How to Host the Perfect Summer BBQ
- The Betty Edit
- 4 days ago
- 6 min read
Let’s talk about the summer BBQ! It's a rite of warm-weather passage that’s part casual hang, part social sport, and part culinary event of the season (or at least of the cul-de-sac). From Memorial Day to Labor Day, any sunny weekend is fair game for firing up the grill and inviting friends over for burgers, cold drinks, and bang-up playlist.
I've hosted and attended my fair share of BBQs and cookouts and have learned a thing or two along the way... like, have an extra tank of propane on hand - there is nothing worse than your propane running out with half-cooked meet on the grill. Don't wait until the day before a major holiday to purchase the hot dog buns because stores are likely to be sold-out. And always have condiments on-hand.
Hosting Tips to Keep Things Running Smoothly
Pick a Start Time That Buys You Breathing Room
Invite guests for 4:00 pm instead of noon so you have time to prep during the day and still sneak in a shower and outfit change. Bonus: the lighting will be better for golden hour photos.
Don’t Forget the Ice. Then Get More Ice.
You will need more than you think. Stock up at the store or ask a guest to bring a bag or two. Keep a cooler outside just for drinks and ice overflow.
Set the Mood with a Playlist (and a Backup Speaker)
A summer BBQ without music? Unthinkable. Curate a Spotify playlist ahead of time or use a ready-made one like “Feel-Good BBQ” or “Summer Cookout Jams.” Also—make sure your Bluetooth speaker is charged.
Bug Control = Guest Happiness
Citronella candles, natural bug sprays, or even a portable mosquito zapper will save your party. Scatter them near the seating areas and food zones.
Label Everything for Food Allergies and Preferences
Grab mini chalkboards or place cards to label what’s gluten-free, vegetarian, or spicy. It looks thoughtful and keeps you from having to repeat yourself 15 times.
Think About the Littles
If kids are coming, set up a separate area with bubbles, sidewalk chalk, water balloons, or even just an outdoor blanket and snacks. Happy kids = relaxed parents.
The non-negotiable must-haves? Ice cold drinks, a good grill, plenty of seating, and something for everyone to eat including picky kids and vegetarians. I also have a few go-to accessories that make hosting a BBQ seemless and easy. I hope you find something below to make your own BBQ a success!
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Perfect for smaller patios or tailgate-style backyard setups. Heats up fast and easy to clean. I own this and use it often for tailgates but we plan to take it to our neigborhood beach for our Memorial Day neighborhood beach party at the end of the month. Buy on Amazon: Cuisinart Petite Gourmet Portable Gas Grill
While this one is a splurge, man-oh-man is this worth it. We have it in green and it's not just good for BBQs and cookouts, you'll find yourself using this all the time during the summer at the beach, picnics, and so much more. This keeps drinks ice cold like no other cooler I've ever used. Buy on Amazon: YETI Roadie 48 Wheeled Cooler
Outdoor Serving Trays
These outdoor serving trays look like ceramic but won’t break if someone drops it or it's accidentally pushed off the table. Buy on Amazon: 3-Piece Melamine Serving Platter
For when you need just a few more chairs but still want them to look intentional and classy. The cup holder is an extra bonus! Buy on Amazon: Folding Adirondack Chairs - Set of 2
On those hot days, keep your guests hydrated with this Stanley Gallon Water Jug. Not only does it allow for ice cold water all day, it helps keep plastic water bottles to a minimum. Buy on Amazon: Stanley Adventure 2 Galloon Fast Flow Water Jug
For asparagus, zucchini, or grilled peaches if you're feeling fancy. I use ours all of the time for grilling fish. Buy on Amazon: Grill Basket
These rubs are the real deal—Texas-born, crowd-pleaser approved. Buy on Amazon: Meat Church BBQ Grill Rubs
Butcher paper is a must-have for any of you that want to wrap your meat to help it attain the best temperature faster. Buy on Amazon: Butcher Paper
Sturdy, sustainable, and they won’t flop under the weight of a fully loaded burger. I received these as a hostess gift once and have been using them ever since. Buy on Amazon: Eco Soul Compostable Palm Leaf Plates
Nothing says “the party’s not over” like twinkle lights. We have these strung across our deck and I love when BBQ or party lasts long enough to turn them on. Buy on Amazon: Brightever LED Outdoor String Lights
You spend all that time grilling the perfect piece of meat, it needs somewhere to land when it's ready to come off the grill. I like this cutting board in particular because the grooves along the edges catch the juices. Buy on Amazon: Extra Large Bamboo Cutting Board
A cute touch—fill it with antibacterial soap or handwipes for the messy fingers eating ribs. Buy on Amazon: Plastic Mason Jar Soap Dispenser
For lawn seating, kids' zones or I sometimes lay them down so people can put their bags and belongings in one central spot. Buy on Amazon: Extra Large Waterproof Picnic Blanket
Serving that perfect chilled Rose? Use these unbreakable wine glasses and avoid any shattered glass at your cookout. Buy on Amazon: Bravario Unbreakable Stemless Wine Glasses
This is the perfect way to keep all your essentials in one spot so you're not constantly having to answer questions like "Where is the paper towel?" or "Do you have any salt and pepper?" and then going on the hunt to find them. Buy on Amazon: BBQ Caddy
Okay, corny title but as a vegetarian I'm never sure how to properly cook chicken. This meat thermometer has been a total life saver to know when it's done without cutting into it. Also great to get the perfect cook on a steak. Buy on Amazon: Alpha Grillers Digital Meat Thermometer
Create that perfect ambiance with your summer playlists blating thru this portable speaker. I love mine! Buy on Amazon: JBL Flip 5 Waterproof Portable Speaker
This one is a no-brainer. No matter who is doing the grilling, the right tools are a must. Buy on Amazon: Grill Tool Set
Having a lawn game set out helps keep the guests entertained. And no party is complete without a little healthy competition! Buy on Amazon: GoSport Wood Cornhole Set
If your guests have varying tastes in snacks, this snackle box is perfect! You can fill it with different compartments of candy, chips, nuts, fruit, cheese, crackers and so much more! It provides varying snacks for a variety of tastes! Buy on Amazon: Snacklebox
A tablecloth elevates the look of any party. Eating messy BBQ means you need a tablecloth that's easy to clean the sticky stains. This is the perfect waterproof and wipeable table cover. Buy on Amazon: Buffalo Plaid Tablecloth
Additional Hosting Tips to Keep You Sane:
Prep ahead: Chop, marinate, and set the table the night before. You’ll thank yourself.
Create zones: A drink station, a grill zone, a chill zone. It helps to keep people mingling, conversation flowing and the same people don't get stuck talking to each other the whole time.
Accept help: Let people bring side dishes, ice, or desserts. People love to feel like they contributed - just let them know to stay away from any mayo-based sides if you're going to be in the direct sun for a long period of time. I got food poisoning once from a potato salad and it ruined the whole weekend. Don't go poisoning anyone, haha!
Make a Batch Drink: Skip the individual cocktails and make one big pitcher. We’re partial to this strawberry basil lemonade with vodka situation. Just toss it in a drink dispenser and let your guests serve themselves.
Trash Needs: There's nothing worse for the ambiance than seeing a bunch of dirty plates and glasses laying around on tables. I also hate when I go to a party or BBQ and can't find any trash receptacles. Be sure to have a few trash cans located around the party and put those kids to work and have them empty them when they become full!
The perfect summer BBQ doesn’t have to be perfect at all. A few good eats, a sunny playlist, and your favorite people are really all it takes. The rest? Well, that’s just gravy (or ketchup, depending on your condiment of choice).
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