(Metro News Service) Memorial Day weekend is a popular time to entertain. For many, the weekend marks the first outdoor entertaining opportunity of the year, which is certainly something to look forward to.

As the outdoor entertaining season begins, homeowners can take these steps to prepare their outdoor living spaces for the first big backyard get-together of the year.

· Break out the power washer. Pressure washing is an important component of spring home cleanup. The warmer temperatures of spring allow water from power washing to dry more quickly, which can decrease the chances that mold and mildew will grow on surfaces like siding. A freshly power-washed home also makes for a welcoming entertaining space. A power washer can also be used on outdoor entertaining spaces to remove dirt and debris that has built up over the winter. Just make sure to read the manufacturer's instructions before using a power washer to clean paving stones, decks, and outdoor furniture.

· Inspect outdoor furniture. Now is a good time to inspect outdoor furniture if the task was not performed in late fall or early winter before items were moved into the garage or placed in storage. Check to make sure furnishings are still safe to use, addressing any issues before guests come over for a Memorial Day weekend gathering. Wash cushions for outdoor furniture and replace any that might be showing their age.

· Clean the grill. A thorough cleaning of the grill is also in order before the summer entertaining season. Many homeowners do little or no grilling during winter, so now is the time to give grilling surfaces and the interior of the grill a deep cleaning. Check for leaks if using a gas grill, and scrub the interior of any grease that accumulated last season. Many grilling experts advise lighting a grill and letting it burn for roughly 20 minutes before putting any food on the grates for the first time. Such a strategy allows residual fluids like soap, vinegar, and degreasing products used when cleaning the grill to burn off before food is placed on the grates.

· Inspect the landscaping, too. It's not just seating areas like patios and decks that need some investigation before the outdoor entertaining season. Take a walk around the landscape and make sure there are no potentially dangerous spots where people could be injured when playing backyard games. Fill in any holes with soil and fresh grass seed, and inspect trees to see if any branches need to be pruned.

The summer entertaining season begins each Memorial Day weekend. Homeowners can take various steps to ensure their outdoor entertaining spaces are comfortable and safe