Outdoor Entertaining Season Is Here: 8 Easy Tips for Hosting the Ultimate Summer Party on the Highlands-Cashiers Plateau

Summer on the Highlands-Cashiers Plateau brings a certain ease to life. Flip-flops become the norm, drinks are served ice-cold, and weekends are filled with one essential activity: backyard BBQs.

If you're planning to host one this season, remember that you don’t need a sprawling yard, fancy outdoor furniture, or top-tier grilling skills. What you really need is delicious food, enough seating for everyone, and an atmosphere that encourages your guests to relax and enjoy themselves.

Here are 8 straightforward tips to help you throw a BBQ your friends will remember—without adding unnecessary stress to your day.

1. Set the mood, not a theme

You don’t need to go overboard with decorations. String lights can create a cozy atmosphere, and a playlist featuring classic rock, country, or any tunes that evoke summer will set the right tone. As the sun sets, lighting a few candles or lanterns can enhance the ambiance.

Bonus tip: If you enjoy music, invite your guests to contribute their favorite summer songs ahead of time. There's something special about hearing a friend’s song come on during the party.

2. Keep the menu simple

No need to get fancy with the food. Stick to classic options like burgers, hot dogs, and grilled veggies. A couple of solid side dishes—think pasta salad, fresh watermelon, or corn on the cob—can complement the main offerings nicely. Consider setting up DIY food stations where guests can personalize their meals, such as a taco bar or a slider station. And don’t forget to check for any food allergies or dietary restrictions among your guests.

Pro tip: Choose items you can prepare ahead of time so you’re not scrambling to get everything ready when guests arrive.

3. Do the prep before people arrive

If you find yourself constantly running back to the kitchen or stuck flipping burgers while everyone else is enjoying themselves, you’re not really hosting—you’re just working.

Chop your veggies, season your meats, and set up a self-serve drink station before the first guest arrives. This way, you can relax and socialize too.

4. You don’t need matching patio furniture

Don’t stress if your outdoor seating doesn’t look like it belongs in a magazine. Mix and match chairs, lay down a few picnic blankets, or even bring out some indoor stools or benches if needed. What matters is that everyone has a place to sit and enjoy their food and conversation.

Also, make sure there’s at least one shady spot if it’s a hot day. If you lack shady trees, consider using umbrellas or pop-up tents to keep things cool.

5. Think about what the kids (and grown-ups) will do

If families are attending, set out a few simple games—think volleyball, sidewalk chalk, or even a sprinkler for the kids to run through. For the adults, lawn games like bocce or giant Jenga can keep the fun going. And if you have a fire pit, s’mores are always a crowd-pleaser.

You don’t need a strict agenda, but having activities available keeps the energy up and gives people a reason to stay longer.

6. Plan ahead for bugs

Nothing can ruin a backyard gathering like pesky mosquitoes. Light a few citronella candles, provide bug spray, and keep food covered when it’s on the table. A small fan near the dining area can help too—bugs tend to avoid wind, and your guests will appreciate the breeze.

7. Don’t worry about decorations

Honestly, decorations aren’t necessary. A clean yard, some colorful napkins or paper plates, and a few fresh flowers in jars are more than enough. Nobody’s grading your hosting skills; they’re just happy to be included.

8. Send people off with a little something (if you want to)

Totally optional, but always appreciated: send guests home with a small snack, drink, or leftover treat. It doesn’t have to be a thing—just a slice of pie wrapped in foil or a to-go cup of lemonade is a nice way to say thanks for coming.

Bottom line? Keep it easy.

The best backyard BBQs aren’t about perfection—they’re about creating a comfortable atmosphere where everyone can enjoy themselves. Where laughter fills the air, people go back for seconds, and the gathering continues long after the sun sets.

So if you’re hosting this summer on the Highlands-Cashiers Plateau, don’t stress about making everything picture-perfect. Just focus on keeping it relaxed, a bit messy, and full of fun.