6 Easy Ways to Host the Best Summer BBQ

Welcome to Come On Over, a Food52 newsletter about hosting life’s big and little moments. It’s where we share our personal tips and tricks, from modern-day etiquette—shoes off or shoes on?—to making extra seating out of every surface of an apartment. This week, we’re finally feelin’ like it’s BBQ time.

National Best Friends Day is this Sunday, and honestly? I’ll throw a BBQ for just about any excuse. It takes me back to those rare Irish summer days (all two weeks of them), where the smell of raw bell pepper meant the grill was firing up. My mother was a big fan of them on her burger—hey, don’t knock it till you try it. Here’s how I’m planning this weekend.

1. National Best Friend’s Day

I say take any and all reason to celebrate your nearest and dearest, so lean into this theme if you’re gonna do it this weekend (or any weekend). Make namecards with a line of why you’re proud of them lately. Consider a friendship bracelet making station, bring the nostalgia with old photos on the table, leave out a polaroid for new ones. A custom cocktail per guest if the list isn’t insane.

2. Set the Vibe

But not necessarily the table. You know your friends best, so curating the right ambience will come naturally. I’m leaning picnic-style this year: blankets on the grass, baskets of snacks, and plenty of finger food. A touch more chill, but it still feels like a moment. I’m also making paper fans with the menu printed on, in case it gets too hot. Form, meet function and fashion.

3. Stack It Your Way

A DIY burger bar lets guests do their thing while you take a breather. Offer up a few bun options (brioche, potato, lettuce wrap), unexpected toppings (hello again, raw bell pepper), and sauces that go beyond ketchup. Check out Five Marys Livestock Farm for major inspiration.

4. Choose Your Fighter (Side Dish)

Outsource the sides and make it a potluck competition: best dish wins bragging rights (and maybe first dibs on dessert). If you’re feeling ambitious, hit them with one of our top-tier summer sides. This potato salad? Unreal.

5. Batch, Please

Skip the solo pours and make one big batched cocktail for everyone to dip into. Our Test Kitchen star Nea gave the classic US Open drink a twist with her Big Batch Honey Deuce Spritz (with raspberry-ginger lemonade). Spoiler: It slaps.

6. Lawn Games

If you’ve got the space, add some built-in fun. Cornhole is forever (even if I only learned the name five years ago—we just called it bean bag throwing?). Giant Jenga, bocce, or a cheeky trivia round about your friend group will keep the party going.