How To Set Up The Ultimate BBQ For Father's Day, Weekends & More Summer Fun

Few things feel more quintessentially ‘summer’ than hanging outside with your friends, an icy drink in hand, as the smell of a sizzling grill wafts your way. The only thing better than participating in this outdoor oasis is hosting your own — because then, you get to set the scene, choose the food, and (best of all) see your nearest and dearest all in one place. It’s a big job, but with a few expert tips from TikTok creator Bianca Janelle, you’ll be serving up major summer fun in no time.

This season, Janelle is throwing her own barbecue to celebrate Father’s Day. She’s heading to Macy’s to get everything she needs for her outdoor celebration (and any following get-togethers) in an elevated, stylish, and low stress way. “Since life is so busy these days, finding a time to come together as a family gets harder,” explains Janelle. “I love an event like this, so everyone gets involved and we get quality time.” She has a strategy to keep things feeling special, yet low lift, too: “My hosting style is all about comfort. I want friends to feel right at home,” she says. “For this occasion, since it’s summer, it should be relaxed and laid-back, but also colorful and lively.”

Read on for more of Janelle’s tips on throwing a memorable barbecue, whether you’re celebrating Dad or just making the most of the warm weather.

1. Plan Your Outfit Before Anything Else

Setting up for an event can be busy! But instead of scrambling to throw something together minutes before your guests arrive, prep your look in advance. Make it super simple with an on-trend combination that’s comfortable, yet stylish. “I love having pieces that can be dressed up or down, like this flowy dress,” says Janelle. “With sneakers, it feels elevated but can handle a day of running around.”

2. Make The Decor And Menu Feel Personal

To embrace the summer vibe, Janelle recommends festive decor, like bright green glassware from Godinger (that matches the green Lenox tablecloth perfectly) as an easy way to elevate the experience. Then, just have fun with the menu! A versatile grill, like this Cuisinart 3-in-1, makes for a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. “We have a variety of favorite foods in my family, and this covers so much,” Janelle says. “We’re especially excited about the pizza oven!”

3. Don’t Forget The Games

While the food sizzles on the grill, Janelle recommends passing the time with some activities, like wooden bowling, a ring toss set, or both. “Lawn games are one of my favorite things to do,” she says. “Bowling would be fun because we have so many kids in the family, and they can enjoy it. Plus, my dad loves some friendly competition so [these activities will] be a big hit.”