Category Archives: Outdoor Entertaining

When the weather warms and your parties move outdoors, try these simple ideas. Entertaining doesn’t demand any elaborate decor, just simple food, good company, and your patio.

Backyard Fun, Holidays & Gift Ideas, Outdoor Entertaining

Gather ‘Round the Fire for a Memorable Family Holiday

Comment

Fire pits and Fire bowls

As families gather together for holiday happenings, take advantage of any unseasonably “warm” weather you may be experiencing, and gather your family in your outdoor spaces.  Chicago, for example, has experienced temperatures in the 40s over the past few days, unusual for this time of year.  What a perfect opportunity to stoke up the fire in your fire pit or fire bowl.

Even on chillier days, there’s something so cozy and inviting about gathering around a roaring fire burning safely in an outdoor fire pit or fire bowl.  The crackle of the burning logs, the aroma of the wood, and the early fading sunlight inspire many families to pull out their best stories and tall tales for multi-generational entertainment.  Only hot chocolate and marshmallows could improve the experience.

There really is nothing that can adequately compete with a gathering of family and friends in the cozy comfort of your outdoor spaces when those spaces are lit and warmed by a toasty fire.   The cherished memories created in these moments when loved ones come together make the best gifts of all.

Outdoor Entertaining

Fire Table Elegance and Function

Comment

Catalina Fire Table
Style and function very rarely come together they way they do in the beautiful Catalina Fire Table. Handcrafted from slate and completed with a powder coated metal base, it is a beautiful addition to any porch, patio, or outdoor area. The fire bowl itself is made of spun aluminum and the versatile design can be powered with a propane tank or gas line. The included fitted cover converts this piece into a regular table. It is like getting two tables for the price of one! Lava rocks are included. You can replace them with sand or fire glass. Made in the USA, you know that you are getting great craftsmanship as well as a gorgeous, cozy gathering spot for entertaining and relaxing.

Holidays & Gift Ideas, Outdoor Entertaining

Give Thanks for Your Handy Grill Master

1 Comment

Grilling Gift Basket

Grill Masters everywhere are already plotting and planning what divine delicacies to grill up for family and friends on Thanksgiving day.  Whether your resident grill master likes to experiment or prefers to stick to tried and true recipes, you can show your appreciation this season with a festive gift basket filled with grilling tools, marinades, spice rubs, and other grill accessories.

No matter what the occasion, it is hard to go wrong with gift baskets because they can be customized to match the tastes and preferences of the recipient. Many gift baskets already made exclusively for grilling enthusiasts contain a fun combination of practical and exotic items that would appeal to most outdoor chefs, so taking the time to put a gift basket together on your own would not be necessary.

Surprising the grill master in your life with a basket of new grilling toys will surely put a smile on the face and some delicious food on the table for everyone to enjoy.

Backyard Fun, Outdoor Entertaining

Grilling Recipes Inspired by the Tigers and Tide!!

Comment

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

THE biggest game of the college football season is happening this weekend, as #1 LSU takes on #2 Alabama. College football fans across the country, especially those in the SEC, are hoping for a shootout that will be one for the football history books! Will you be watching? College football is a perfect reason to fire up the grill and create a delicious meal for your friends and family. Speaking of grills, BackyardCity.com has College Logo Grill Covers for BOTH teams atop the polls this weekend. Which cover would you prefer – LSU purple and gold or the crimson of Alabama? No matter which team you are rooting for, check out the grilling recipes below to whip up a meal that your fellow fans will be sure to love!

Spicy Cajun BBQ Grilled Shrimp

(Perfectly served of purple and gold plates!)

Ingredients:

  • 1/2 cup butter
  • 3/4 cup bottled hickory-flavored BBQ sauce
  • 2 Tbs lemon juice
  • 2 pounds shelled medium to large shrimp
  • Cayenne pepper (As much as you can stand)
  • Black pepper (As much as you can stand)
  • Garlic powder (As much as you can stand)

Melt butter and add BBQ sauce and lemon juice.  Add shrimp and toss to coat. Spread shrimp out and sprinkle cayenne pepper, black pepper and garlic powder generously over the shrimp. You can allow shrimp to marinate for several hours for more intense flavor, but they are also great on the grill after only 30 minutes. Grill shrimp for about 5 minutes, turn, and grill about 5 minutes longer (or until done). Let stand for several minutes to absorb spices.

Alabama Grilled Chicken with White Sauce

(Crimson Tide Approved!)

Ingredients:

  • 1 Whole Chicken
  • 2 Cups Alabama White BBQ sauce (Recipe Below)
  • Oil
  • Salt and Pepper
  • Hickory Chunks (In addition to charcoal)

Butterfly the whole chicken, coat with a layer of oil, sprinkle liberally with salt and pepper, and place on the grill with hickory chunks for smoke (Chicken pieces such as breasts, legs, and wings can be substituted). Cook over indirect heat at 300-325 degrees F for 3-3 1/2 hours (depending on the size of your chicken). Coat with Alabama White BBQ sauce after the chicken is done and serve immediately.

Alabama White BBQ Sauce

Ingredients:

  • 2 cups mayonnaise
  • 1 cup apple cider vinegar
  • 2 tablespoon lemon juice
  • 3 tablespoons black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon cayenne

Preparation:

Mix ingredients together and refrigerate for at least 8 hours before using. Brush lightly over chicken, turkey or pork during the last few minutes of grilling. This barbecue sauce is also great as a dipping sauce so set some aside before you start grilling to serve on the table.
(bbq.about.com)
Outdoor Entertaining, Outdoor Living Spaces

A Unique and Practical Outdoor Focal Point

Comment

Outdoor Chiminea Fireplace

Looking for a unique but practical focal point for your outdoor living space?  Outdoor fireplaces are practical, but not always unique.  Unless you choose a chiminea, that is.

Chimineas are a different kind of outdoor fireplace. Chimineas were originally developed in Mexico as a means for heating the home and cooking food. The design of chimineas, which is reminiscent of the pot belly stove with a round, mostly enclosed firebox and tall stack, allows fires to light quickly and burn longer than in a traditional outdoor fireplace, which has an open firebox. Additionally, the design of chimineas prevents rain from extinguishing the fire.

Chimineas were traditionally constructed of clay or terra cotta and worked well in warmer, drier Mexican climates, but for superior durability and performance in colder climates, the preferred material for backyard chimineas is heavy duty metal, such as cast iron or cast aluminum. In cold temperatures and harsh weather conditions, clay or terra cotta chimineas tend to flake, crack, or crumble. Metal chimineas are beautifully designed and easily become the decorative focal point in any elegant outdoor living space. Chimineas are outdoor fireplaces with real character and style.