Make Your Summer Cookout Shine

There’s no denying it now; summer is in full bloom, and it’s time to break out your inner host and hold a summer cookout your neighbors will talk about until Thanksgiving! A successful backyard gathering depends on a few key things and a fair bit of planning, so if your party pedigree is a bit rusty since last summer, brush up with our quick list of absolute essentials needed to throw the perfect backyard barbeque.

Booze! (And water)

It’s not actually a summer cookout without a cooler full of refreshing beverages. When making the call on what to put on ice, don’t be afraid to experiment while mixing in old favorites. Summer is the season of trying new things, and the Spruce Eats is here to help with a list of 10 beers to try at your next barbeque. When pairing beer with food, look for brews that will complement your main course.

It’s also important to remember water. Not only is dehydration a real concern when summer temperatures rise, keeping both yourself and your guests hydrated will help stave off hangovers the next morning if things get a little crazy.

Party Day Checklist

Nothing will stop a cookout faster than preparing to serve up a delicious meal, and finding you have no paper plates, a depressing selection of condiments, and that the ice in the cooler has melted with no replacement.  You need to make sure you have the proper tableware for the occasion!

To avoid a disaster, check and double-check that you have the following essentials and budget time in the morning for a supermarket run if necessary:

• Lots of ice! (Don’t be afraid to ask your guests to bring some)
• Paper plates, cups, utensils
• Condiments (Go crazy here!)
• Some kind of activity (Cornhole is a classic)

Delicious food

This is the most important part of any cookout. While it’s perfectly fine to host an outdoor gathering and serve staples like burgers or hot dogs, a celebration you’ll be proud to host calls for some excitement.

To make a statement at your next summer cookout, bring the rustic comfort of a wood-fired pizza into the mix!  One or two large pizzas can serve plenty of people at your party, and they’re the most customizable food you could serve to a large group.

Even better, set out a table full of pizza toppings and let your guests make their own authentic pizzas!  As the icing on the cake, the welcoming flames of the oven serve as an aesthetic and social centerpiece for both you and your guests.

In need of an oven? We have you covered here at Patio and Pizza; with a wide selection of wood-fired ovens to choose from, you’re guaranteed to be the star of every summer party you hold. What are you waiting for? The guests are at the door; let’s get cooking!