Feel like the walls are closing in on you? Fire up that grill and take the cheffing outdoors! Whether it’s a long weekend or you simply want to bring some excitement to a boring Tuesday night, it’s always a great time to cook outside, relax with friends, and lean into some low-stress outdoor fun.

Why a Gas Grill Is a Must For Backyard Entertaining

Skip the charcoal mess and slow heat-ups. All that work is enough to dissuade you from grilling EVER. With a gas grill, you’re ready to cook in minutes, no need for smelly lighter fluid, and cleanup is a breeze. Perfect if your goal is to spend time with guests, not tending to the coals. Bonus: a modern gas grill looks stunning in your yard and will encourage you to get outside more regularly.

Easy Upkeep Tips to Keep Your Grill Party-Ready

• After each cookout, give the grates a quick brush and wipe down with soapy water. Seriously, do it right after the grill cools. It's way easier than waiting until everything has hardened up.

• At the start of the season, check hoses and burner igniters. If something seems off, call in a professional to do a little maintenance.

• Use a cover to keep your grill neat, clean, and ready for use at a moment’s notice. This can prevent bugs from taking up residence in your BBQ when not in use.

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Backyard Grilling Ideas That Look Good & Hold Up Over Time

• Outdoor kitchen on paver patio = this is a streamlined hosting setup that you’ll love to use throughout every season. View outdoor kitchens

• Pergola over seating or serving area adds shade and style with no extra styling required. View pergolas

• Fire pits + landscape lighting = instant evening atmosphere that encourages guests to linger long after dinner. View fire pits

3 Easy, Totally Do-Able BBQ Recipes

1. Citrus-Garlic Chicken Skewers

   Marinate chicken chunks and an assortment of veggies like peppers, onions, and mushrooms in lemon, garlic, a splash of olive oil and herbs, then put on a skewer. Grill until juicy and serve with a crisp side salad.

2. Grilled Veggie Foil Packets

   Slice peppers, zucchini, onion, toss with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Add herbs if you like. Then, simply wrap in foil and grill. Summery flavors, minimal cleanup.

3. Slider Bar (Burgers or Veggie Burgers)

   Fire up mini patties and let everyone build their own sliders. By providing an array of toppings and condiments, everyone can customize their perfect built for memorable fun with minimal work.

Hosting Made Easy with a Low-Maintenance Outdoor Space

Set up for success: keep surfaces like paver patios, artificial turf, and composite decks swept and neighbor-ready. Be sure your grill has a good location and is close to where guests gather so you can be a part of the conversations. Rely on your yard’s built-in features, like landscape lighting, a pergola, or a fire pit to pull the evening together while you focus on grilling up mouthwatering meals.

When you have a grill that you love to use, it’s doesn’t take much to turn your backyard into the go-to spot for entertaining. At System Pavers, we’re all about creating beautiful, durable, easy-to-maintain spaces…and that includes your perfect backyard BBQ setup. Connect with a System Pavers design consultant today to talk more about turning your yard into your favorite place to cook and entertain friends and family.

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