Well, it's that time of year again! Time to fire up the grill! Hey, you may already have been firing up the grill, right? Most places have had a fairly warm winter this year. Here in the south, the smell of the grill wafted through the neighborhood fairly frequently this "winter".
But with warm weather and summer approaching, it's the start to the official grilling season. That means getting the patio and backyard ready, cleaning the grill and stocking up on supplies.
One thing I love about grilling and dining outdoors is the relaxed atmosphere it creates. You don't have to dress up, most of the food that accompanies grilling is easy and everyone is just there to enjoy being together and having a good time. You don't stress about perfect table settings or linens or fancy food.
Now, don't get me wrong. It's fun to buy some fun melamine or plastic plates/serving pieces. Mix and match! The dollar stores are perfect for this. You can stock up with fun summer pieces for next to nothing. Pick up some plastic utensils and napkins to match and you have something color and fun with no stress.
I like to make some easy decor for outside gatherings like these ribbon streamers. I just made these with painted bamboo tomato plant stakes I found at the dollar store. I hot glued some ribbons on and stuck them in the ground. They can welcome guests at the end of your driveway or you could line your patio with them. They are really pretty flowing in the breeze.
Another thing I think is fun to do is to serve the unexpected! Like these BBQ Banana treats! Just slice a banana lengthwise still in the peel and throw in your fave toppings like chocolate, marshmallow, nuts, etc. Throw it on the grill until they melt. You could serve it up in a bowl with ice cream.
It's fun to get your guests involved too. How about grilling pizzas? Set up a pizza toppings station where guests can create their own pizzas.
These are just some of the reasons why Grilling is my Happiness. Besides all of the tasty food, tell me what you love about grilling. One of my lucky readers who answers below will win a $25 Sears Gift Card!
This is a sponsored conversation written by me on behalf of Sears. The opinions and text are all mine. Official Sweepstakes Rules.
