Summer cookout theme
A Fourth of July cookout
A hot grill, lawn games, and red, white, and blue.
Cookout invitations
Free designs with an RSVP link that tracks every reply. Tap one to start yours; your names, date and place fill in, and you can change the design any time.
Ideas for your cookout party
Pick one or two from each and keep the rest simple.
Decor
- Red, white, and blue balloons and pinwheels
- Flag bunting on the fence or porch rail
- Mason jars with mini flags as centerpieces
- A cooler station under a shade tent
Food
- Burgers and hot dogs on the grill
- Corn on the cob and potato salad
- Watermelon slices
- A berry trifle with blueberries and strawberries
Activities
- Cornhole tournament
- Watermelon seed spitting contest
- Sack races for kids
- Watch the fireworks from a local show
Cake
A flag sheet cake with whipped cream, blueberry stars, and strawberry stripes.
Favors
Optional. Something small and edible travels best.
Colors
DeepBrightPopSoft
Pick one bright color for balloons and napkins, and keep plates plain.
What to do and when
The plan for a house party, counted back from the party day. Festidy puts real dates on it.
6 to 8 weeks out
- Pick a date, a start time, and a backup date
- Set a budget and choose your big two
- Write the guest list
- Choose a theme or a look
- Lock in the location and a rain plan
- Note food, accessibility, and comfort needs
4 to 6 weeks out
- Send the invitations
- Decide on music and one main activity
- Book rentals if you need them
- Decide: cater, order trays, or cook
- Book a photographer or pick a friend to shoot
- Order the cake or dessertsCake idea: A flag sheet cake with whipped cream, blueberry stars, and strawberry stripes.
- Ask helpers and give them roles
- Make one contact and confirmation list
2 to 3 weeks out
- Order decor, tableware, and favorsDecor idea: Red, white, and blue balloons and pinwheels
- Plan the menu and check allergiesMenu idea: Burgers and hot dogs on the grill
- Plan the one or two moments that matterActivity idea: Cornhole tournament
- Follow up on RSVPs
- Plan drinks, including good non-alcoholic options
- Build your one-stop shopping list
The week before
- Confirm every vendor
- Plan one group moment
- Lock the headcount and shop for food and drinks
- Prep favors, decor, and a playlist
- Write the party-day schedule
- Send the final party note
The day before
- Pick up the cake and set up what you can
- Pack a party-day kit
- Charge devices and share the run sheet
- Make the final weather and space call
Party day
- Set up an hour before
- Run the party and finish on time
- Reset the space and check for left-behind items
After the party
- Share photos and settle any remaining balances
- Send thank-yous
- Save photos and notes for next year
- Leave a quick note for your future self
Party-day run of show
For a 3-hour party starting at 2 pm.
- Final setup and safety checkSetup crew gets food, activities, and the entrance ready.
- Arrivals and drinksGreeter welcomes guests and handles coats.
- Food outFood lead opens the food and keeps it stocked.
- Group momentEntertainment lead runs the toast, gift swap, or game.
- Dessert and coffeeFood lead sets out dessert.
- Wind-downThe host thanks everyone and sends leftovers home.
- Quick resetCollect gifts and check the space for left-behind items.
Free cookout printables
Print at home on letter paper or card stock.
