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.
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.
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!
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.
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.
If the bugs start to become irritating, have citronella candles on hand as well as bug spray to protect your guests from being bitten.
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.
Protect you and your guests skin with plenty of sunscreen and areas with shade.
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..
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!