4 Do’s and Don’ts of Summer Cookouts

Summer is the time of year that’s welcoming to so many of our favorite activities. Vacations, pool days, and those blissful nights that never seem to end. But undoubtedly one of the best things is the summer cookout. You know the one - it’s filled with good people, two-stepping music, and a grill only the best cooks can touch. There are certain do’s and don'ts for cookouts, and if you aren’t aware of it, it can seriously throw off your experience. Check out these 4 do’s and don'ts below to save you the trouble:

Do Come Ready to Eat and Drink 

The main event of the cookout is the food and drinks, period. If there’s no food, it’s not considered a cookout. Bring your appetite because there’s always a LOT of food and plenty of it! Burgers, hotdogs, ribs, chicken, fish, grilled veggies, grilled corn, cole slaw, potato salad, mac and cheese… ok, ‘nuff said. And the drinks ain’t hitting unless there’s liquor involved (beer if you’re into it). Also, if you have special dietary restrictions, it’s always a good idea to check ahead of the cookout and see what’s going to be on the grill to be sure you’re accommodated. 

Do Bring Your A Game to the Spades Table

The Cookout is where the players come to play, and if we’re talking about Spades, it’s best to not even sit at the table unless you are ready to PLAY. If you don’t know how to play, the cookout isn’t the best place to start, as it can get serious! But there are other games to engage in, such as Jenga, Connect 4, and our favorite, Uno. There’s a game for everyone.

Don’t Play Music that Doesn’t Bring Folks Together

Some of the best moments you’ll have at a cookout are the one where you’re on your feet dancing with those around you. Make sure the cookout is playing the classics for optimal dance fever. A few of them are “Before I Let Go”, both the original Maze and Frankie Beverly version and the Beyonce version, “Bunny Hop”, and virtually any feel good song created between the ‘70s and mid 00’s that has a dance. We come to cookouts to have a good time and surround ourselves with love, and the best way to do that is when we’re collectively dancing together. 

Don’t Forget to Bring Your Crew

This is arguably the most important tip, because your crew and day ones amplify any experience, especially one with food, drinks, music, and other people to cut up with. It also may be easier to mingle with other people you don’t know if you all mob together. The cookout is the perfect place to interact, make new connections, and strengthen existing ones. 

Keep these things in mind next time you throw or attend a summer cookout, and everyone involved will have a good time.