Make a casual #cookout more #sustainable by using accessories such as compostable paper plates and bamboo cutlery and reusable linen or cotton napkins, Martha Stewart suggests. Another idea to make the event more #ecofriendly is to serve low-impact foodstuffs such as chicken, fish and vegetables rather than beef, says Move for Hunger, and use a gas grill to reduce carbon emissions. Save leftovers to avoid food waste, make recycling easy for guests by labeling waste bins and compost food scraps to enrich your soil at a later date. #CasualCookout
Tag: entertaining
Throw a Summer Cookout in Style
If you want to have a cookout that’s “more of an event than just a few guys grilling some burgers,” Real Men Real Style says, send invites ahead of time via social media. Then, tidy up the yard to keep things presentable, #uncluttered and safe. Pick quality ingredients for the grill and dress for the event: “There are plenty of outfit options that will keep your temperature down while maintaining [a] level of style.” Breathable fabrics such as linen and cotton are best for tending a grill in hot weather, and light colors soak up less sun. On a budget? Shop for lightly used summery styles at the #thrift stores supplied by #donations to ClothingDonations.org. #ClassyCookout
Add a Touch of Class to Your Cookout
Want to add a touch of class to your #cookout? Make your table settings sophisticated, says Havenly Hideaway. Use fresh flowers, a tablecloth and real plates instead of paper and plastic, and set the table in advance before serving up dishes family-style. Make a batch of a signature cocktail to your barbecue feel more like a special event, the site adds: “Pick something that’s easy to make, like punch or a margarita, so you can put out a big pitcher for everyone to try.” If some of your guests are younger or teetotalers, you can leave the alcohol out of the blend or serve it on the side. #ClassyCookout
Have a Casual, Crowd-Pleasing Cookout
Summer means outdoor living, and there’s nothing quite like hosting a #cookout to bring family and friends together. You can keep things casual with crowd-pleasing classics such as burgers, brats and cole slaw, Delish says, or take things up a notch with chicken kebabs, grilled oysters or lime shrimp. Be sure to include a good side such as potato salad or grilled vegetables, and a quick-grab dessert such as s’mores or watermelon. Whatever’s on the menu, keep it low-key: Turn on the Bluetooth speaker and set up a lawn game, and guests are guaranteed to get some good vibes. #CasualCookout
Give Your Super Bowl Party Some Local Flavor
Every town has its own native food traditions, and those that are home to this year’s Super Bowl contenders are no exception. Theme your party menu to suit 49ers and Chiefs fans by cooking up snacks inspired by San Francisco and Kansas City, Chowhound says. K.C. is known for its barbecue, so whip up a hearty selection of burnt ends, macaroni and cheese, ribs, and baked beans. San Francisco’s seaside location and gourmet farm-to-table traditions suggest a baked goat cheese salad and cioppino chowder — not just Rice-a-Roni. Toasting the touchdowns? Try San Fran’s Anchor Steam or K.C.’s Boulevard brews.