How to Host the Best Summer Cookout
How to Host the Best Summer Cookout!
Oh, Summer. A time for outdoor gatherings, sports events, parades, fireworks, and the ever-popular Summer cookout. A Summer cookout is the perfect warm weather activity for friends, family, and children. Are you planning on hosting this year? Well, you came to the right place! Here are some tips on how to host the best summer cookout, and get people excited to return to your house the following year.
Pre-Cookout To-do List
Planning your cookout menu is not the only thing you have to do before the day of your cookout arrives. Here are some pre-cookout to-do list items you won't want to forget.
- Decide on a date - the summer is filled with holidays that are perfect for hosting a summer cookout. Memorial Day, Father's Day, July 4th, and Labor Day are some perfect occasions to host a festive gathering. Don't want to host on a holiday weekend? No problem! Any weekend in the summer works great as well.
- Choose a location - Need some help choosing where to host your cookout? Here are some options: your own backyard, local park, the beach, a local restaurant or event space, or consider a joint block party that spans across your street.
- Create a guest list - after you have created a guest list, make sure to invite everyone at least 3 weeks before the event. It is also smart to include an RSVP date to ensure you have enough food and drinks for everyone who is planning on showing up.
Let's Talk Food
There is no doubt that one of the most important parts of a summer cookout is the food. This is the centerpiece of an outdoor gathering and needs careful consideration and prep-time. Your guests will most likely be craving cookout-specific foods and we are here to make sure you provide them with what will make them the happiest. Here is a handy cookout shopping list with all of our suggestions on what to have at your party.
Here are some of our favorite cookout recipes!
- Grilled Hot Dogs: Check out the recipe here.
- Grilled Corn on the Cob: Check out the recipe here.
- Coleslaw: Check out the recipe here.
- Broccoli Salad: Check out the recipe here.
- Macaroni Salad: Check out the recipe here.
- Potato Salad: Check out the recipe here.
Décor and Activities
The décor and activities you have at a cookout are very important. Spruce up your party space with festive decorations, either based on your theme or "summer" in general. Make sure your decorations match, including the tablecloths, plates, cups, napkins, centerpieces, signs, and balloons. Well-thought-out décor can take your party to the next level. Also, don't forget the music! Have your favorite playlist ready and your speaker charged.
If your cookout is fully outside, try to have a variety of activities available for your guests to play while they are at your party. Here are some activity ideas.
- Corn Hole
- Kan Jam
- Croquet
- Badminton
- Ladder Golf
- Photobooth Station
- Click here for more outdoor activity ideas
If you have a pool or are going to host near a body of water, it is always a smart idea to either hire a lifeguard or designate someone to "pool duty" to watch over anyone who is swimming or are near the pool. This will ensure that everyone is safely enjoying the water and staying out of harms way.
Helpful Tips
Prepare for the bugs
If the bugs start to become irritating, have citronella candles on hand as well as bug spray to protect your guests from being bitten.
Heat
If the heat index is supposed to be high during the day of your cookout, be sure to have plenty of water readily available as well as some water games to keep your guests cool.
Sunny weather
Protect you and your guests skin with plenty of sunscreen and areas with shade.
Trash
Set up a convenient trash station and keep an eye on how filled the trash cans get throughout the party. Empty trash often to make sure this area does not begin to smell or attract bugs..
Seating
Make sure you have adequate seating for everyone who is attending your cookout. Rent tables and chairs from a local party store to ensure you have enough places for your guests to sit and eat.
Summer cookouts are always such a great time! Be sure to tag us on social media @ anniemacnation so we can see all the fun you had at your cookout this season.
Don't have the space to host a proper cookout and looking to upgrade your home? Contact us today to get started on your pre-approval application and start the home hunting process!