Your Guide to Hosting the Ultimate Summer BBQ
There’s nothing quite like a classic summer BBQ, the sun shining, the grill fired up, and friends and family gathered around good food and great company. This summer BBQ spread is all about celebrating those laid-back moments with bold flavours, fresh ingredients, and recipes that are easy to love.
From juicy, perfectly sauced burgers and a tangy, vibrant pepper & red onion relish for the hot dogs, to crispy smashed potatoes topped with smoky bacon and a creamy herby dressing, every bite pairs beautifully with hamburgers and hot dogs straight off the grill.
And because summer calls for a little whimsy, why not serve your hot dogs in a fun hot dog tower stacked high on tiered cake plates or platters? Add in some garden blooms for a touch of country charm, and don’t forget a cold pitcher of quintessential summertime lemonade to keep things cool.
Finish sweet with a zesty lemon-cornmeal spoon cake dusted lightly with icing sugar, perfect for sharing and savouring long after the last burger’s gone.
This is more than a meal — it’s a way to gather, relax, and enjoy the best of summer, country style.
Tips & Tricks for Effortless Summer BBQ Entertaining
1. Keep the Menu Simple (But Delicious)
Stick with easy, high-impact recipes. Juicy burgers with that epic burger sauce and classic hot dogs with fresh relish are always a hit. They’re no-fuss, flavorful, and let the meat shine.
2. Create a DIY Topping Bar
Set up a colourful hot dog (or burger) topping bar and let guests build their dream combo. Some of our favorites:
Pepper & red onion relish
Mustards: grainy, beer, Dijon
Pickled red onions, bacon bits, chopped onions
Shredded cheese, sauerkraut, pickled jalapeños
Japanese mayo and ketchup (trust us, it’s so good)
If you want, why not stack those dogs in a two-tier hot dog tower and watch it become the centerpiece of your table.
3. Let the Sides Stand Out
Our smashed potato salad brings texture and zip with crispy edges, smoky bacon, and a creamy herb dressing. It’s a fresh take on a classic, and it holds up great on a warm summer day.
4. Celebrate What’s in Season
Our lemon cornmeal spoon cake is full of juicy berries and baked to golden perfection. Serve it with mascarpone cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream and let the simple ingredients speak for themselves.
5. Keep Drinks Easy & Refreshing
Set out a cooler with ice so guests can add their own drinks or grab something cold without having to ask. Fill pitchers with lemonade, iced tea, or fruit-infused water to keep everyone hydrated and happy.
6. Add a Touch of Style Without the Stress
Use what you have like mismatched platters, mason jars, linen tea towels. Toss a few fresh herbs or garden blooms on the table for a relaxed, beautiful setup that feels intentional but easy.
Bonus Summer Hosting Tips
Make a guest-friendly setup: Have napkins, plates, utensils, and condiments all in one spot. Add a stack of clean tea towels or cloth napkins nearby for extra spills or grab-and-go convenience.
Keep bugs away, naturally: Bowls of lemon slices with cloves or citronella candles can help keep the bugs at bay without harsh sprays.
Prep ahead so you can enjoy: Do as much as you can in advance — sauces, sides, desserts — so when guests arrive, all that’s left to do is grill, serve, and enjoy.
Create cozy corners: A few blankets or outdoor cushions scattered around and some extra lawn chairs or camping chairs make it easy for guests to relax and linger a little longer.
The best summer BBQs aren’t about perfection, they’re about good food, laid-back vibes, and gathering the people you love. With flavourful, easy recipes and a few thoughtful touches, you’re ready to host a backyard get-together that feels special without the stress or breaking the bank.
