6 Simple Methods to Host the Greatest Summer season BBQ

Welcome to Come On Over, a Food52 e-newsletter about internet hosting life’s large and little moments. It’s the place we share our private ideas and methods, from modern-day etiquette—sneakers off or sneakers on?—to creating additional seating out of each floor of an condo. This week, we’re lastly feelin’ prefer it’s BBQ time.

Nationwide Greatest Associates Day is that this Sunday, and actually? I’ll throw a BBQ for almost any excuse. It takes me again to these uncommon Irish summer season days (all two weeks of them), the place the scent of uncooked bell pepper meant the grill was firing up. My mom was a giant fan of them on her burger—hey, don’t knock it until you attempt it. Right here’s how I’m planning this weekend.

1. Nationwide Greatest Pal’s Day

I say take any and all motive to have fun your nearest and dearest, so lean into this theme when you’re gonna do it this weekend (or any weekend). Make namecards with a line of why you’re pleased with them these days. Think about a friendship bracelet making station, deliver the nostalgia with outdated images on the desk, miss a polaroid for brand new ones. A customized cocktail per visitor if the checklist isn’t insane.

2. Set the Vibe

However not essentially the desk. You already know your folks greatest, so curating the appropriate atmosphere will come naturally. I’m leaning picnic-style this yr: blankets on the grass, baskets of snacks, and loads of finger meals. A contact extra chill, however it nonetheless looks like a second. I’m additionally making paper followers with the menu printed on, in case it will get too sizzling. Type, meet perform and vogue.

3. Stack It Your Means

A DIY burger bar lets friends do their factor when you take a breather. Provide up just a few bun choices (brioche, potato, lettuce wrap), sudden toppings (hiya once more, uncooked bell pepper), and sauces that transcend ketchup. Take a look at 5 Marys Livestock Farm for main inspiration.

4. Select Your Fighter (Facet Dish)

Outsource the edges and make it a potluck competitors: greatest dish wins bragging rights (and perhaps first dibs on dessert). If you happen to’re feeling formidable, hit them with one in all our top-tier summer season sides. This potato salad? Unreal.

5. Batch, Please

Skip the solo pours and make one large batched cocktail for everybody to dip into. Our Take a look at Kitchen star Nea gave the traditional US Open drink a twist together with her Massive Batch Honey Deuce Spritz (with raspberry-ginger lemonade). Spoiler: It slaps.

6. Garden Video games

If you happen to’ve acquired the area, add some built-in enjoyable. Cornhole is ceaselessly (even when I solely discovered the identify 5 years in the past—we simply referred to as it bean bag throwing?). Big Jenga, bocce, or a cheeky trivia spherical about your good friend group will maintain the social gathering going.