Grill and Gather: Master the Art of the Summer BBQ

By Noelle Sharbaugh, High Heeled Hostess

Photo courtesy of the High Heeled Hostess.

Few things capture the spirit of summer like the scent of the grill, cold drinks in hand, and guests lingering in flip-flops and sundresses. Incorporate just a few simple tweaks to transform a casual backyard barbecue into a gathering that’s effortless, memorable, and full of flavor.

Whether you’re hosting a casual get-together with a few friends or a larger-scale party, these tips will help you master the BBQ and be the talk of your friends and neighbors.

Prep with Purpose

The secret to a smooth cookout begins before the grill heats up:

• Marinate meats, veggies, or tofu the night before using olive oil, citrus, and fresh herbs—simple, fragrant, and flavorful.

• Pre-chop and skewer ahead of time for easy grill-to-plate service.

• Set up a prep station with trays, bowls, and platters to keep things organized and mobile.

Grill More Than Meat

Think beyond burgers and hotdogs:

Try grilled fruits like peaches or pineapple—great salads or desserts.

Charred romaine uplevels a Caesar.

Warm flatbreads and cheese on the grill for a simple appetizer.

Create a “Grilled Grazing Board” with sweet, savory, and charred bites for easy snacking.

Photo by The High Heeled Hostess.

Photo by The High Heeled Hostess.

Set the Scene with Style

Polish your space without overdoing it:

• Use melamine or bamboo plates instead of disposables, and add linen napkins or a breezy table runner.

• Infuse water pitchers with citrus slices or herbs—simple but elegant.

• String lights, lanterns, or seasonal blooms add to the mood.

Signature Sips by the Grill

Offer guests something fun to sip while you cook:

• Feature one signature drink, like citrus sangria or cucumber lemonade.

• Create a drink station with fresh garnishes and pretty glassware.

• Add a handwritten or chalkboard menu for a personal touch.

Finish with Fire

Keep the grill going for dessert:

Try grilled peaches with honey, pound cake with berries, or grown-up s’mores skewers.

Set up a tabletop s’mores station or light a fire pit for that nostalgic summer moment.

Garnish dessert plates with mint sprigs or edible flowers for a special finish.

Summer Party Themes

Create a theme to tie the gathering together. You can take this a step further and incorporate this into the decor and music playlist. Here are a few ideas for inspiration:

• Sunset Soirée: Flatbreads, wine spritzers, and golden hour glow

• Tropical Tasting Night: Jerk chicken skewers, grilled pineapple, and rum punch

• Garden Grill Gathering: Herb-marinated chicken, iced teas, and garden-fresh- florals

Grilling doesn’t have to mean sacrificing style for ease. You can turn a simple cookout into a celebration with just a little planning—from flavorful marinades to a well-set table.

At the heart of it all? Making people feel welcome, relaxed, and well-fed. So light the grill, pour the sangria, and enjoy the kind of summer celebration that lingers long after the last bite.

For more seasonal inspiration and entertaining ideas, visit www.highheeledhostess.com/ and follow for updates and exclusive content.

Noelle Sharbaugh, the High Heeled Hostess, is a published and award-winning tablescape designer dedicated to helping people transform dining experiences into unforgettable events. For more tips, tricks, and hosting inspiration, visit www.highheeledhostess.com/, or email her at noelle@highheeledhostess.com