With Summer finally present, cookouts are a great way to get friends and family together to enjoy the beautiful weather and relax. Here are some tips to a successful cookout that will keep guests wanting to come back for more.

Lawn Games

Lawn games are an essential addition to a successful cookout. They help to break the ice between guests who may not know each other, and can also create some great memories. Cornhole and horseshoes are fun games for all ages that you can play as teams or individually. They are also great to help pass the time while food is on the grill!

Beverages

Requesting that your guests bring their own beverages can ensure everyone has exactly what they want to drink. It can also lower the amount you’re spending and lower the chance of running out of drinks before the party is over. Remember to get plenty of ice to keep all of those beverages nice and cold in a cooler.

Music

Music always helps get the party started. Try making a playlist ahead of time, or finding the right playlist on Spotify or Pandora, to help set the tone for the evening! Pop music, or throwback songs are always a great go-to.

Don’t Light the Grill Too Late

Lighting the grill too late could mean hungry houseguests. Have the grill started just as the guests are arriving, giving them time to settle in and relax. A charcoal grill takes much more time to heat up than a gas grill does, so allow at least a 45-minute window for when you wish to start cooking.

Menu

When most people think of cookouts, they think of hamburgers and hot dogs on the grill. Don’t be afraid to spice things up! Adding a few chicken legs with barbeque sauce to the menu is a great choice that people are sure to enjoy if they aren’t in the mood for the standard cookout foods. Don’t be afraid to ask for help. Hosting a party is stressful enough without having to worry about preparing all of the food. Ask your guests to bring a few different desserts or sides for dinner. This can be helpful in time management, as well as expanding your variety of food.

Cookouts are awesome for when you want kick back, relax, and make great memories with friends and family. If you want it to be as successful as possible, try using some of these tips and see which ones work best for you!