How to Throw the Perfect Summer BBQ

Creative, laid-back ways to make your backyard bash the highlight of the season

Long, golden evenings. The smell of something sizzling on the grill. A soundtrack of laughter and clinking glasses. It’s official: BBQ season is here.

Whether you’re planning a full-on backyard soirée or a low-key dinner with friends, we’ve gathered our favorite tips, tricks and Geometry touches to help you throw a summer BBQ that feels effortless, personal and just the right amount of extra.

1. Set the Vibe Early

First things first: let the space do some of the heavy lifting. A few intentional touches go a long way in creating that relaxed, ready-to-party feeling.

• Table linens matter. A breezy tablecloth and a set of Geometry Dinner Napkins instantly elevates a folding table or patio setup. Choose a pattern that feels fun and seasonal—think bold florals, punchy colors or easy neutrals.

• Mood lighting = magic. String lights overhead, solar lanterns on the ground or even a few candles in mason jars keep the mood glowing as the sun goes down.

• Create zones. If your space allows, separate the food station, dining area and lounging corner with rugs, benches or clusters of chairs to keep traffic flowing naturally.

2. Plan a Menu with Personality

Skip the basic burgers-and-dogs routine (unless that’s your thing—no shame!). A few fun tweaks can make your BBQ feel more like a curated dining experience and less like a chore over the coals.

• Build-your-own bars are always a hit. Ideas to get you started:

• Taco bar with grilled fish, pickled onions and mango salsa

• Burger bar with creative toppings (think goat cheese, fried shallots and chipotle mayo)

• Skewer station with marinated proteins and colorful veggies guests can grill themselves

• Don't forget the sides. Think beyond potato salad. Try grilled corn with cotija, watermelon-feta skewers or a quinoa salad with roasted peaches and arugula.

• Prep what you can ahead. Marinate the meat, mix up salad dressings and chop veggies in the morning so you're not stuck in the kitchen while your guests are sipping spritzes.

3. Keep Beverages Chill and Creative

Nothing says summer like a good drink in hand. Whether you’re serving up cocktails or mocktails, keep it refreshing and low-effort.

• Self-serve is your friend. A galvanized bucket or beverage tub stocked with drinks on ice gives everyone easy access. Bonus: fewer trips to the fridge for you.

• Try a signature drink. Ideas we love:

• Peach thyme spritz with prosecco and infused simple syrup

• Cucumber-lime agua fresca for a non-alcoholic option that’s cool and hydrating

• Rosé sangria with summer fruit

• Pro tip: Have a stack of Geometry Bar Towels on hand near the drink station. They’re super absorbent, fast-drying and add a pop of color.

4. Make Cleanup a Breeze

Let’s be honest—no one loves scrubbing dishes after a party. That’s why we’re big fans of smart, sustainable swaps that make cleanup easy without sacrificing style.

• Geometry Tea Towels to the rescue. These do-it-all towels are perfect for spills, sticky fingers and serving duty. With bold prints and serious functionality, they’re your BBQ MVP.

• Compostable servingware is great if you don’t want to risk your real plates outside. Just be sure to set out labeled bins for trash and recycling (a small but appreciated detail).

• Stash a laundry basket nearby for a quick post-party sweep. Toss linens, dirty towels and any rogue grill tools in and deal with it tomorrow. You've earned it.

5. Add Just-for-Fun Extras

Want to make your BBQ truly memorable? Throw in something unexpected to surprise and delight your guests.

• Lawn games like cornhole, giant Jenga or bocce keep things lighthearted (and are great for kids and adults alike).

• A make-your-own dessert bar (hello, s’mores station or build-your-own ice cream sandwiches) is always a crowd-pleaser.

• Mix-and-match playlists. Ask a few guests to submit their favorite summer songs ahead of time and queue them up for a collaborative soundtrack.

6. Keep It Comfortable

Think beyond the food—guest comfort makes a big difference.

• Have sunscreen and bug spray easily available. Place them in a basket on a side table or near the drink station.

• Offer light blankets (like our favorite Butter Blankets) or a bin of oversized Geometry Beach Towels for chillier evenings (yes, they double as wraps—and yes, they're that soft).

• Consider shade. If you’re grilling midday, a pop-up canopy, patio umbrella, or even a repurposed sheet hung between trees can make all the difference.

7. Let it be Imperfect

This might be the most important tip of all. Burned burgers? Out-of-sync music? Kids jumping in the kiddie pool in their clothes?

Let it happen.

The best BBQs are full of small surprises, laughter and a little mess. When your guests see you having a good time—whether or not everything is "perfect"—they'll follow your lead.

Ready to get your summer started?

With a few thoughtful touches and a little help from your friends at Geometry, your backyard BBQ can be the season’s most beloved hangout spot. Now light the grill, grab a drink, and don’t forget to save us a plate.