after you grab the food nailed down, don’t forget some funsummery cocktails!

Finish with a drizzle of olive oil and balsamic vinegar, and dig in!

The creamy red potatoes balance the flavors perfectly, and a sprinkling of scallions is the perfect finishing touch.

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Photo:Victor Protasio

Mingling among the short pasta you’ll also find crisp-tender broccoli and briny artichoke.

Assemble this salad up to 8 hours ahead and serve after a sprinkle of feta and crushed pita chips.

Garlic-Parmesan Chicken Wings

Who doesnt love chicken wings?

Beet And Goat Cheese Dip

Fred Hardy

In this recipe, they’re flavored with garlic and Parmesan, which is always an ace duo.

After grilling, toss them in cheese and then a garlicky parsley-lemon sauce.

If you dont have a grill, use your broiler instead.

antipasto salad

Victor Protasio

These light, tangy puffs are the perfect complement for any main dish you serve at your party.

But don’t put them out too earlythey’ll be gone before BBQ is ready!

It pairs corn kernels with fresh herbsbasil, chives, and dillplus some caramelized onions for good measure.

Kimchi-Potato-Salad

Greg DuPree; Food Stylist: Chelsea Zimmer; Prop Stylist: Carla Gonzalez Hart

Hearty farro mingles with chopped asparagus, peas, crunchy pistachios, juicy orange segments, and salty feta.

A rich brown butter vinaigrette dresses the dish, which goes especially well with chicken or fish.

Make it ahead, refrigerate, and add the croutons and avocado chunks just before serving.

Green Goddess Pasta Salad

Greg DuPree

Off the grill, drizzle everything with the vinegar, shallot, and mustard dressing.

Plate the veggies with juicy steak slices for the picture of summer grill perfection.

Serve everything with a bright, citrusy salsa.

Garlic-Parmesan Chicken Wings

Greg DuPree

Made with mushrooms, eggs, and panko, these meatless burgers are sturdy and delicious.

The result is a gorgeous sculptural delight of patriotic proportions.

Raspberry S’mores

This recipe upgrades a typical campfire favorite by adding fresh raspberries.

Pepper-and-Chive-Biscuits-1223FEA

Victor Protasio

Just ensure to save one for yourself.

Pick up some fresh oranges to pair with this recipe’s sweet amaretto liqueur and cherry juice.

Lemon and lime juice, simple syrup, and a little water bring it all together.

Toasted Israeli Couscous With Corn and Herbs Recipe

Greg DuPree

Frozen Strawberry Trifle With Ladyfingers

If you need a make-ahead dessert, this trifle is it.

Other popular dishes are ribs, coleslaw, and fried chicken.

If you need guidance, reach out to the host!

Warm Browned Butter Farro Salad

Victor Protasio

If the temperature is above 90F, that time limit is shortened to just 1 hour.

shaved-carrot-salad-0424Better39-realsimple

Jennifer Causey

Cornbread Panzanella

Greg DuPree

Vietnamese Inspired Peach Salad

Heami Lee

Balsamic Steak with Radicchio and Pears

Antonis Achilleos

Grilled Sausage Hoagies With Mango Salsa

Fred Hardy

Grilled-Portobello–Cheese-Burgers

Greg DuPree; Food Stylist: Chelsea Zimmer; Prop Stylist: Carla Gonzalez Hart

zaatar-tofu-skewers-0424DINN51-realsimple

Jennifer Causey

Steak-and-Potato Skewers With Orange Salsa Recipe

Victor Protasio

Mushroom-Black Bean Burgers

Antonis Achilleos

Everything Salmon Skewers With Sriracha Aïoli

Victor Protasio

In this berry trifle, elderflower-spiked whipped cream draws out the layers of fresh summer berries, and crushed cookies soak up the berry juices.

Greg DuPree

Raspberry S’mores

James Baigrie

amaretto sour popsicles

Melissa Kravitz Hoeffner

Frozen Strawberry Trifle

Caitlin Bensel