Summer’s just around the corner, and let’s hope that this pandemic comes to a halt, and you’ll be hanging out by your Cedar Park pool (and hopefully accompanied by friends and loved ones).
There’s plenty of reasons to celebrate—Memorial Day, 4th of July, National Hot Dog Day, Labor Day. You can even celebrate holidays such as National Bikini Day out in your backyard next to the grill (it’s July 5th, by the way). Heck, you don’t need any reason to enjoy your patio, your grill, and your refreshing pool!
With this summer starting off a bit different than the usual, make it a point to spend as much time as you can relaxing in the comforts of your humble abode.
Here, we discuss how to have a great Texas BBQ, no matter if you are alone, with immediate family or partying, while social distancing, amongst a small group of friends.
Fire up the Grill
When it comes to pool parties, food has never been easier to prepare.
You simply have to grill up some staples, place all the fixings on a table, and voila—dinner is served!
You’ve got tons of options when it comes to grilling, too, such as:
- Cowboy steaks
- Chicken and onion kebabs
- Hot dogs (obviously!)
- BBQ-glazed pork chops
- Hamburgers
- Baby back ribs
For sides, consider classics like cast-iron beans, corn on the cob, or a refreshing summer salad. You can also contemplate options like baked potatoes, coleslaw, and fresh pasta salads.
Of course, having to cook indoors while everyone hangs out in the backyard can be lonesome.
Skip the isolation and consider installing a custom outdoor kitchen. This way, your entire house doesn’t heat up with the oven (not ideal in Texas summers!), and you’ll get to be outside where the action is.
Gather Refreshments
Don’t let your guests go thirsty in the Texas summer heat.
Prepare a variety of beverages for your party by the pool, including options like:
- Good old-fashioned water (perhaps adding cucumbers or lemons for a little extra)
- Homemade lemonade
- A DIY cocktail bar
- Domestic and imported beers
- Fresh-squeezed juice
Prepare Your Pool and Backyard
Whether it’s just you and the family, or you’re inviting over your closest friends, you want to have a lovely setting. A beautiful backyard allows you to relax and enjoy yourself rather than nit-picking over the things you want to change or add.
For example, make sure your landscaping is up-to-date, and the lawn is trimmed, green, and maintained.
You can also consider adding a pergola, which is the perfect structure to block some sun while still allowing minimal rays to come through and warm the skin.
Last, it may be time to install that deck you’ve always wanted—in brick, concrete, stone, wood, you name it—and have the perfect designated area for your party.
You’re Ready to Hang by the Pool All Summer (And Beyond)
The rest is fun and games! Deck out your pool with floaties, patio furniture, noodles, and more.
If this guide to a classic Texas BBQ has got you excited, don’t wait a moment longer.
Start preparing your backyard now—perhaps by installing that pergola or outdoor kitchen you’ve always wanted. At the very least, you can practice making hot dogs and burgers on the grill now to perfect your recipe in time for summer.
Contact a Cedar Park Pool Builder Today
IES Pools can make hanging by the pool even better. Contact us today to see how we can help make your backyard an oasis. We serve Cedar Park TX and the many surrounding areas.