Hosting Series: Summer Cookout

Ahh, summer: the time for sharing sharing chores, sharing foods, and sharing colds. Husband and I shared all three this week and today, we are filling each other with DayQuill and reflecting on the fabulous cookout we hosted on Tuesday. Cookouts are great for a crowd and do not need to be daunting. With a few tips, you can be ready to host your own next week!

Here we go!

First, the menu:

Appetizers: Veges & Hummus, Chips & Guacamole, Mini Farro Salads

Dinner: Hamburgers, BBQ Chicken, Macaroni & Cheese, Watermelon Salad, Green Salad

Dessert: Cheesecakes in Jars, Roasted Peaches with Caramel & Sea Salt

Second, the schedule:

Monday: grocery store, house cleaning, yard work, food prep, table design

Tuesday: slicing, chopping, assembling, straightening, finishing, and PARTY!

Third, the details:

I organize all my serving trays in one cabinet, which makes for an easy grab when the party starts. Setting out my dishes the night before saves me so much last-minute prep time. Cookouts mean a casual layout, with food served across all kitchen spaces. I repeat: food does not need to be complicated to be delicious. Our bungalow is small, so seating is always open. Husband and I tag team food with him on the grill while I serve drinks. Be sure to turn up the air because lots of bodies paired with oven use makes for a hot bungalow!

I borrowed a basket of kiddo toys to be prepared for any underage visitors. A good playlist is mandatory (I used Pandora’s Hipster BBQ).  Individualized portions take about three extra minutes and earn about five times the compliments, so try them! I tell guests to make themselves at home and then let them, which takes so much stress off me.

There you go! We still have more summer, so time for more cookouts! Send me pictures!