When it comes to summertime shindigs, we love a good pool party or tailgate at the baseball game. But what we love most of all is a casual, stress-free party right in your own backyard. Just fire up the grill, call up your besties and let the fun begin. Want more backyard party ideas? We’ll walk you through how to host the best backyard bash yet. You can start with these must-have recipes:
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Southwestern Backyard Burgers
Whether you're in the stadium parking lot or on your patio, these Southwestern-style burgers are great on the grill. Sometimes I make six patties rather than eight because I like my burgers bigger and better! —Robert Hodges, San Diego, California
Sweet and Spicy Baked Beans
This recipe is always a hit with guests & family. I am always asked for the recipe. Its so simple and so delicious. —Elliot Wesen, Arlington, Texas
Chunky Ketchup
I came up with this chunky homemade ketchup to jazz up chopped steak sandwiches and hot sausage sandwiches for my family. I gave some to our friends, too, and they enjoyed it on hamburgers and stuffed peppers. It's fresh-tasting and delicious.—Susan Stahr, Driftwood, Pennsylvania
Old-Fashioned Coney Hot Dog Sauce
Camping and hot dogs go hand in hand. Roast some up over the fire, then top with this irresistible one-pot sauce. —Loriann Cargill Bustos, Phoenix, Arizona
Crisp Onion Relish
I take this relish to picnics for people to use as a condiment on hamburgers and hot dogs. It adds a special zip! —Marie Patkau, Hanley Saskatchewan
Emily's Honey Lime Coleslaw
Here’s a refreshing take on slaw with a honey-lime vinaigrette rather than the traditional mayo. It’s a great take-along for all those summer picnics. —Emily Tyra, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Honey Mustard Red Potato Salad
This summer cookout star is crunchy-delicious with a brilliant zesty dressing. —Brittany Allyn, Mesa, Arizona
Favorite Bread & Butter Pickles
I made these pickles while growing up and love them because you can eat them with just about anything. Now, both of my children love these pickles, too. I think you'll enjoy them as much as we do! —Linda Weger, Robinson, Illinois
Rainbow Fruit Salad
To entice my children to eat fruit when they were young, I often "disguised" it in this easy-to-prepare salad. I still make it today—and I'm a great-grandmother. The salad goes well with barbecued meats or cold sandwiches. —Jonnie Adams Sisler, Stevensville, Montana
Banana Split Dessert
Here's a mouthwatering make-ahead dessert that looks scrumptious...and tastes as good as it looks!—Mrs. Elmer Thorsheim, Radcliffe, Iowa
Mushroom-Stuffed Cheeseburgers
No need to call my family twice when these burgers are on the menu. Get ahead of the game and stuff them ahead of time, then grill later. — Joyce Guth, Mohnton, Pennsylvania
Jersey-Style Hot Dogs
I grew up in northern New Jersey, where hot dogs with grilled potatoes were born. It's a combo you’ll love. —Suzanne Banfield, Basking Ridge, New Jersey
Double Hot Horseradish Mustard
My family enjoys spicy food so this recipe is wonderful for us. We add it to sandwiches.—Madeline Cole, Willow, Alaska
Kansas Cucumber Salad
Cucumbers are my very favorite garden vegetable, so I use this recipe often. I got it from a friend 8 years ago. I've heard this refreshing dish keeps very well in the refrigerator, but it goes so fast around our house, I've never found out for myself. -Karen Ann Bland, Gove, Kansas
Grilled Sweet Corn
Since we have plenty of fresh sweet corn available in our area, we use this recipe often in summer. Parsley, chili powder and cumin accent the corn's just-picked flavor. —Connie Lou Hollister, Lake Odessa, Michigan
Strawberry-Rhubarb Ice Pops
These cool, creamy pops are a deliciously different way to use up the bounty from your rhubarb patch. —Donna Linihan, Moncton, New Brunswick
Wagon Wheel Pasta Salad
Summertime gatherings aren't complete without a refreshing pasta salad. This tasty version features a mayonnaise and picante dressing. It may become one of your favorite side dishes for tacos, too! —Kathryn Donahey, Oil City, Pennsylvania
Watermelon Tomato Salad
Watermelon and tomatoes may seem an unlikely pair, but they team up to make a winning combination in this eye-catching salad. —Matthew Denton, Seattle, Washington
Balsamic Three-Bean Salad
Here's my little girl's favorite salad. She eats it just about as fast as I can make it. Make it ahead so the flavors have plenty of time to get to know each other. —Stacey Feather, Jay, Oklahoma
Peach Crumb Bars
I had the most beautiful peaches and really wanted to bake with them. I started with my blueberry crumb bar recipe, and after a couple of tries, I am so happy with the results. My co-worker taste-testers are, too! —Amy Burns, Newman, Illinois
Barbecued Burgers
I can't take all the credit for these winning burgers. My husband's uncle passed down the special barbecue sauce recipe. We love it on everything...it was only natural to try it on, and in, burgers. —Rhoda Troyer, Glenford, Ohio
White Balsamic Blueberry, Corn, and Feta Salad
I'm not typically a huge fan of summer corn, but when it comes to this sweet, salty, refreshing salad, I can't put my fork down. I find that grilling the corn inside of the husk makes it easier to remove all the corn silk from each cob. —Colleen Delawder, Herndon, Virginia
Cran-Orange Couscous Salad
I often create salads for summer using a variety of healthy, filling grains. This version with tender couscous is amped up by the bright flavors of oranges, cranberries, basil and a touch of fennel. —Kristen Heigl, Staten Island, New York
Sparkling Fruit Salad
Pineapple chunks, mandarin oranges, strawberries and grapes are treated to a dressing of wine and sparkling club soda in this delightful salad. Serve in dessert dishes or set the whole bowl on the table for a fetching presentation. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Grilled Bean Burgers
These juicy veggie patties have major flavor with cumin, garlic and a little chili powder. They hold their own against any veggie burger you‘d buy at the supermarket. —Marguerite Shaeffer, Sewell, New Jersey
Chocolate-Covered Strawberry Cobbler
This cobbler came about because I love chocolate-covered strawberries. Top it with whipped cream, either plain or with a little chocolate syrup stirred in. —Andrea Bolden, Unionville, Tennessee
Sweet & Salty Peanut Butter Bites
My son Micah and I love peanut butter cups, so we made them into a new treat. We entered these peanut butter no bake cookies in a creative baking contest and won first place! —Autumn Emigh, Gahanna, Ohio
Smoky Grilled Corn Salsa
Our backyard grill is the perfect place to cook up the ingredients for homemade corn salsa. It’s yummy with tortilla chips and as a topping for meat, poultry and fish. —Alicia DeWolfe, Gloucester, Massachusetts
Almond Coleslaw
As a twist to my mother's original recipe, I added toasted almonds for more crunch, taste and nutrition. —Sarah Nevin, Gila, New Mexico
Dr Pepper BBQ Sauce
My family is stationed in Italy with my husband, Lieutenant William Robert Blackman. William grew up in Memphis, Tennessee, and I’m from Texas, so the dish that spells "home" for us is a good ol' barbecue. I have my own recipe for barbecue sauce that we like to pour all over sliced brisket. Eating it reminds us of weekend barbecues with our families. —Tina Blackman, Naples, Italy
Oatmeal Cookie Ice Cream Sandwiches
If you’re tight on time, you can use store-bought cookies, but I highly recommend making these oatmeal chocolate cookies from scratch. The dessert sandwiches are pure fun. Sometimes I decorate the sides of the sandwiches with colorful jimmies, too. —Diane Halferty, Corpus Christi, Texas
Frozen Peach Pies
A refreshing, peachy filling and a buttery graham cracker crust are the perfect pair. I’ve found that this pie can be frozen up to three days. —Athena M. Russell, Florence, South Carolina
Barbecue Sliders
When company dropped in by surprise, all I had was sausage and ground beef defrosted. We combined the two for juicy burgers on the grill. —BJ Larsen, Erie, Colorado
Slow-Cooker Blueberry Cobbler
I love blueberries, and this easy cake-mix cobbler showcases them deliciously. Serve it warm with a big scoop of French vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. —Teri Rasey, Cadillac, Michigan
Banana Split Fluff
This pretty pink banana split fluff salad, chock-full of yummy fruit and nuts, is sure to disappear in a hurry. It's a sweet and speedy treat that can be served as a dessert or salad. —Anne Powers, Munford, Alabama.
S'more Sandwich Cookies
Capture the taste of campfire s'mores in your kitchen. Graham cracker crumbs added to chocolate chip cookie dough bring out the flavor of the fireside favorite. Melting the cookies' marshmallow centers in the microwave makes them simple to assemble. —Abby Metzger, Larchwood, Iowa
Barbecue Seasoning
I use this BBQ seasoning on country-style ribs, pork chops and chicken. You'll likely have all of the seasonings on hand to make a batch, and if you don't use it all, it will keep for the next time. —Rose Rainier, Sheridan Wyoming
Bacon-Wrapped Hot Dogs
Here's a juicy, delicious and savory meal in a bun! I make these bacon-wrapped hot dogs for picnics, barbecues and tailgate parties, and they always get compliments. To transport, wrap the hot dogs in foil and then in paper. —Peter Halferty, Corpus Christi, Texas
Blueberry Lattice Bars
Since our area has an annual blueberry festival, my daughters and I are always looking for great new berry recipes to enter in the cooking contest. These lovely yummy bars won a blue ribbon one year. —Debbie Ayers, Baileyville, Maine
Watermelon Slice Cookies
When I made these butter cookies for a party, a neighbor thought they were so attractive that she froze one to show friends. —Sue Ann Benham, Valparaiso, Indiana
Creamy Layered Blueberry Ice Pops
These delicious ice-pops can be made with raspberries or blackberries. The rosemary sprig and lemon rind brings another layer of taste. They're quick, easy and kid-friendly. —Gloria Bradley, Naperville, Illinois
Start with a Simple Menu
For a casual backyard get-together, there’s no need to overcomplicate your menu. All you have to do is start with the basics: burgers and hot dogs (or any variation thereof). Once you’ve perfected your burger making and grilling technique, you can let your guests take care of the rest with an assortment of toppings that let them customize their burger. Here are some burger ideas to start with:
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King Burgers
My husband is a grill master, and we like to make up recipes together. The sauce for this juicy burger tastes even better when it's been refrigerated overnight. —Mary Potter, Sterling Heights, Michigan
BBQ Yumburgers
If you top them with extra barbecue sauce, you get both onions and sauce inside and out of these burgers. My husband loves to add cheese, too. —Donna Hoye, Whitmore Lake, Michigan
Spicy Cajun Salsa Burgers
Use a few on-hand seasonings like Creole, red pepper flakes and garlic powder to create these flavorful and juicy burgers. —David Dalton, Orleans, Indiana
Garlic-Herb Salmon Sliders
The fresh flavors of the salmon and herbs are just unbeatable. I serve these as full-size burgers on kaiser rolls, too. —Margee Berry, White Salmon, Washington
Basil Burgers with Sun-Dried Tomato Mayonnaise
I often end up with a bumper crop of basil—here's a favorite way to use some of it. These burgers feature great Italian flavor. The gooey, cheesy centers and scrumptious topping are irresistible. —Virginia Kochis, Springfield, Virginia
Unstuffed Jalapeno Popper Burgers
This sassy, grown-up burger has a little bit of bite and a whole lot of flavor! Our taste panel couldn’t stop eating this knife-and-fork sandwich. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Loaded Turkey Sliders
What these sliders lack in size they make up for in flavor! They're great for little hands and you can customize the toppings to suit kids' tastes. Serve them as an appetizer or as a main dish along with sweet potato fries and fresh fruit. —Kathy DeRousie, Port Angeles, Washington
Southwestern Backyard Burgers
Whether you're in the stadium parking lot or on your patio, these Southwestern-style burgers are great on the grill. Sometimes I make six patties rather than eight because I like my burgers bigger and better! —Robert Hodges, San Diego, California
Mushroom-Stuffed Cheeseburgers
No need to call my family twice when these burgers are on the menu. Get ahead of the game and stuff them ahead of time, then grill later. — Joyce Guth, Mohnton, Pennsylvania
Barbecued Burgers
I can't take all the credit for these winning burgers. My husband's uncle passed down the special barbecue sauce recipe. We love it on everything...it was only natural to try it on, and in, burgers. —Rhoda Troyer, Glenford, Ohio
Makeover Turkey Burgers with Peach Mayo
The unique fruit and mayo combination puts this burger over the top. You can also substitute nectarines for the peaches. They're both delicious! —Charlene Chambers, Ormond Beach, Florida
Corn & Blue Burgers
Take one all-American patty and load it up Iowa-style with fresh corn, Maytag blue cheese and pickle relish. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Grilled Spinach Feta Burgers
Turkey burgers have their fans, but we prefer burgers of ground beef, spinach and feta. We serve them on toasted buns with lettuce, tomato and tzatziki. —Susan Stetzel, Gainesville, New York
Jalapeno Burgers with Gorgonzola
On a whim, we mixed homemade jalapeno jam into ground beef patties, then topped the burgers with caramelized onions and tangy Gorgonzola cheese. Fabulous! —Becky Mollenkamp, St. Louis, Missouri
Barley Beef Burgers
Barley adds another dimension to an old-fashioned hamburger. My husband and I really enjoy these juicy patties with onion and barbecue sauce mixed right in. —Rosella Peters, Gull Lake, Saskatchewan
Salmon Burgers with Tangy Slaw
I thought I’d made salmon every way you can make it, until now. The tangy slaw, made with fennel and avocado, adds another layer of flavor that goes surprisingly well with salmon and other seafood. —Amber Massey, Argyle, Texas
Whiskey Cheddar Burgers
This juicy cheeseburger has big flavors to satisfy even the heartiest appetites. It always impresses at our cookouts. —Amber Nicholson, Winooski, Vermont
Black Bean Chip & Dip Burgers
I finally invented a healthy quinoa burger that wasn't dry and crumbly or really boring. These fit the bill—even my grandkids prefer them over hamburgers. They taste like chips and dip in a burger! —KT Rehrig, Allentown, Pennsylvania
Sun-Dried Tomato Turkey Burgers
This recipe always brings back memories of my mom’s homemade sun-dried tomatoes in the summer. I’ve prepared the burgers with ground beef and ground turkey. Either way, they're fast and taste great! —Sammy Staab, Pensacola, Florida
Burger Americana
Go on a burger road trip in your own backyard. Grill the patties and load them sky-high. Peanut butter and bacon make them Southern style; coleslaw and tomatoes, a Northern version. —Susan Mahaney, New Hartford, New York
Big Brisket Burgers
Take one all-American patty and load it up Texas-style with brisket on Texas toast. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Turkey Burgers with Mango Salsa
This cookout recipe always has everyone talking. The secret is mixing a creamy, spreadable cheese into the turkey patties. It gives them lots of flavor without overpowering the burger. —Nancee Melin, Tucson, Arizona
Feta Mushroom Burgers
My son-in-law gave me this recipe and I tweaked it to make it healthier. The burgers are so quick to whip up on the grill on busy nights. —Dolores Block, Frankenmuth, Michigan
Grilled Ground Turkey Burgers
These juicy, tender patties on whole wheat buns make a wholesome, satisfying sandwich. We especially like to grill this turkey burger recipe, but you could also pan-fry them. —Sherry Hulsman, Elkton, Florida
Chili-Cheese Burgers
Instead of topping my burgers with cheese, I like to shred it and mix it into the meat when shaping the patties. This way, I'm sure to get a little cheesy goodness in every bite. —Deborah Williams, Peoria, Arizona
Eggs Benedict Burgers
To feed my daughter’s hungry cowboy friends after a rodeo, I created these with leftover burgers, hollandaise and bacon. They were a huge hit! —Bonnie Geavaras-Bootz, Scottsdale, Arizona
Green Chili Burgers
Take one all-American patty and load it up New Mexico-style with smoky cheese and chopped green chilies. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Sweet & Spicy Fusion Burgers
These burgers combine some of my favorite flavors and textures, plus you can do most of the work ahead of time. You’ll find naan, an Indian flatbread, in the international or bread section of your grocery store. —Jamie Brown-Miller, Napa, California
Greek-Style Chicken Burgers
The original recipe for these burgers called for lamb or beef, but I decided to try ground chicken to decrease the fat. The sauce easily doubles as a flavorful dip for veggies and pita chips. —Judy Puskas, Wallaceburg, Ontario
Herb & Cheese-Stuffed Burgers
Tired of the same old ground beef burgers? This quick-fix alternative, with its creamy cheese filling, will wake up your taste buds. —Sherri Cox, Lucasville, Ohio
Thai Turkey Burgers
When we’re tired of everyday burgers, I make these turkey patties for a taste of Thailand. The slaw is a fun switch from the traditional burger garnishes. —Shelby Goddard, Baton Rouge, Louisiana
Chicken Parmesan Burgers
We love chicken Parmesan and thought, "Why not make it a burger?" I like to use fresh mozzarella on these. I've also made the patties with ground turkey. —Charlotte Gehle, Brownstown, Michigan
Philly Burger
The cream cheese mixture and crunchy french-fried onions make this burger recipe a cookout sensation. Serve them with fresh potato salad and a fruit salad, and dinner is done! —Marjorie Carey, Alamosa, Colorado
Cheddar Chili Burgers
Big, bold chili and french-fried onions are a fun alternative to the classic burger fixings of ketchup and mustard. The patties are easy to assemble, making this a great weeknight sandwich. —Sue Ross, Casa Grande, Arizona
And you can have plenty of fun with hot dogs, too. Our favorite way to jazz them up is with regionally-inspired toppings. It’s a fun way for folks to share a bit about where they’re from and show off their creative side. Here are some of our favorite ideas:
- Chicago: yellow mustard, white onion, pickle relish, pickle spear, tomato, sport peppers, celery salt
- Detroit: Coney sauce, mustard onion
- Kansas City: cheese, sauerkraut, caraway seeds, thousand island dressing
- Philadelphia: Cheez Whiz, sauteed peppers, onions and mushrooms
- Nashville: Chicken hot dog, hot sauce, cayenne, mayo, sliced pickles
- Los Angeles: bacon, grilled onions, jalapenos, salsa
- Milwaukee: cheese curds, beer mustard, Cheez Whiz
- New Jersey: peppers, onions, grilled potatoes
- Seattle: cream cheese, cheddar, onion, jalapeno
- Tucson: Wrapped in bacon, topped with pinto beans, chopped tomatoes, diced raw onion, avocado, mayo, jalapenos; piled on a bolillo roll
Summer-Ready Sides and Sips for Backyard Entertaining
As for the side dishes and desserts for your party, ask your friends, family and neighbors to bring a dish to pass. Everyone has a go-to summer potluck recipe or two that they’d love to share. And if you don’t feel like turning on the oven on a summer day, try these icebox desserts that are always smash hits.
When it comes to backyard sips, there’s no shame in stocking up on the classics, like a good craft beer (here’s the best from each state). You can also whip up a big batch of one of these non-alcoholic drinks—they’re sure to please all kinds of partygoers. Whatever you serve, check out these drink accessories that’ll keep beverages chilled and at the ready.
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Lemony Fruit Cooler
This punch looks so pretty with all the colorful fruit floating in the bowl. It has a refreshing taste and is easy to put together. —Dawn Shackelford, Fort Worth, Texas
Lemon-Basil Mojito Mocktails
In this twist on the classic summer beverage, lemon basil takes the place of mint. For a grown-up version, just add your favorite rum or vodka. —Cheryl Perry, Hertford, North Carolina
Tomato-Lime Sipper
It's easy to make lots of this in advance. Everybody loves a bloody Mary—and this virgin version's not too spicy, either.—Bonnie Hawkins, Elkhorn, Wisconsin
Raspberry Fizz
As a festive, non-alcoholic beverage for adults, our Test Kitchen staff came up with this pretty pink drink. It has a mild raspberry flavor and isn't overly sweet.
Iced Melon Moroccan Mint Tea
I grow mint on my balcony, and this refreshing beverage is a wonderful way to use it. It combines two of my favorite drinks—Moroccan Mint Tea and Honeydew Agua Fresca. For extra flair, add some ginger ale. —Sarah Batt Throne, El Cerrito, California
Cranberry Limeade
When cranberry and lime juice get together, the result is thirst-quenching. Add ice and you’ve got a party in a glass. —Michael Passow, Poughkeepsie, New York
Blackberry Shrub
Making shrubs is a creative way to use up extra fruit all the way through Labor Day. We were inspired by sampling the house-made shrubs at the award-winning SHED in Healdsburg, California (healdsburgshed.com). They are as colorful and refreshing as a summer drink should be.
Rosemary Lemonade
A friend suggested I add a sprig of rosemary to lemonade. The herb makes the drink taste fresh and light, and it's a pretty garnish. —Dixie Graham, Rancho Cucamonga, California
Watermelon-Lime Cooler
With temps heating up, chill some glasses and cool down with a slushy blend of watermelon, lime and ginger ale. Slurp and repeat. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Strawberry-Basil Refresher
Fresh strawberries and basil are everywhere, so get them together for a cooler that’s pure sunshine. I garnish with basil leaves and sip outdoors. —Carolyn Turner, Reno, Nevada
Iced Honeydew Mint Tea
I grow mint in the garden on my balcony. In this minty tea, I blend two of my favorite beverages—Moroccan mint tea and honeydew agua fresca. —Sarah Batt Throne, El Cerrito, California
Watermelon-Strawberry Cooler
My family gulps this frosty cooler because we love, love, love watermelon. The strawberries give it an extra pop. This is a perfect drink for Texas heat. —Joan Hallford, North Richland Hills, Texas
Rhubarb Mint Tea
A bumper crop of rhubarb and mint from my garden inspired me to create this thirst-quenching pick-me-up. Raspberries deepen the tea's vibrant red color, making the drinks a pretty addition to your table. —Laurie Bock, Lynden, Washington
Grilled Lemon & Thyme Lemonade
We use our grill for most summer dinners, so we thought, "why not grill the lemonade?" The flavor is surprisingly smooth, with just the right amount of honey and herbs. We call it Thyme for Lemonade. —Susan Jordan, Denver, Colorado
Cranberry-Grape Spritzer
The bold colors of cranberries and grapes make them stand out in the juice category, but club soda adds the sparkle that delivers true refreshment. Add ice cubes and a slice of lemon for the full effect. —Karen Schwabenlender, Waxhaw, North Carolina
Pretty Pink Punch
This refreshing punch is convenient because you can make it ahead of time and just add the ginger ale just before serving. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Lemon Ice Tea Mix
A friend who has a large family and does a lot of entertaining created this mix. It's inexpensive and makes a tasty, refreshing batch of tea. —Linda Fox, Soldotna, Alaska
Banana Brunch Punch
A cold glass of refreshing punch really brightens a brunch. It's nice to serve a crisp beverage like this that's more spectacular than plain juice. With bananas, orange juice and lemonade, it can add tropical flair to a winter day. —Mary Anne McWhirter, Pearland, Texas
Virgin Hurricanes
Revelers of all ages can enjoy this non-alcoholic version of the punch-like refresher, often called ”Mardi Gras in a glass.” (Adults who want a more authentic flavor can mix in rum.)—Country Woman Test Kitchen, Greendale, Wisconsin
Orange Lemonade
This juice is a favorite at our place. I'll often double the batch and send a jar next door to my mother-in-law! I was looking for a way to sweeten lemonade without using more sugar when I came up with the recipe. —Wendy Masters, Grand Valley, Ontario
Sensational Slush
Colorful and refreshing, this sweet-tart slush has become a family favorite. I freeze the mix in 2- and 4-cup containers so it can be served in small portions for individuals or the whole family. I also freeze crushed strawberries to make preparation simpler. —Connie Friesen, Altona, Manitoba
Lemon Lime Punch
This frothy refresher topped with lime sherbet is a longtime family favorite and the best punch I’ve ever had. It’s fast, festive and easy to mix up for a variety of occasions. —Mary Ray, Raccoon, Kentucky
Sparkling Cranberry Kiss
I love the tartness of cranberries in cold beverages, and this recipe is easily doubled, tripled or even quadrupled. —Shannon Arthur, Wheelersburg, Ohio
Pink Rhubarb Punch
Rhubarb is the featured ingredient in this blush-colored punch. A friend passed the recipe on to me, and we enjoy it so much that I thought others might, too. —Rebecca Mininger, Jeromesville, Ohio
Golden Fruit Punch with Ice Ring
This is a refreshing punch that isn't as sweet as most. My family loves the tart "wake-me-up" flavor. As an added bonus, this punch won't stain carpeting the way a red punch would! —Cindy Steffen, Cedarburg, Wisconsin
Raspberry Lemonade Concentrate
Here's a concentrate that allows you to enjoy a refreshing summer beverage any time of year. Sweet raspberries balance the tartness from lemons. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Sparkling Punch
As a table brightener, fix a bowl of festive fruity punch—it's a refreshing beverage you can mix together in moments. To dress it up even more, I add an ice ring filled with oranges, lemons and cranberries. —Karen Ann Bland, Gove, Kansas
All-Occasion Punch
To keep the punch cold while adding extra color, I like to make an ice ring out of cherry soda pop. The flavor always brings folks back for more. —Carol Van Sickle, Versailles, Kentucky
Hot Spiced Lemon Drink
I received this recipe from a lady in our church who is an excellent cook. She has shared several slow-cooker recipes with us. We really enjoy the sweet-tangy flavor of this warm citrus punch. —Mandy Wright, Springville, Utah
Strawberry Party Punch
After a spicy snack, cool your palate with this festive and fruity punch. Let guests help themselves at the punch bowl, or serve it by the glass with pretty fruit garnishes.—Deirdre Cox, Kansas City, Missouri
Minty Tea Punch
Forget sugary (and boring) sodas for your next potluck and treat your family and friends to a refreshing homemade punch. —Crystal Bruns, Iliff, Colorado
Keep the Fun Going with Backyard Games
Before you light the grill or breakout the icebox cake, keep your company entertained with some fun yard games. A little friendly competition will get friends and neighbors chatting, giving you all the time you need to grill up those perfect burgers.
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Beanbag Toss Game
This is one of my favorite outdoor party games! Get ready to work on your hand-eye coordination with this cornhole set ($120), because tossing the beanbag into the hole is way harder than it looks. Purchase here. Looking for more party inspiration? This is how to host a backyard bash.
Giant Dominoes
Why sit inside and play with regular dominoes when you can bring a life-sized game outdoors? Take this classic to the next level with a colorful, larger-than-life set ($50). Purchase here.
Badminton Set
If you want to get competitive, you'll need a net to play badminton. But, my family always just had fun hitting the shuttlecock back and forth! This badminton set ($29) is portable enough to bring anywhere, from picnicking at the park to enjoying a day at beach. Purchase here.
Bocce Ball
Bocce is one of those games that's great for family gatherings, regardless of whether or not you've played before. The rules are easy enough to learn, so anyone can jump right in. This bocce set ($70) is built to last a lifetime. Purchase here.
Tug of War
Do you remember playing this as a kid? Bring back the retro game with this colorful 1.5-inch thick rope. Select the 100-foot rope ($130) to play with as many as eight pullers per team. Purchase here.
Space Squirt Guns
Play the ultimate game of tag with these space-age squirt guns ($11). They're perfect for cooling down on hot, summer days when it's too warm to fire up the oven! Serve a refreshing Jell-O salad when you're ready for a snack. Purchase here.
Spikeball
This four-person team game ($56) will have your entire party cheering. Think volleyball-meets-trampoline, and while it might look intimidating, playing is easier than you think. Purchase here.
Lawn Bowling
Who needs a bowling alley when you can play the game in the great outdoors? This lawn bowling set ($76) comes with a carrying case, so you can bring it with you to any family game night. Purchase here.
Giant Toppling Tower
This game is like the Jenga you played as a kid, except much (much) bigger! The giant tower set ($80) starts at 2.5 feet tall, and it can grow to as tall as 5 feet before toppling over. Choose your pieces wisely... Purchase here.
Giant Connect 4 in a Row
This life-sized version of Connect 4 ($90) is a must for your family's collection of outdoor games. The board folds down to fit inside the carrying case, and all the game pieces fit inside the zippered pockets. It's easy to set up when you're ready to play. Purchase here.
Croquet
Pick up this all-inclusive set ($74) to host a croquet tournament in your backyard. If you've never played before, get ready to become addicted to this classic yard game. (It's all in the wrist.) Purchase here.
Ring Toss
This is the perfect game for kids ($20). The rules are simple and straightforward, and it only takes a few practice rounds to get the hang of it. We also love that it packs up for easy transportation and storage. Purchase here.
Supersized Pong
If you've ever played beer pong at a party, you'll have a blast with this supersized version ($50). The cups are collapsible and the ball inflates, so it's easy to pack and easier to set up. Since there's no alcohol in the cups, this version is kid-friendly, too. Purchase here.
Ladder Golf
Test your hand-eye coordination by tossing bolas at your next backyard barbecue. This set ($59) is constructed from wood, so it's sturdier than the plastic versions. Purchase here.
Rubber Horseshoes
You don't have to permanently install a horseshoe pit in the backyard to enjoy this classic game. Take this set ($16) with you everywhere you go; there's even an option for indoor play if your party gets rained out. Purchase here. Note: Every product is independently selected by our editors. If you buy something through our links, we may earn an affiliate commission. [skyword_tracking]Don’t Forget the Extra Touches
Burgers? Check. Buns? Check. Games? Double-check. Once you have the basics on hand for your casual backyard party, it can be easy to call your party planning done. But don’t forget those extra touches that will make your guests more comfortable. Here are some ideas to keep in mind as you prep for your soiree:
- Have sunblock on hand. One application isn’t enough for a full day of fun. Keep a bottle or two of sunblock ready for guests to reapply.
- Set up all your seating. Pull out all your lawn chairs and dust off the patio set. Sure, a backyard bash might be a casual affair, but make sure folks have somewhere to rest after a few rounds of croquet. If needed, have your neighbors bring a chair or two.
- Have some shade. If you plan on being outside all day in the sun, be sure to have some shady spots for folks that need a break from the heat. Pop open that patio umbrella and even invest in a few handheld fans.
- Get more ice. Is it just us or can you never have enough ice at a party? Grab an extra bag before the party begins to keep the coolers full and the drinks chilled.
- Send them home with a treat. Everyone likes something to take home. Grab some eco-friendly to-go boxes for friends to take home leftovers. You can even have some cookies prepped for party favors, too.
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The post How to Host a Backyard Bash That’ll Be the Talk of the Neighborhood appeared first on Taste of Home.
Lisa Kaminski