15 Chic DIY Ideas for the Summer Cookout Circuit

Entertaining, Fourth of July, Labor Day, Summer
on June 26, 2017

Marked by long days and warm nights, summer was practically made for outdoor entertaining! Ditch the red, white and blue carnations, and upgrade your event with these creative DIY ideas for a classy cookout affair.
 

Create your own DIY drink bar.

Set ice-filled trays atop painted cinderblocks to create a DIY beverage bar that’s beautiful and functional.

15 Classy DIYs for Your Summer Cookout

Michaela Rae

 

Make mini picnic tables.

If you’re enjoying your cookout picnic-style, these DIY tables are a serious game-changer. Paint them to fit your party’s color palette!

15 Classy DIYs for Your Summer Cookout

Lovely Indeed

 

Layer rugs, linens and pillows to create seating for guests.

Don’t have enough chairs around the house? Keep your cookout laid-back by creating comfortable floor seating with rugs, blankets and outdoor cushions.

Inspired by 100 Layer Cake

15 Classy DIYs for Your Summer Cookout

100 Layer Cake


 

Add ambiance with string lights.

Line a section of your backyard with string lights on wooden stakes to create a cozy, intimate vibe.

Inspired by Rustic Wedding Chic

15 Classy DIYs for Your Summer Cookout

Studio SB

 

Approach the Fourth of July with a muted color palette.

Your holiday can be just as star-spangled and festive without over-the-top primary colors. Instead, opt for faded red and blue linens you’ll love all year long—this tablescape is the elegant upgrade you’ve been looking for.

15 Classy DIY Ideas for Your Summer Cookout

Design, Dining and Diapers


 

Swap out your table linens.

Ditch the tablecloth and opt for a light and breezy runner instead. This adds a pop of color to the table, but leaves some wood or metal visible for an informal, even rustic presentation.

Inspired by Ella Claire Inspired

15 Classy DIY Ideas for Your Summer Cookout

Ella Claire Inspired

 

Make your own citronella candles.

Keep those pesky bugs away with DIY citronella candles. They look great, and they serve a purpose.

15 Classy DIY Ideas for Your Summer Cookout

Don’t Waste the Crumbs

 

Serve food in glass containers with lids.

Let your food do the talking! Glass containers with lids make for a cohesive presentation (and bug-free enjoyment).

Inspired by Crate & Barrel Blog

15 Classy DIY Ideas for Your Summer Cookout

Hello Love Photography

 

Build you own outdoor bar.

No need to head inside to mix drinks. Bring your bar cart outdoors—or DIY an outdoor bar using wooden crates.

15 Classy DIY Ideas for Your Summer Cookout

Brittany Griffin

 

Make outdoor yard games.

Creating your own set of yard games is easier than you’d think. Games are a great way to break the ice, and these minimalist wooden pieces look charming scattered around the backyard.

15 Classy DIY Ideas for Your Summer Cookout

Lemon Thistle

 

Ditch the packaging and serve your chips in brown paper bags.

How cute are these individual bags of chips? They’re great for grab-and-go buffets! All you need is brown lunch bags, and a set of scallop or zig-zag scissors.

15 Classy DIY Ideas for Your Summer Cookout

Hostess with the Mostess

 

Create conversation spaces.

Rearrange outdoor furniture to create comfortable conversation spaces for your guests.

Inspired by Honesty WTF

15 Classy DIY Ideas for Your Summer Cookout

Honestly WTF

 

Make dessert self-serve with DIY s’more pots.

Individual s’more pots allow guests to make their own s’mores, without the trouble (and smoke) of a full-on campfire. All you need is a few terra cotta pots, foil and charcoal.

15 Classy DIY Ideas for Your Summer Cookout

Elisabeth McKnight

 

Upgrade your pool or yard with floating balloons.

White (or colored) balloons add an element of understated, light-hearted fun to your back patio.

Inspired by Style Me Pretty

15 Classy DIY Ideas for Your Summer Cookout

Kevin Chin

 

Trade flowers for succulents.

Swap store-bought flowers for long-lasting succulents. Not only are they stunning arranged in groups, you can opt to use them for parties all season long, or have each guest choose a succulent as a take-away party favor!

Inspired by Green Wedding Shoes

15 Classy DIY Ideas for Your Summer Cookout

Marcos Sanchez Photography