Grill, Chill, and Install: The Memorial Day Backyard Ideas You Didn’t Know You Needed

Memorial Day just got smarter. Learn BBQ etiquette, grab a healthy grill recipe, and install a smokeless fire pit with LED seating—plus explore outdoor cabinet upgrades with Baru.

Photo: The Spruce

Memorial Day is here—which means it’s officially barbecue season, time to dust off the patio furniture, and start planning the kind of long weekend that makes your neighbors jealous (in a good way).

But before you fire up the grill and send that group text for the cookout, let’s talk about:

• Backyard BBQ etiquette (yes, there are unspoken rules)
• A delicious, healthy recipe that actually gets devoured
• And one simple weekend install project that turns your yard into the summer hangout spot

Let’s get into it.

In case you want the details on how to throw a party for all of your block, get your guide here

1. Backyard BBQ Etiquette: A Quick Refresher

You don’t need to be the block’s Emily Post to host a great cookout—but you do need a little social sense. Here’s your refresher:

🔥 Don’t hover over someone else’s grill. If you’re not flipping, step back.
🥤 BYOB means bring enough to share—or bring ice. Ice always wins.
🪑 Bring a chair if it’s a potluck. Don’t expect your host to provide seating for everyone.
🎶 Keep the playlist family-friendly-ish. Save your emo throwbacks for later.
🌬️ Mind the smoke. Set up your grill downwind from seated guests (and your neighbor’s laundry line).

2. The Recipe: Grilled Veggie Platter with Lemon-Herb Yogurt Sauce

Photo: Skinny Taste

A healthy crowd-pleaser that doesn’t scream “I’m on a diet.”

Ingredients:

• 1 red pepper, sliced
• 1 zucchini, sliced lengthwise
• 1 eggplant, sliced into rounds
• 1 red onion, quartered
• 8 asparagus spears
• Olive oil, salt, pepper

Sauce:

• 1 cup plain Greek yogurt
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• Juice of 1 lemon
• 2 tbsp fresh dill or parsley
• Salt to taste

Instructions:

1. Toss veggies in olive oil, salt, and pepper.
2. Grill on medium-high heat for 2–4 minutes per side.
3. Whisk sauce ingredients and serve on the side.
4. Optional: add grilled tofu or halloumi for a protein punch.

3. The Game-Changer: A Smokeless Fire Pit Install With LED-Lit Seating Ring

You want wow? Here it is:

Weekend install, lifetime upgrade: Choose a prefab smokeless fire pit kit (like Breeo or Solo Stove). They burn cleaner, radiate heat better, and reduce smoke drift—so your party doesn’t end with watery eyes.

Wow-factor add-on: Surround it with solar LED paver lights or motion-sensor lighting tucked into a curved seating wall. Creates the perfect nighttime vibe with zero extension cords.

Why this matters:

• You boost property value (yep, fire pits are ROI-positive)
• You create a natural gathering space for every holiday
• You build the good kind of neighbor envy

More Resources: Smokeless Fire Pit Guide – GearLab

Divide, Multiply & Swap – Host a Neighborhood Plant Party

4. Pro Tip: Add Built-In Storage with Custom Baru Cabinets

Need a place to stash firewood, grill tools, or that Bluetooth speaker? Baru’s custom on-demand cabinets now work for outdoor kitchens and patio setups too.

• Designed online. Delivered fast.
• Water-resistant options available.
• Custom-built to your space (not “close enough”)

Combine with Pigybak for install help and bundle a few jobs with neighbors.

Explore Baru Cabinet Systems »

5. Final Takeaway: It’s Not Just a Weekend. It’s an Upgrade.

Whether you’re hosting a cookout, joining one, or just dreaming of making your backyard feel like a retreat, Memorial Day is the perfect excuse to go all in.

Start a Pigybak Ride for outdoor upgrades, group contractor deals, or to schedule your fire pit install today. Invite your neighbors. Save together. Celebrate smarter.

Start a Ride »