How to Host a Successful Backyard BBQ

Those sweet summer breezes have returned. Our pools are opening, our sweaters are put away in the attic, and our favorite TV shows have ended. Considering the lack of indoor activities, there is no better time to host a barbeque.

While that may sound quite terrifying at first, we’re here to tell you that the only thing to fear is fear itself – and mosquitos bearing West Nile Virus, but we have a solution for that too!

Hosting the perfect summer barbecue is simpler than you think. The first step, other than procuring a barbeque, is to invite your family and friends, and estimate the amount of people you will be cooking for. Now take that number and add about five more carnivores.

Here are some other BarbeCUEs:

CUE NUMBER ONE: Be Prepared.

A common cause of barbeque-phobia is not having enough food to satisfy everybody’s needs. Pretending as if you are cooking for more people will ease your stress and possibly even save you from cooking dinner the next night.

           

CUE NUMBER TWO: Healthy doesn’t have to be Hellish.

To set your get-together apart from the rest of the field, consider healthier alternatives to traditional high calorie options. Instead of potato salad with mayo, opt for fruity summer salads or grilled vegetables. For your meat options, stay away from fat meats, like ribs and pork chops, and instead grill up seafood, flank steak, or boneless chicken breasts.

           

CUE NUMBER THREE: Relish Today. Ketchup Tomorrow. 

There is more to a party than just feeding your guests. Making sure they are happy and entertained is also part of your hosting duties. The first key is to make sure they are comfortable. Citronella torches can be an easy way to spruce up your backyard and keep the mosquitos away in the process. Now that your guests are not busy swatting bugs, they will be ready to play games. (Whether these games involve alcoholic beverages or not is up to you.) Your local super store sells a plethora of inexpensive entertainment options, from badminton to board games.

With these BarbeCUES, there will be no mis-steak-ing that you are the Heisenburger of barbeques.

Virginia Homes has been building new homes in Central Ohio for 60 years.  Visit www.Virginia-Homes.com for more information or call (614) 764-1953.

Charles Ruma and 2014 Home for Hope Featured in Dublin Villager

Check out this great article in the Dublin Villager featuring Virginia Homes' Charles Ruma and the 2014 Home for Hope!  Charles, a cancer survivor himself, is a board member of the James Cancer Hospital Foundation board and is building the second Home for Hope in Dublin's Wellington Reserve to help fund cancer research.

Proceeds from the sale of this home will benefit James Cancer Hospital.  Read the article in its entirety here.

Virginia Homes has been building new homes in Central Ohio for 60 years.  Visit www.Virginia-Homes.com for more information or call (614) 764-1953.

10 Ways to Celebrate Dad this Father’s Day

Dads are the best and they deserve the best. If you’re struggling over what to get Dad this Father’s Day, don’t worry. We have a few fun ideas that he will love and have him feeling loved.

10 Ways to Celebrate Dad this Father’s Day:

Take Him Out to the Ball Game

One of the best things about Fathers Day is that it happens during baseball, lacrosse, and soccer seasons. Treat the sport’s fan with tickets to one of his favorite games. You can cheer for your favorite team, scream at the top of the stands, and enjoy good food, all while building cherished memories. 

Buy Him His Favorite Gadget

Spoil his inner nerd with one of the latest tech gifts to hit the market. Bluetooth shower speakers, joysticks to attach to his iPad, and a 3D printer are all perfect ideas for the Dad who is tech savvy.

Spruce Up His Man Cave

Does his man cave need some attention? Buying him a rug, game console, or new chair could be big help for both him and the family. After all, a well-relaxed dad is a happy dad.

Update His Tool Cabinet

If Dad’s into building things, a new toolbox or a state of the art drill might come in handy for future projects. Take his collection to a new level with one big item or a few smaller ones.

Head Outdoors

Unleash the inner warrior in Dad and take him outdoors.  Go-karting, paintballing, and camping are all active ways to celebrate this Father’s Day. You can de-stress, have fun, and revel in some friendly competition.

Have a Movie Marathon

Reminisce over his favorite movie lines, villains, and heroes by hosting a movie marathon. Add popcorn and movie trivia to spice it up or see how many movies you can fit into one day.   

Quench His Thirst

If he’s a fan of hops, then taking him to the local brewery (or non-local brewery if you don’t mind the drive) is an ideal way to spend the special day. Learn about the brewing process, beer facts, and enjoy beer tastings all while saluting Dad.

Indulge the History Buff

There’s no better time to enjoy the past than the present. Get dad and head over to the history museum for a flashback into time. Not only will it be a special day, but both you and Dad can learn a thing or two about our nation’s past.

Enjoy Thrills and Spills

If he lives for adrenaline, take him to the theme park. You can bond over rollercoasters and waterslides and then challenge each other to the highest one yet. Screaming will never be so fun.

Rev Up and Enjoy a Car Show

There is always a car show around the corner. Surprise Dad with a first row seat to the see the roaring engines and top gear displays. You can discuss car facts, styles, and take pictures with some of the hottest cars in history.

Virginia Homes has been building new homes in Central Ohio for 60 years.  Visit www.Virginia-Homes.com for more information or call (614) 764-1953.