Tips for a Great Summer Cook-Out (or Barbeque, if you prefer)

A summer party should be something that everyone can savor, even the hosts. Here are a few tips to simplify your fun so that you can spend time with your guests, not serving them, and encourage everyone to relax and enjoy.  

Choose foods that can be prepared in advanced. 
This is a fairly obvious tip. If you are able to just put out your fares with little effort, you will not have to focus so much on them. Also remember that people are there to see you, not go to a gourmet restaurant. Do not create such an elaborate menu that you stress for weeks ahead of time. This does not mean that you have to pick boring foods. Here are a few suggestions that can be done in advanced, but that may add a little originality to your event.

              
Kabobs – This is something that you can make as elaborate or as simple as you want. You can use chicken for the kids or make this version with steak and shrimp for a fancier version.  Be creative!

              

Fixings – You can serve simple grilled chicken, hamburgers and hot dogs but add fun toppings like chili, sauces, unique cheeses, avocado and a variety of veggies.  Think things like gorgonzola and brie, banana peppers and sautéed onions, BBQ sauce and spicy mustard.  You can create a platter in the morning before the event.  You can even use pictures from a burger place for inspiration, like this one from Red Robin.  As a bonus, this will also allow for some foods that are both kid and adult friendly.

              

Salads – Now, I am not talking about your typical green salad. Although that is an option, you can also think broader. Think pasta salads, veggie salads and potato salads. There are a plethora on the internet but here are a few of my favorites!

-     Ramen noodle salad

-     PastaSalad 

-     Ranch Potato Salad

-     Mozzarella and Tomato Salad – I do not have a link for this one, but it’s pretty simple. Just throw together some mozzarella and tomato with some fresh basil and balsamic and there you have it. You can add salt and pepper to taste if you feel so inclined.

Chips – I know, I know, too simple right? No! Whenever I have chips out they get gobbled up. People like finger foods, especially kids.  While you are at it, grab some pretzels. People like those too. Want to make them more creative? Try a dip like this one or grab some at the store and put them in bowl. 

              

Fruit salad or kabobs – Again, I know this is simple, but who does not love fresh fruit on a hot summer day? You can make a simple salad or get creative my making them into kabobs for an easy to eat version.  Either one can be prepared ahead of time as long as you cover and refrigerate just remember to stay away from fruits that will brown, such as apples, unless you treat them.

              
Cookie and Brownies – I am not suggesting that you forgo your famous lemon icebox pie or your grandmother’s apple pie recipe that people have learned to expect.  I encourage multiple desserts. I mean who doesn’t love a dessert? However, I learned from watching a few parties at my sister’s house that people love grab and go foods, especially after they have eaten and have moved on to mingling. For this reason, I recommend making some cookies or brownies that can be made ahead of time and can be grabbed easily.              

Think about your set-up.  
Look at your space and try to encourage people to mingle while making things easy to get to and being practical.

               Where do you want the cook-out? What I mean is, do you want people in your home? If so, welcome them in and create a party environment with various seating groups. If you do not, make it clear with seating and signage. Create a cute sign in the front yard that says, “Party in the back” if that is where you want people to go. Make sure to have an arrow pointing them where to go. Also, make sure to have plenty of outdoor seating and tables for people to eat and relax.  Most guests will not want to stand all day and will either leave or retreat your living room if there is not another option.

Set up a Drink Station – It makes things easy when people know where to look for things. If you are having lemonade, tea or soda in a large bottle or pitcher set up a table with cups, ice and beverages. If you will have coolers, label them clearly (especially when having alcohol) and remember to have ice separate. People do not want a drink with ice that has had everyone's hands in it.  Also, by providing ice in a cooler you do not have to worry about keeping your drinks chilled which will give you more time for fun.

               Place the grill AT the party – Do not put the grill so far way that your grill master is secluded. While you do not want a grill that may give off smoke to be in the middle of the main event, it can be right on the periphery in a place that people can mingle with your chef.  

               Don’t seclude your game players. If you will have games like horse shoes, bocce or corn hole, try to place them in a safe place that is somewhat near the food.  People may forgo the games if they have to walk to the front of the yard and leave the party.  Also, by playing games where people can see them you create a spectator sport which can create a lot of fun.  If you have a larger game like volleyball or badminton and can’t fit it near the food, remember to encourage people to play. You can even create a tournament if you have competitive friends and enough interest.

               Consider kids – If you will be inviting small kids, remember to have things for them in a place where their parents can watch them.  If the adults are expected to be in the backyard, set up a sandbox or a water table in plain view from the tables. If you have a playground or swing set, set up some chairs where parents can chat with each other and still keep an eye on their kids.  If you have a driveway, move the cars out of it and buy some chalk for kids to play with. Again, remember to place some adult seating nearby.  If it is hot and you are daring, you could even set up some water balloons or water gun. Hey, the parents might even get into that fun.

A Few Last Tips

               Keep perishable food on ice – Remember to keep your salads and other perishables on ice. They make cute little blow-ups for this, but you can also just nest two bowls with ice.  If you make a large amount of something, put it in two or three smaller containers and refill.  I know this makes it harder as a host, but refilling smaller amounts will keep things fresher.

               Create a summer fun playlist – Sure Pandora has a summer station, but by creating your own playlist, you can cater to the party and the guests.  You can create a mix with pop for the teens and oldies for your parents with all of your favorites mixed in. Remember to keep it light and summery. You can even add summer songs like Under the Boardwalk, Will Smith’s Summertime and Wipeout by the Beach Boys. Sure they are cheesy, but it doesn’t mean they are not good songs.  If they are not for you, use something that is. That is the point of a playlist.

               Create a fun summer drink – If you want to make your party memorable, create a fun summer mixed drink, shandie or punch that people will talk about.

               Don’t be cheap with the cups and plates – There are many ways to save money when hosting a party, but plates and cups are not it. Sure, you can find them on sale, but do not buy anything so cheap that your plates will fold with a good sized portion on them before your guests get to the table.

Remember, above all, HAVE FUN! It is hard to relax and enjoy with a stressed host. If you have fun, guests will, too. 

If your summer party is around July 4^th or Memorial Day, here are some festive foods for your menu!