Tips for Hosting a Successful Summer Cookout!

It's that time of year again! The weather is gorgeous. The daylight lasts much longer. For our family, it’s the ideal time of year to get outdoors. And one great way to celebrate the season is with a summer cookout.

If you’re aiming to plan the best BBQ in town, be sure to follow a few simple tips to not only have the best time - but keep your guests safe, as well!

Keep Your Guests Comfortable

Having the perfect BBQ means making sure you and all your guests are happy. There are many aspects to consider, but if you’re prepared to be the “hostess/host with the most-est” you want to accommodate your visitors. Here are some tips on making sure everyone’s happy.

Seating for All

It can be tough to eat really great picnic foods while standing. Seating for all ages is important. Why not ask your guests to bring a lawn chair? This way, not only do you have plenty of seating, but your visitors will be comfortable in a chair of their own choosing. 

If you are having young guests over, too, why no spread-out blankets for picnic-style seating? You can utilize your lawn space to its maximum potential with some towels or blankets.

No Ants at This Picnic

No one wants ants in their potato salad. Consider the comfort of your guests (and safety against itchy bug bites) by preparing the lawn to be bug-free! 

Tiki torches can provide an inexpensive option. They also double as a great source of lighting should your BBQ creep into dusk hours. And because mosquitos can be more active at dusk, you can also set out citronella candles and provide a couple of bug spray options for your guests. 

An Eye on the Weather

Nothing can ruin a backyard BBQ faster than Mother Nature. Be sure to keep an eye on the weather reports for your area. If rain is a possibility, be sure to have a backup plan such as a pop-up tent or moving indoors. If you don’t have room indoors to relocate the planned event, consider setting a rain date in advance.

Practice Food Safety

For yet another way to keep your guests safe and happy, you want to be sure you are practicing food safety. While summer BBQs are great, hot outdoor conditions don’t always make for easy food storage. A few steps of preparation can fix that quickly. You just need to plan ahead!

Pre-Made Beverages

If you don’t want to have everyone’s hands on the drink ingredients, consider premaking your beverages. Even your cocktails can be served from jugs. Just have ice (with tongs of course) on standby. Mixed non-alcoholic beverages such as Kool-Aid, lemonade, or iced tea can also be mixed ahead of time and served in spouted containers with cups handy.

In addition to setting out plenty of water, you also will want to provide options for your non-drinking guests, such as tasty non-alcoholic drink options for your designated drivers and underage guests. Juice boxes can be a quick fix (try that in an icy kiddie pool for a fun display) for younger guests. Be sure no one is overserved, and that all guests have a planned and safe ride home.

Ice, Ice, Baby

Ice is crucial for your big event. From chilling the macaroni salad to keeping the meats safe until it's their turn to hit the grill, you will want to have plenty of coolers, nearby refrigeration space, and/or ice on hand.

Remember that foods with mayonnaise, egg, dairy, and meat should never be out in the hot sun for hours. Chill your foods with iced bowls or coolers, or keep them in the fridge, only leaving them out for buffet-style serving for brief intervals. You can also put ice on cookie sheets or in aluminum tubs and set your perishable food items on top. If you are running short on cooler space, consider an inexpensive kiddie pool to hold your drinks!

Meaty Temperatures

Another crucial safety concern presents itself at the grill. Be sure all meats, especially chicken or white meat products, are cooked to safe temperatures. Use this guide provided by the state to ensure you aren’t getting your guests ill. Test all grilled meats with a meat thermometer to be sure they are up to temperatures.

Create an Atmosphere

From the lighting (be sure there is plenty if you aim to get into the evening hours), to the theme, the party’s ambiance can go a long way to entertaining your guests! Consider a theme such as a Hawaiian Luau or an Under the Sea party to make your event more memorable. 

Plan ahead for music, too. Whether you can have music piped outdoors or have some portable speakers and a Bluetooth device, put together an upbeat playlist to set the tone for your event. 

We hope you have fun at your next outdoor cookout! Be sure to send an invitation our way ;)