Summer Cookout Ideas: 10 Small But Important Upgrades To Try

If you’re hosting a backyard bbq this season, you may be looking for ways to take the aesthetic to the next level? Or perhaps you’re simply looking for some menu options to kickstart your recipe planning? Either way, these summer cookout ideas will get your creative juices flowing so you can entertain stylishly all season long.

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Summer Cookout Ideas

1. Wood Corn-on-the-Cob Holders

Seemingly insignificant and yet almost guaranteed to be a conversation starter. Swap out your yellow, plastic corn-on-the-cob holders for a set of light wood holders. Such a small detail but wow does it make an impact! You can either “pre-load” the ears for your guests, or display the loose holders in a small dish for them to grab.

2. Windproof Napkin Holder

For summer bbqs, you probably want to use paper napkins for convenience. However, they can easily fly away with one tiny gust of wind. Avoid chasing them around your backyard by using a weighted napkin holder.

The holder I have had from Kate Spade for years has a metal weight that does the job but minimally detracts from the napkin design. While the exact item is sold out at the present moment (sadly), this one from Crate & Barrel is very, very similar – and a much better price point!

3. Iced Serving Dishes

Decanting your menu items from their original packaging into a serveware is one sure way to elevate any event. Cookouts are no exception.

However, temperature control is even more important than aesthetic. After all, we don’t want people remembering our event for the wrong reason (i.e. food poisoning!).

Enter iced serving dishes. Buy several to have on hand and fill with sauces and toppings.

4. Mini Sheet Pans as Plates

Part campy, part modern, and a whole lot of practicality. Mini sheet pans are a fun alternative to plates, especially outdoors. You may be able to find them at a much better price if your community has a restaurant supply store. However, if you’d rather order online, this is the set I bought from Amazon.

To give it a more polished look, I add a small sheet of kraft paper liner. You can do this step ahead of your cookout, and then stack them as you normally would plates. Easy peasy!

5. Serving Tray

When you’re serving a meal outside, a tray will quickly become your best friend as you take food out and bring dishes in. Until you have a good one, you don’t know what you’re missing! This classic white tray from Crate & Barrel is one of my favorites because it is so easy to clean, the built-in handles are sturdy, and its sized just right.

6. Utensil Caddy

If you don’t own a utensil caddy yet, backyard parties are the perfect excuse to buy one! I especially love this woven utensil holder from Target, which is very similar to one I bought there years ago. To tell you the truth, I like this style even better because of the open weave band! If I didn’t already have a caddy, this would be in my cart for sure!

7. Washable Waterproof Tablecloth

Instead of using disposable tablecloths, I suggest using waterproof cloth table coverings for outdoor events whenever possible. Sure, disposable is convenient, but cloth tends to stay in place better. Not only that, but besides some rare exceptions, cloth tends to look a lot more high end.

A few summers ago, I found this washable waterproof tablecloth on Amazon, and it has become my go-to for summer cookout table decor. Never needs ironed but still has a nice cotton-like feel. Plus, if you prefer red, it comes in that color too!

8. Modern Citronella Candles

Keep the bugs away, but make it cute! Citronella candles have come a long way in their design aesthetic. Target has so many great ceramic options that are clean and modern – and priced just right! For instance, this beauty from the Studio McGee line.

9. Summer Cookout Music

A little music goes a long way to creating atmosphere at gatherings. Luckily, portable speakers make that simple to do outside where sometimes it’s difficult to have other devices plugged in.

I’m currently on the hunt for a solution for our own backyard and have narrowed down to this portable bluetooth speaker from Kove. It has tons of great reviews – but isn’t so crazy overpriced that I’ll cry if my kids accidentally leave it somewhere. Additionally, it has a long range and aesthetically pleasing – not something you tend to find with speakers, in my opinion!

10. Digital Invitation and Party Printables

Lastly, invite your guests with an actual invitation. Or if not paper, then via text. Then incorporate the design and color palette of the invitation throughout your party with other party printable, like food picks/cupcake toppers and signs.

There are a lot of great options out there. But I’d be remiss if I didn’t mention my own collection of backyard bbq printables – new for summer 2022 and available in my Etsy shop. With designs starting at just $5, you can quickly, easily, and affordably DIY a few statement moments to really upgrade your cookout!

As a thank you for being a blog reader, use discount code BLOGREADER20 for an extra 20% off. Want an extra 50% off? Sign up for my newsletter through this link, and a special discount code will be sent right to your inbox!

Sample Summer Cookout Menu

Now, what to serve? While I’m not a huge fan of cooking, I do like coming up with menus. (Then happily step out of the kitchen to give my husband space to execute the plan, which he does so happily.)

Here is what I would have on the menu for a backyard bbq:

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Thank you so much for stopping by today. I hope you found what you were looking for! Please feel free to reach out to me directly either by leaving a comment or emailing sarah@hostessology.com. Happy to hear from you!

Wishing you many wonderful summer events!

Cheers!