Summertime Family Traditions Begin at Home
Every summer we host a huge cookout with family and friends. Once the kids out of school, a backyard cookout is the perfect way to keep them occupied and run out their energy. Our daughters, Caroline and Charlotte, always help with decorations, cutting out construction paper and gluing stars and circles to a backdrop. This year, we found a fun, new craft that we call “fireworks on a stick” where we cut fringe into strips of colorful construction paper and roll them onto dowel rods. The girls loved making them!
The Menu: Simple, Seasonal, and Kid-Approved
I’ve learned that the best cookout menus don’t require fancy ingredients or hours of prep. One of our family’s go-to summer recipes is this Grilled Chicken Thighs with Blackberry BBQ Sauce. It’s flavorful, easy to prep ahead of time, and picky-eater approved. Our girls love eating their vegetables, so we must have grilled zucchini and squash. My favorite source for recipes is The Food Network. I found these lemon bars to try out this year, and I just know they will be a hit!
Full Summer Cookout Menu
How to Set the Scene for Relaxed Outdoor Fun
My husband, Brad, has worked so hard the last few years to make our patio into party central! He hung string lights overhead, built a great gilling area, and has made the grass feel unbelievable for the kids. During parties, we pull out our Bluetooth speaker and let a laid-back playlist set the mood while bubbles float through the air. I love a casual, comfortable vibe, where people feel free to wander between the kitchen, porch, and backyard. The girls love making chalk drawings on the driveway and tossing water balloons too keep cool.
Keep it Simple—But Plan for Movement
One thing I’ve learned from hosting events with kids: the party is always on the move. Guests flow from the grill to the fridge to the bathroom, barefoot kids run in for snacks, and someone always ends up spilling lemonade on the floor. That’s why we chose Innovious Hues by Beauflor for our kitchen and hallway, it’s waterproof and holds up beautifully to wet feet and summer spills. I don’t worry at all about clean-up, even after the kids have built a lemonade stand inside with real (and messy) lemons.
Give Guests Space to Relax Indoors
While the action stayed outside, our living room is a calm retreat for grandparents and tired toddlers. I wanted a cozy space with soft lighting, throw pillows, and a spot to lay down if anyone needed a break from the summer heat. Waterfront from the Charleston Collection by Veranda gives the room a warm, coastal feel that ties into the natural tones outside. Even with all the back-and-forth traffic, it still looks great the next morning.
Tips for a Stress-Free Summer Cookout with Kids
- Set up food and drink stations that kids can access on their own (with a towel nearby!).
- Use paper tablecloths and let kids decorate them with crayons while they wait for dinner.
- Keep citronella candles and bug spray on hand for evening comfort.
- Have a few quiet toys indoors in case little ones need a break from the noise.
- Use music to set the pace, upbeat during prep and mellow during dining.
The Best Memories Are Made on the Move
By the end of the night, everyone is barefoot, a little sticky, and smiling. My youngest is usually asleep on my lap with marshmallow in her hair. The floors are smudged with watermelon juice and chalk footprints, but they are easy to clean and totally worth the joy of the evening. Your home doesn’t have to be spotless to be the heart of your family’s best memories, just functional, welcoming, and ready for fun!
Talk to a Flooring Expert for Advice!
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