Let The Grilling Begin

Despite the cool weather right now, it's the start of grilling season. That means lazy weekends flipping burgers or chilling out  week nights cooking veggies or meats. Are you ready for it? Is the grill cleaned? Are the accoutrements ready for another season?

One of the first questions to ask is my grill still usable? Most grills usually last from two to three years. With the right babying and care their usefulness can be extended to four and sometimes five years. If there is rust, then junk it and start looking for a new one.If you are looking for a new one, do you go the thrifty or splurge route? Keep in mind that the more expensive models are made from stainless steel while the cheaper models are lower grade painted steel that may not have a long life. A few dollars more can make a difference. One of the most popular is Weber's Original Kettle. It fits perfectly in smaller back yards and patios.It can be used as a smoker as well if you're into smoking meats.A trendier idea that's taking hold is using a fire pit for cooking meats.It offers a bit more variety with how to cook food. Griddles and pans can be used along with cast iron meat grates. You can also cook the typical camp fire fare such as hot dogs and marshmallows using skewers. Another thing to consider is what you'll be cooking the most. Will it be steaks and whole veggies?Or chunks of them? If it's the second, then invest in a good pair of metal skewers. These last decades longer than just wooden skewers and can be used season after season.

Once the grill is settled, then look at your outdoor table set. Do you feel like you need a new one? Will it last another season? It should if it spent the fall and winter either in the basement or garage.
For  those who want a new set, then think of Target and Wal-mart for new tables and chairs. These big box stores  are always budget friendly and offer a wide variety of styles. An entire set including umbrella and base can be bought for under three hundred dollars. Your best bet is a metal topped table. A glass one can break along with expanding and contracting during hot and cold days. Wicker sets are always pretty but make sure the one you buy has aluminum frames and the woven material is from a  man made material like recycled plastic.Also consider having matching smaller tables where guests can put their drinks and hors d'ouevres.A nice outdoor table set deserves pretty silverware and plates. Amazon has Cutlerex ,a plastic cutlery set that looks like silverware.  It's a set that can be used over and over and has forty pieces of spoons knives and forks. You could also get stainless steel sets too. As for plates, think melamine which comes in a variety of different fun patterns. Target has so many cute patterns along with white ones that look like paper plates! These are a much better choice than paper ones and plastic utensils.

Get the backyard ready for eating out. It's time for grilling and chilling in the fresh, warm air. Have everything ready for the first barbecue of the season.