12 Tips for Hosting a Successful Summer Barbecue or Cookout

With winter in our rear-view windows, it's time for summer and all of the fun activities that go along with it. One of the very first things that comes to mind is hosting backyard barbecues with friends and family.

But any gathering, regardless of its type, requires some forethought. "With hosting comes responsibility," says Jodi R.R. Smith, the owner of Mannersmith Etiquette Consulting, noting that any barbecue should be thoroughly thought-out and well-organized.

Ready to plan an epic barbecue that yields unforgettable memories with loved ones? Consider some of these expert tips, courtesy of etiquette experts, party planners, and caterers. Armed with these insights, you will be able to put together the backyard bash of the season.

Jodi R.R. Smith, the owner of Mannersmith Etiquette Consulting
Lexi Ritsch, co-founder and director of catering and events at Hamptons Aristocrat
Thomas P. Farley, an etiquette expert and the founder of Mister Manners

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Establish the Guest List and Send Invites

Make your guest list well ahead of time, and send your invitations out with enough notice so that guests can add the event to their calendars. Invites can be as informal as a phone call, text message, or evite, or you can get creative and send a DIY invitation that's paired with the theme of your BBQ.

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Communicate With Attendees

Chances are, attendees will ask you what they can and should bring to your barbecue. Smith recommends taking them up on their offer and communicating any asks clearly. "From lawn chairs and beach towels to a change of clothing (if it is a pool party), sunscreen, and bug spray, eliminate the guests' guesswork by being clear on what you are providing in advance and [what you will need from them.]"

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Make Sure You Have Enough Seating

table and bench on an outdoor patio — DANA GALLAGHER

Once you have a rough idea of how many guests will be attending, plan your seating—this can be a mix of tables and chairs, Adirondack chairs around a fire pit, picnic blankets and floor cushions, etc. No one wants to be caught eating and standing up, so make sure to have enough seating to allow everyone to comfortably sit and eat.

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Add Some Seasonal or Festive Decor

Get festive! Add some string lights for a glowing look after dark, throw down a red, white, and blue tablecloth for a Fourth of July-themed BBQ, and add some fresh flowers for centerpieces.

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Purchase Eco-Friendly Party Supplies

Disposable but compostable is the way to go for barbecue utensils. Not only does this ensure that you won't have to clean up any broken glass or ceramic, but you also won't have to spend hours doing dishes. "There are so many amazing bamboo and wooden options for one-time use," says Lexi Ritsch, co-founder and director of catering and events at Hamptons Aristocrat. "Line cute galvanized buckets with trash bags and let the guests do the clean up themselves!"

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Prep Sides and Entrees Ahead of Time

tomato mozzarella pasta salad in white bowl — Ren Fuller

To enjoy your guests and the party while it's happening, you'll want to prep side dishes and mains ahead of time. Sides like pasta salad, potato salad, and coleslaw can all be made the day before. Prep burger patties ahead, and marinate chicken earlier in the day so that all you have to do is throw them on the grill when it's dinner time.

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Provide Day-Of Essentials

One thing to have on hand? Stain remover, says Thomas P. Farley, an etiquette expert and the founder of Mister Manners. "For the inevitable spill, splatter, or smudge, be sure to have ample stain remover on hand, along with cloth towels that can be used to blot, soak, or scrub as need be," he says. "Don't let your occasion go down as the one where they remember it mainly for the day they ruined their favorite pair of shorts."

It's also not a bad idea to have bug sprays on hand, if the party will be going into the dusk and evening hours when these bugs like to come out.

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Offer a Self-Serve Bar

smoky lemon margarita in round glass pitcher — Petrina Tinslay

Keep your guests hydrated with a well-stocked cooler of water bottles and other non-alcoholic drinks. For something alcoholic, offer a big batch, self-serve mixed cocktail, like Martha's favorite rosé sangria or a fizzy fruit punch.

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Set Out Some Easy Appetizers

A casual summer BBQ calls for easy, low-maintenance appetizers. Chilled shrimp cocktail, a creamy Greek layered dip, or a beautiful crudité platter offer guests a yummy snack before the main event.

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Get Grilling

test kitchens favorite grilled chicken — Armando Rafael

Pull out your prepped entrees and get them going on the grill. Some easy crowd favorites include grilled bistro burgers, BBQ chicken, or even grilled flank steak. If you have vegetarians attending, try making BBQ-pulled mushroom sandwiches.

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Put Out Dessert

No backyard BBQ is complete without a sweet treat at the end. Try our no-bake blueberry cheesecake or cool everyone down with a layered ice cream cake. Have a fire pit? Break out the marshmallows and chocolate, and roast some s'mores.

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Don't Forget to Recycle

When it's time to clean up, not every piece of trash should end up in the same bin. "Empty bottles and used cups should find an appropriate home in recycling containers, marked in such a way that the recyclables do not get mingled with regular trash," says Farley. "Make sure to designate someone to keep an eye on containers to ensure they are emptied before they overflow."

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