The first day of summer is only days away, and we’re already dreaming of backyard barbecues! From a creative ice cream float display to the cutest kid’s table, we’re loving these genius ideas by Jamie of Sweet Jelly Parties for a 4th of July barbecue or Father’s Day cookout. Keep scrolling and pin your favorites you’d love to use this summer!
1. A Rustic Food Table
Start by setting up a table to display all food and drinks so guests can easily help themselves.
DIY Tip: Place a gingham table runner on top of a rustic dresser for a chic presentation!
2. A Tower of Watermelon
Nothing says summer quite like fresh watermelon! Cut up wedges of watermelon and display them in a tiered tin cupcake stand.
3. Good Eats
A barbecue is all about the food. This lovely hostess served up classic barbecue food such as apple cider smoked pork ribs, homemade fried potatoes, bacon ranch macaroni salad, and corn on the cob.
4. A Pretty Drink Station
Guests sipped on sweet tea in mason jars wrapped in brown paper bags, and water bottles were decorated with stickers from Lillian Hope Designs and tiny spatula charms from gingham favor boxes.
Water bottle labels are great for dressing up water bottles or sodas!
5. Simple Place Settings
The table decor was elevated with succulents in vintage tins, a red and white gingham table runner, and barbecue sauce served in mason jars with a brush.
6. Lots of Baskets
One easy way to serve food buffet style: place it in baskets! Line wire and wood baskets with kraft paper and gingham cloth napkins for a charming look.
7. Cute Signs
Label food or feature fun sayings with mini red and white gingham frames.
A chalkboard “Hog Heaven” sign added some character to this table!
8. A “Three Little Piggies” Kid’s Table
If kids are in attendance, create an area to keep them entertained! Jaime set up a “3 Little Piggies” station where kids could color on their own placemats. She filled adorable favor bags with crayons and gingham favor boxes with treats.
9. Grab-and-Go Drinks
Fill a large bucket with ice to keep drinks nice and cold. It’s perfect for grab-and-go drinks for the kids!
10. An Ice Cream Float Station
DIY an easy ice cream float station in a grill! Pre-scoop vanilla ice cream into mason jars and pair them with root beer and different sodas so guests can make their own float. Place them inside a camping grill with ice, and they’ll stay cold all day!
11. Crafty Desserts
Don’t forget the desserts! Serve up individual mini mason jars with jello and add a dollop of whipped cream on top. Here the hostess placed cupcakes in leftover pails from a previous party and added tiny spatula charms from favor boxes as a sweet touch.
12. Easy Cleanup
Make it easy for guests to clean up in between bites with convenient hand wipes. 
13. Take-Home Favors
Thank your guests for coming with little candies or barbecue seasoning in favor boxes and favor bags!
Vendors
Photography & Styling: Sweet Jelly Parties | Favor Bags, Favor Boxes and Gingham Frames: Kate Aspen | Printables: Lillian Hope Designs
