Summer is in full gear and that means enjoying the outside every minute that you can. What better way to celebrate the warm weather than with a summer cookout? Cooking for a group of people, especially on a budget, can be hard. These steps will make sure your guests are happy without breaking the bank.
1—Food:
One of the most important steps in ensuring your summer cookout is a success is the actual meal. I start by checking my local market’s weekly flyer to find great deals on a variety of foods. For me, summer always means some sort of seafood. Preparing seafood on your own is a much cheaper (and more fun) way of feeding a crowd than eating out at a restaurant. If seafood isn’t your preference, homemade kabobs and meat skewers are other great cookout options that always seem to please.
2—Drinks:
Planning drinks for a summer cookout, the first thing that came to my mind was some variation of lemonade. While fresh squeezed lemonade is always delicious, starting with a pre-made lemonade base and adding pieces of fresh fruit is an easy and far less time-consuming way to impress guests. I made a pitcher of raspberry lemonade; served in mason jars, this definitely made for a picture-perfect drink!
3—Décor:
Adding little details to a table setting can make a big difference. Before going out to buy them, look around your house first for items that can be used to decorate. Wrap candles with twine or ribbon and assemble them in the middle of the table for a simple yet elegant centerpiece. In terms of tableware, I wanted to do something fun and festive for a summer cookout. I found these adorable lobster buckets and seashell napkins, entirely suitable for an event like this. If you are unable to find appropriate decorations in your home, discount furnishing stores like Christmas Tree Shops or Home Goods are great places to look for seasonal décor, particularly when shopping with a budget.
4—Enjoy:
Although hosting a group can be stressful, this is a time for reconnecting with friends and family. Remember to relax and enjoy the warm weather and good company.
What would your summer cookout include? Let me know in the comments!
