Planning
Some of us are natural planners, and some of us…not so much. But a little planning can go a long way in making your next cookout or BBQ extra special for your family and friends! Thinking through the simple “who, what, when, and where” of your next party can save you a lot of unneeded stress.
Who – Attendees
Summer cookouts are the perfect opportunity to spend time with those you love most. For most of us, our guest lists are probably fairly consistent, but why not reach out to folks you may not have seen in a while, like your extended family, your college buddies, or your long lost friends? Summer is the perfect time to catch up! Just don’t forget to keep in mind how your attendee count could affect your party location and menu.
When – Date/Time
- Memorial Day – Ah, the unofficial start to summer! Kick it off with a bang by hosting a festive bash!
- Father’s Day – Falling on the third Sunday of June, Father’s Day is the perfect holiday to celebrate all the fatherly figures in your life! Decorate your event with Dad’s favorite colors, or add make his favorite burger a “featured menu” item.
- July 4th – Celebrate our freedom by throwing the ultimate patriotic bash. Bring out the red, white, and blue, or stars & stripes décor!
- Labor Day – While some argue this is the unofficial end to summer, there’s still time to throw a get-together incorporating all your favorite summer foods like grilled burgers and hot dogs!
- Just Because – Hey there’s no shame in throwing a party “just because!” Take advantage of the nice weather and throw any type of summer get-together that appeals to you!
Where – Location
- Your Own Backyard – Probably the most efficient and convenient, sprucing up your backyard for your party may just be the perfect solution. If your backyard’s not party-ready, try one of the below ideas.
- A Local Park – Many parks allow you to rent out their pavilions for little to no cost. Take a field trip to scout out local parks around you; most have information posted at the pavilions about renting them.
- A Local Body of Water – Do you have a pool, or live near a lake, river, or ocean? A picnic on the waterfront or beach may be the perfect choice for you and your adventurous family or friends!
- Your Cul-de-sac – Do you live in a small, quiet neighborhood? Reach out to your neighbors about hosting a joint block party!
- A Local Restaurant/Event Venue – While a potentially pricier option, if you live in a more urban area, a rooftop party or private patio of a restaurant could be the perfect place!
Menu
- Start with your main dish first, then choose sides and accompaniments that will complement that dish well.
- It helps to work in categories – make sure you have one or two items in each group:
- Main Dish
- Side Dishes
- Dessert(s)
- Extras (like appetizers, snacks, or take-home favors)
- Think smart – using cooking tools like a slow cooker or using semi-prepared store-bought foods isn’t “cheating.”
- Plan ahead for any food allergies or special diets – check with your guests ahead of time to see if you need to prepare any special items.
- Keep it simple – Prep as much food as you can in advance, and don’t be afraid to ask your party guests to help out by bringing a side dish or dessert. The goal is to have fun and spend time with your guests, so don’t stress!
- Consider Portion Sizes – Think about how much of each menu item your guests will likely consume, then multiple by the number of guests.
- You can also plan two different menus – for smaller or larger guest counts. Something that’s fairly simple to prepare for 10-20 guests may become very time-consuming with a large crowd.
Music
Music is always a nice addition. Plan to have your favorite tunes ready to go and your speakers fully charged. Or better yet, plan ahead to have someone provide live music.
Games /Activities
- Corn Hole
- Washers
- Kan Jam
- Croquet
- Badminton
- Ladder Toss
- Kubb
- Giant Jenga
- Horseshoes
- Glow in the dark ring toss
- Lawn Twister
- Giant Bubble Station
- Photobooth station