is the main attraction, don't forget about the games. Get out the lawn mower and edge trimmer and clean things up thoroughly to set up a clear area for whatever games you and your loved ones enjoy. 

For some, that'll be cornhole. For others, that may be horseshoes. You can even set up a table and chairs for cards or tabletop games. 

3. Decorate for Functionality

When it comes to decorating, prioritize function over form. First, ensure you have enough seating for your guests so everyone is comfortable. Next, have more than one trash can and recycling bin throughout your backyard to prevent people from heading to your kitchen. 

If you think it'll be an hours-long party, don't forget about lighting; string lights are affordable and easy to set up and take down. Once that's done, you can focus on more bells and whistles. Of course, you should still use your lawn mower and other tools to neaten up the landscaping; it'll make any decor look much better.

To get your backyard ready for a barbecue, head to Fackler Kubota Tractor in Granville, OH. Whether you need a new grill, lawn mower, or wood burning stove, they have all the outdoor power equipment you need. Other than sales, they also offer equipment servicing and rentals. For information on everything they offer, visit their website or call them at (740) 522-3128.