Drinks, Decorations, Dessert, and More Ideas to Make Your Next Cookout Your Best Ever

If you're hosting a casual summer cookout, you're probably not going to bring out your wedding china. So paper plates and disposable flatware it is, right? Not so fast. Stock up on more eco-friendly tableware like compostable paper plates and cutlery, and use linen or cotton napkins and tablecloths, which you can pop in the wash as soon as the party is over.

Forget the hot dogs, who doesn't love a pizza party? Regardless of age or dietary choices, everyone (and we mean everyone!) will get in on the fun of making their own grilled pizzas for dinner. Lay out an assortment of toppings—red sauce, of course; cured meats like pepperoni or prosciutto; assorted cheeses like fresh mozzarella, ricotta, and burrata; plenty of vegetables and fresh herbs galore. Let each guest build their own pizza and then have your grill master cook them until charred.

Anyone who has hosted a summer party knows the power that citronella candles have for deterring bugs like mosquitos, nats, and more. While not unattractive, there are far more stylish options on the market now, like these hanging citronella coils ($18, crateandbarrel.com). As the wood coil burns, it releases a fresh, citrusy fragrance that lets mosquitos know that they're not on the guest list.

For better burgers, prep homemade roasted red peppers, Instant Pot caramelized onions, relish, and crispy bacon strips in advance. You can make these toppings a few days before the party to reduce time spent in the kitchen day-of and maximize time with your guests.

When it comes to assembling burgers at the cookout, Martha has a stellar tip for serving a crowd: place toasted buns on a baking sheet, then add each layer to build the burgers quickly and easily. 

You've made a delicious spread, don't share it with insects and others not on the guest list. To keep flies from your freshly mashed guacamole, grilled chicken, and fruit salad, cover platters and serving bowls with mesh food nets or covers. 

The options are endless and can be overwhelming. When it comes to cookout sides, you can't go wrong with serving the essential summer trio, by which we mean pasta salad, potato salad, and a crunchy green salad.

Set the scene and illuminate your backyard with Edison string lights draped from shepherd's hooks staked into the grass, creating a pathway to help family and friends navigate their way through your yard.

If you can't bear the thought of turning on your oven on an already hot day, plan ahead for dessert and prep popsicles, no-bake cheesecake, ice cream, or fruity trifles in advance for dessert—in addition to s'mores, which are a cookout must.