The Backyard BBQ: How to Host a Memorable Outdoor Gathering at Home
CARMA STAHNKE
With summertime and milder weather in full swing, it’s the perfect time for a backyard BBQ. For homeowners, it’s also an opportunity to not only showcase your property, but to fully enjoy the outdoors and neighborhood you call home. With the right theme and a little planning, your at-home BBQ can feel less like a casual cookout and more like a thoughtfully designed event.
Start With a Clear Theme
A theme sets the tone for everything, from the menu to the décor. It doesn’t need to be over the top: The “classic summer BBQ” works just as well as something more specific like a coastal seafood boil or a Southern-style cookout. The key is consistency. When your food, music and setup all align, the experience feels intentional and elevated.
Design Your Space for Flow
A successful summertime party isn’t just about what you serve; it’s about how guests move through
the space. Create clear zones for cooking, dining and conversation. Keep the grill area accessible but not crowded. Set up drink stations away from the main food area to avoid bottlenecks. If seating is limited, mix in standing tables or casual options like benches and outdoor cushions. String lights or lanterns can define the space as the sun sets, making your backyard feel both functional and inviting. These small additions encourage guests to linger and enjoy the surroundings.
Build a Menu That Matches the Moment
The best BBQ menus are equal parts cohesive and easy to manage. Choose a few standout items rather than trying to do too much. Burgers, grilled chicken or skewers are always reliable, but themed additions, like street corn for a taco night or grilled shrimp for a coastal feel, can make the menu feel more curated. Balance is key. Pair heavier dishes with lighter sides like salads or fresh fruit. Don’t overlook drinks: Homemade lemonade or infused water can bring an extra layer of sophistication without adding complexity.
Add Details That Elevate the Experience
Small details make a big difference. Coordinated tableware, labeled food stations or a simple centerpiece can pull everything together. Comfort matters, too. Provide shade if it’s sunny, blankets if the evening cools down and bug spray if needed. These thoughtful touches show guests you’ve considered all the details.
Make It Effortless
The best backyard BBQs feel relaxed, even when they’re well planned. Prep what you can in advance so you’re not stuck in the kitchen while guests are outside. Keep the setup simple enough that you can enjoy your own party.
For homeowners, these gatherings aren’t just social events but a way to bring your home to life. A well-hosted BBQ highlights your space and makes the most of where you live.
Home Security While Traveling: Smart Tips for Summer
KIMBERLY QUEVEDO
Empty homes don’t go unnoticed – and as travel plans pick up this season, a few simple moves can reduce risk and add home security while you’re away. With the right mix of everyday habits, subtle automation and smart technology, you can step out knowing everything at home still looks and functions as it should.
Make Your Home Look Lived-In While Traveling
One of the easiest ways to protect your home while traveling is to keep it visually active. Start outside with motion-activated fixtures, solar lighting and timers that turn lights on at dusk to help eliminate dark areas and create natural movement around your property. Inside, small adjustments go a long way. Smart plugs can power lamps, TVs or radios at different times throughout the day. Smart thermostats can mirror typical energy use, while automated blinds open in the morning and close at night. Together, these subtle shifts create a steady,
familiar presence from the outside – without requiring constant attention.
Don’t Overlook the Garage and Entry Points
Garages and secondary entrances are often the weakest links in home security. If you use a garage door opener, remove the remote from your vehicle or switch to full app-based control while you’re away. You can also secure or shield the emergency release mechanism to prevent tampering from the outside. Additionally, sliding doors and back entrances can be reinforced with a security bar or secondary lock and ground-floor windows can be fortified with added hardware or pins. Small reinforcements can make a meaningful difference in securing your home.
Upgrade With Smart Home Security Technology
Modern home security systems offer real-time visibility and control from anywhere. Smart cameras let you check live feeds, receive motion alerts, and
activate night vision, wide-angle views and two-way audio directly from your phone. Video doorbells extend that visibility to your front entry. You can see who approaches, speak to visitors and monitor deliveries even if you’re across the country. And smart locks allow you to secure doors remotely and assign temporary access codes to trusted guests. Additionally, home security systems like SimpliSafe® provide comprehensive coverage with professional monitoring. Even adding one or two of these tools can noticeably strengthen your home security while you are away.
Strong summer home security comes down to preparation, awareness and using the tools available. When everything is in place, you can reduce risk and enjoy your time away without second-guessing what’s happening at home.
NOTES
This is going to become your new go-to dip for spring and summer. Serve this up dip-style, with toasted bread or crackers on the side for scooping.
Roasted Garlic Caprese Dip
INGREDIENTS
• 1 -2 heads garlic
• 1-2 shallots
• 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
• 2 tablespoons fresh thyme leaves
• kosher salt and black pepper
• 2 cups cherry tomatoes
INSTRUCTIONS
• 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
• 1/4 cup mayo
• 1/2 cup fresh basil, chopped
• 1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese
• 2 cups shredded low moisture mozzarella
1. 1. Preheat the oven to 400° F. Place the garlic and shallots in a small (8×8 inch or smaller) baking dish. Drizzle with olive oil. Add the thyme. Bake for 40 minutes, until deeply golden and very soft. Remove the garlic and shallots, let cool.
2. Add 1 1/2 cups tomatoes to the baking dish. Toss with olive oil, salt, pepper, and chili flakes. Bake for 10 minutes.
3. Squeeze the garlic cloves and shallots onto a cutting board. Mash/chop into a paste. In a bowl, combine the cream cheese, mayo, garlic, shallots, and basil. Season with pepper. Mix in the parmesan and 1 cup mozzarella.
4. Pull the tomatoes out. Add the cheese dip, and gently mix the dip into the tomatoes. Top with mozzarella. Bake 15 minutes, until the cheese has melted and the sauce is bubbling.
5. Slice the remaining tomatoes. Serve topped with fresh basil, thyme, and sliced tomatoes.
HOME TRENDS: THE COLOR COMEBACK OF WHERE TO ADD BOLD ACCENTS THIS SPRING
After seasons of soft neutrals and understated palettes, spring 2026 is ushering in a confident return to color. Homeowners and designers are embracing bold accents as a way to inject personality without overwhelming a space. The key isn’t a full-color overhaul—it’s knowing where to use color for maximum impact.
One of the most popular places to introduce bold color is the front door. A rich navy, deep green,
or even a muted terracotta can instantly boost curb appeal and create a memorable first impression. It’s a simple, cost-effective update that signals style and care before buyers even step inside.
Inside the home, kitchens and powder rooms are becoming color playgrounds. Painted islands in shades like forest green or charcoal add contrast and depth, while powder rooms are perfect for experimenting with bold wallpaper or saturated paint
tones. These smaller spaces allow for more creativity without overwhelming the entire home.
Accent furniture and décor also offer easy entry points. Think jewel-toned chairs, colorful throw pillows, or statement artwork that draws the eye. These elements can be swapped out seasonally, making them a flexible option for homeowners who like to refresh their look.
For a more subtle approach, cabinet hardware and lighting fixtures in warm metallics or matte finishes can introduce visual interest while complementing bold accents nearby. Even a pop of color in shelving or built-ins can elevate an otherwise neutral room.
For sellers, strategic use of color can help a home stand out in spring listings while still appealing to a broad audience. When used thoughtfully, bold accents add energy, character, and a sense of modern style—proving that sometimes, a little color goes a long way.
$826,329 1,238 999 14 90 $420,000 $580,000 525 294 1,680 977
Market Insights
Spokane Countyexperienced a slight decrease in the average sale price, lowering to $452,344 marking a 0.9% decrease compared to Aprill 2025. The median sales price also saw a slight decrease of 2.8%, settling at $420,000. The current inventory rose in a big way to 1,238 listings, an notable increase of 19.5% from the previous year. This represents a 2.4-month supply, an increase from April 2025, still indicating a seller's market. Residential closed sales increased by 9.8%, totaling 525 transactions. Additionally, the median days on the market increased to 24 days. Annual residential sales is up from year’s level, up 6.7%, totaling 1,680 sales. In opposite fashion, Kootenai Countyshowed increased price performance, with the average sale price raising to $826,329 reflecting a 26.2% increase from the previous year. The median sales price had an increase of 5.8%, reaching $580,000. Inventory in the area decreased by 13.7% to 999 listings. Residential closed sales saw an increase of 5.8%, with 294 transactions recorded. The average days on the market iwas even at 90 days. Annual residential sales in Kootenai County are up 3.3%, totaling 977 transactions so far this year.
As interest rates fluctuate and the market anticipates changes throughout the year, it's crucial to consult with your