How to Throw the Best Backyard Barbecue

In honor of July being National Grilling month, we’re dishing up fun ideas on how to throw the best backyard barbecue. A barbecue is all about having your favorite people around you and spending quality time together. Whether your party is attended by adults, kids or a mix of the two, these fantastic DIY games will be the perfect activity for any age!

Giant Jenga

Photo by: DIY Trends

Jenga is the perfect game for a large group of people, so this supersized version is a fantastic option to entertain your guests. There are very few supplies needed to make this great looking game.

Supplies:

• 2 x 4 x 8 pieces of wood (3)

• Electric saw (circular saw or table saw is ideal)

• Measuring tape

• Spray paint (multiple colors of your choice!)

Instructions:

1. Take each 2 x 4 x 8 piece of wood and measure 6-inch increments across each board.

2. Cut each board into 16 pieces

3. Use spray paint to color the ends of the 6-inch pieces

4. Let the paint dry

5. Enjoy your custom Jenga game!

Approximate Cost: $30.00

Football Tarp Game

Photo by: The Red Headed Hostess

Everyone loves a little friendly competition. This game is the perfect opportunity to earn bragging rights at your next backyard barbecue. Each target has a different amount of points that can be earned and whoever gets the most wins. Kids and adults of all ages will love the chance to hit the biggest score on the board!

Supplies:

• 8 ft x 6 ft tarp

• Scissors

• Duct tape

• Sharpie

• Paint pen

• Football

• String/rope to hang tarp

Instructions:

1. Spread tarp out

2. Use Sharpie to draw out different targets

3. Cut targets out

4. Use duct tape around edges to reinforce tarp

5. Use paint pen to draw scores

6. Hang up and play

Approximate Cost: $15.00

Giant Kerplunk Game

Photo by: allParenting This game is unique in that it can be an indoor or outdoor party game. In case of foul weather at your party, this is a great option to entertain inside! The object of the game is to take as many stakes out of the wire as possible without letting any balls get through. Supplies

• 2 x 4 x 8 board (1)

• 4 x 4 x 8 piece of wood (1)

• Saw (electric recommended)

• Electric drill and screws

• Spray paint

• 18-gauge wire

• Wire cutters

• Staple gun and staples

• 30-40 bamboo garden stakes

• Ball pit balls

Instructions

1. Cut four 16-inch sections out of 2 x 4 pieces of wood

2. Use drill and screws to make a square

3. Cut four 10-inch sections out of the 4 x 4 piece of wood

4. Place each corner of square on top of 4 x 4s and screw down

5. Use wire netting to make a tube and 18-gauge wire to hold in place

6. Staple wire tube onto the square

7. Put bamboo stakes through the openings in the wire

8. Fill the tube with the ball pit balls and enjoy!

Approximate Cost: $40.00

Keep Your Guests Cool and Happy

At barbecues, one thing is certain: people will want to take a break from the heat inside. Make sure that your HVAC unit is ready to keep the house cool and comfortable to help your guests have the best time possible. At Energy Air, we are ready to help you find what you need to keep your house clean and comfortable. Call us today, or schedule a service online!