Actually enjoy all that grillin' and chillin' with a little expert party prep. (Getty)
Dust off that patio furniture, break out those string lights and fire up the grill because it's backyard barbecue season! There's no better way to celebrate warm weather than by gathering a big group of friends and hosting a good, old-fashioned cookout. Burgers (and, uhh, hot dog patties), anyone?
While an outdoor get-together feels more casual than a dinner party, it still requires some prep and planning — after all, do you really want to be stuck inside assembling appetizers while your guests are laughing it up around the fire pit? These days, parties can cost a pretty penny, so a little work ahead of the big day can also help you stick to a budget.
To help you throw the best backyard barbecue on the block, we talked to folks who know how to party — we mean that in the most professional way possible — including cookbook authors, event planners, pit masters and a Food Network star. They had loads of tips about everything from what to serve to how to decorate. Follow in their footsteps for a sizzlin' summer celebration.
Food Network star and author of Game-Day Eats Eddie Jackson starts prepping a few days ahead of the event: "I get all my tables, sterno pans and serving items together, so I know exactly what I need when I head to the store," he says.
If you need to move around patio furniture, bring in extra seating or do anything on the more involved side, get going even earlier, advises Cameron Forbes, owner of event planning agency Forbes Functions. "Start prepping a week out, so the day-of can be about creating a vibe and enjoying the experience with guests, not scrambling," she says.
The day before the party, marinate any meat or vegetables that need it. "This both ensures that the meat will absorb the utmost flavor from the marinade and that you'll save yourself some time the day of the barbecue," say Charbroil experts and food bloggers Sarah and Zach Cioffi. You should also knock out as many sides as you can, Jackson recommends.
Red not your color? This classic black-and-white version is a dollar less!
If you're looking to limit the amount of single-use plastic in your kitchen, these reusable, resealable silicone bags are a smart way to go. Use them for marinating meat and veggies, then just toss them in dishwasher on the day of the party. This set of six gets more than 2,400 five-star ratings.
Our top pick for the best nontoxic food storage containers is the perfect home for all those make-ahead sides. The glass bases are crystal-clear, and they come with airtight, locking BPA-free plastic lids that work across any of the containers in Rubbermaid's Brilliance line, handy if you happen to lose or break one. Despite numerous trips through the dishwasher, they never warp, an issue we've noticed with some other brands.
For food storage and serveware in one, you can't do better than these eco-friendly mixing bowls. Though a bit pricey, this set is well worth it: I've owned these bowls for a couple of years, and they are the absolute best for mixing up ingredients and dishing them out.
They're nice and deep and come in beautiful, party-worthy colors, plus they're made from Astrisk, an eco-friendly bamboo composite that's dishwasher- and microwave-safe. Nab a set of the brand's stretchy silicone lids for $20 to keep your food fresh 'til go time.
A Yahoo reader favorite, these market lights (aka string lights) will brighten up any space without dimming your wallet — you can often score them on sale. More than 20,000 illuminated shoppers have given them a five-star review.
Although the Edison-style bulbs look vintage, they're state-of-the-art. They're commercial grade and weatherproof, plus they come in 36-, 48- and 72-foot lengths. Whichever set you choose, know that you can link up to 32 strands, for a whole-yard glow.
In addition to being a party pro, Tait is the head of marketing at Grommet, so she gets the inside scoop on everything the online marketplace sells. This solar lantern is her newest favorite find: "It charges during the day and automatically lights up at dusk, so you don't have to think about it. And it casts the coolest shadows," she says.
Instead of disposable plastic or paper tablecloths, why not invest in something you can use all season long? This pick is made from stain- and water-resistant polyester — but if disaster strikes, you can toss it in the washer and dryer.
Som loves a block-print pattern — it feels a bit more sophisticated than a solid color. This cloth comes in eight more sizes, including as a runner, so you should be able to find an option no matter your setup.
No matter what you're grilling, tongs are a must, the Cioffis say. "They're super versatile for all cuts of meat." These have a rubberized handle and ergonomic grip, plus they're nice and long, so you can give yourself plenty of space between your hands and the flame.
Give your burgers a fun spin (smash?) with a cast iron press. Smashing puts more surface area in contact with the griddle, which creates a crisp, caramelized, mouthwatering crust — yum! "I love taking nostalgic crowd-pleasers and giving them a little glow-up," says Forbes.
Did we mention this gadget gets more than 14,000 glowing five-star ratings? Burger heaven is about to be yours.
We recently asked Guy Fieri about his kitchen must-haves, and he gave a shout-out to bamboo cutting boards. "I like bamboo boards — they're fun to work with and they look pretty," he says.
This one's nice and roomy, plus it has a groove for containing juices. And the walnut-hued finish looks nice enough that you could easily leave this out for grazing guests.
Some foods are meant to be eaten at room temp, but if it's especially hot outside or you have dishes like fruit salad that are best chilled, try this cool tip for your buffet table: "Tuck a few flat ice packs under the tablecloth to help keep things cold a little longer," says Tait.
At a half-inch thick, these ice packs can slide under a dish or platter without throwing it off balance. They're a hit among Amazon shoppers, with nearly 13,000 five-star ratings.
This pretty pitcher looks like glass, but it's made from shatterproof acrylic — a must if you've got lots of people milling about. The faceted design would be right at home on a rocks glass, making this a fitting pick for a pre-batched cocktail.
Tait is newly obsessed with this double-decker drink dispenser, which lets you serve up two beverages at once without gobbling up lots of table space. "I love putting tea in one and lemonade in the other — it makes the drinks station feel instantly more polished," she says.
A cooler on wheels is nice, but a cooler on wheels with a storage shelf and two flip-up tables? This is the ultimate outdoor bar cart.
Stash ice and bottled and canned drinks in the insulated middle section, then keep pitchers of lemonade and water on the side tables. This smart cart can hold up to 70 bottles or 120 cans and will keep them chilled for up to 48 hours.
"I love that these plates come in all different shapes and sizes, so you can mix and match depending on your menu," says Tait (they're also available as square plates and bowls). "Bonus: They actually hold up really well to heavier food, which isn't always the case with disposables!"
This lightweight serving tray is made by the storied porcelain company Lenox, so it's no surprise that it looks far more sophisticated than typical melamine (which is a type of plastic). The breezy blue stripes scream summer!
FYI, you can also nab a matching salad bowl, which comes with serving utensils, for $43.
Jackson's favorite brand of compostable plates also makes sturdy to-go containers. Buy these in bulk and save whatever you don't use this summer for Thanksgiving — you'll be happy to have them once leftovers season arrives!
Our beauty editor, Jennifer Romolini, recently rounded up the best body sunscreens of 2025, and awarded this Supergoop tube top honors for its gentle, sweat-resistant, super-absorbent formula that's great for all skin types. You can use it on both your face and body, making it convenient and versatile. "It's the only sunscreen I pack on vacation," she notes.
Save the fancy double-walled Yeti can cooler for yourself. For a large group, these foam koozies will do the trick. Though they're simple, more than 10,000 Amazon shoppers give them a five-star rating for their durability and fun colors. Speaking of, this multi-hued pack makes it easy to keep track of each person's drink, whether they're sipping on seltzer, soda or something stronger.
Storage baskets are a dime a dozen, but if you want something that you can leave outside all summer, you'll need one that's mildew- and fade-resistant. This soft basket is woven from polypropylene, the same fabric used for many outdoor rugs, so you know it'll weather the elements. You don't need to worry about it potentially snagging your blankets, thanks to the tightly braided design.
No one's saying you have to go all out with streamers and garland (though if that's your thing, we're here for it!). A few simple decorations can go a long way in making your yard and patio feel more special for guests. "The first thing I always do? Flip on the market lights," says entertaining expert and blogger Tori Tait. "There's just something about that warm glow that instantly makes the backyard feel like a party." You can also set the mood with lanterns and candles in glass hurricanes.
As for the table? Leave the place mats and fancy vases inside where they belong. "I keep things easy but thoughtful — string lights overhead, fresh flowers in simple jars and a colorful tablecloth instantly set the mood," says Peter Som, a fashion designer, lifestyle expert and author of the new cookbook Family Style. "Add hurricane lamps with candles and platters of shareable food, and it all feels inviting without trying too hard."
Start with a few simple apps, like hummus and crisp veggies or bacon-wrapped dates. "They're super easy to prepare," says Jackson.
When grilling for a crowd, it pays to stick with the classics for the main event. "If there are a lot of different appetizers and sides, we keep it simple with burgers, hot dogs and/or chicken drumsticks. This ensures we don't overcommit to too much food prep, and those proteins typically pair well with anything. With burgers and dogs, you also can let guests choose their own adventure with a variety of toppings," the Cioffis say. Just make sure to offer two unique proteins, they advise, since not everyone will have the same tastes.
To round out the menu, Tait recommends a simple fruit salad or platter. "I'll also serve baked beans or mac and cheese — always the mac and cheese if kids are coming over! If you don't feel like making it from scratch, grab the one from Costco, re-plate it before heating, and top it with crumbled bacon. It's absolutely delicious!"
Serve everything buffet style, our pros suggest. "I like to present all the meats on multiple cutting boards and let people grab and roam!" says pit master and Pit Boss expert Erica Blaire.
As soon as guests arrive, give them something to do — even if that means just helping themselves to a drink. "It's a nice way to ease into the gathering, and it buys you a few extra minutes if you're still wrapping things up in the kitchen," says Tait, who carves out an area with lemonade, iced tea, water and a pre-mixed signature cocktail.
Party planner Forbes seconds the idea of making a signature drink that's ready to pour. "I'm all about interactive and batch cocktails right now. A DIY spritz bar or a pre-batched drink served in pretty carafes takes the pressure off the host and lets guests get creative. It's festive without the fuss!"
Need an easy recipe? Jackson makes Caribbean-style punches with a variety of fruit nectars, pineapple juice and ginger beer — mix to taste. Add rum (again, to taste) if you want it spiked.
When it comes to plates and bowls, just keep repeating to yourself: low-maintenance, low-maintenance, maintenance. Tait likes bamboo and palm leaf, which are durable like plastic but more sustainably made and often biodegradable. "Bamboo plates make cleanup easy and eco-friendly, and the natural look gives everything that relaxed, rustic vibe that feels perfect for a backyard barbecue," she says.
For platters and bowls that might get passed around, consider melamine — these days you can find plenty of options that look as sophisticated as ceramic, but you don't need to worry about it shattering. "Lastly, and this is very important, always make sure you have to-go boxes for your guests," adds Jackson. "It will make putting away leftovers a lot easier."
Think of what a guest might need while they're visiting — sunblock, bug spray, hand sanitizer — and have it easily accessible in baskets or containers. "I love putting together a little 'help yourself' station. It's such an easy way to make guests feel comfortable," says Tait. Other smart ideas: a basket of koozies if you're serving canned drinks and a collection of blankets for when the sun goes down.
