8 Easy Summer Backyard Entertaining Hacks That Are Super Impressive

Oh, summer. How we love thee. Even though it’s technically not summer *yet*, Memorial Day weekend feels like the summer season flirting with us, bringing us warmer weather and the excuse to invite everyone over for a BBQ or outdoor party. From here on out, it’s perfectly acceptable to BBQ it up for dinner and with friends any and all weekends — might as well soak up the sun while we can. While BBQs are fun to go to, they can be hard to work to host. You have to deal with a grill (charcoal or gas), the bugs (especially if you live in a humid climate), and impressing your friends and family while you make food.

Let’s make backyard entertaining  a little bit easier for you and your family with some easy hacks! It’s what So Yummy is known for, after all. Plus, who doesn’t love some hacks? They’re basically like a cheat sheet for your life and we’re the mystical and all-knowing guide.

The next time you throw another amazing party of the season, think about what you wish you had for entertaining your guests. What does your yard really need to make everyone’s lives, including yours, that much more enjoyable? Ever thought of having a movie screen in your backyard? What about a fire pit? Well, you can do all of those and more with the hacks below. What’s in your dream yard?

Here are 8 easy summer backyard entertaining hacks that will make your friends and family think you’re a total genius.

1. Cleaning the grill

The oil in an onion helps remove grit from a grill. Make sure the grill is still hot and the grime will come right off. Bonus! The onion residue will add some poppin’ flavor to your next meal. Or you could rub an onion on the grate before you start grilling to prevent sticking in the first place.

2. DIY movie screen

Movie screens in the backyard feel like you’re at an old-timey movie drive-thru. All you need are some PVC pipes and a white sheet! Home theater? Check!

3. Mess-free ice cream

When it comes to cones, you can usually find yourself covered in melted ice cream near the end. To avoid the dreaded mess that leaks out of the bottom of your cone, place a marshmallow in there before you scoop in your dessert.

4. Bug-free salad jars

Ew, tiny creatures in your salad? If you’re hosting a backyard barbecue, try using large glass jars as serving dishes. They stay covered and you can see exactly what you’re getting.

5. Cool drinks with a twist

For a quick cool down, throw some fresh fruit into your ice cube tray, fill with water, and freeze. Before you know it, you’ll be drinking fresh and fruity drinks to remind you of every vacation you’ve ever had. So refreshing.

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6. Pest-free drinks with a lid

Ever find a bug in your drink? Ugh, it’s the worst. To prevent this, try turning a cupcake liner upside down and poke your straw through it. No more bugs, no more problems.

7. Muffin tray hack

No more wasting plates and table space. A muffin tray keeps everything clean and organized. No more mess!

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8. DIY fire pit

Make backyard bonfires a breeze with some bricks or other cement blocks, line them in a circle and get stacking! If you want a more clean look, use concrete between layers. Either way, you’re about to be niiiiice and toasty.

Since hacks are our jam here at So Yummy, here are some more to make you life a million times easier.

Our fave is the lime hack — genius!