Recipes For A Chic Cookout

With the arrival of the unofficial start of Summer on Memorial Day weekend, it is time to take our dining outside. I'm hoping that Mother Nature cooperates this weekend for all of us. I understand that we all can't have Chinoiserie tents on our patios or at our beach bash. But we can add a dose of chic to whatever we do. All it takes is a little imagination and one or two extra steps. This edit features recipes and cooks tools that are casual and chic, too.  

The Perfect Patron Margarita

I always love beginning with a cocktail. Margaritas are usually a sure bet. They get the party started. Even when made outdoors, make sure your bar area is attractive and appetizing like this set up. Cheers!

Bakers Royale

Grilled Cornbread With Jalapeno Honey Butter

This looks like buttery heaven! I would have never thought to do this. The recipe begins with homemade cornbread and ends with a sweet and spicy kick.

Whole and Heavenly Oven

Lemon And Oregano Grilled Chicken

Selected because of that little grilled lemon. Have you everhad one? I have fond memories of my Dad taking the lemon slices out of his homemade barbecue sauce and grilling them just for he and I. The magic to this dish is marinating it before grilling.

Half Baked Harvest

Balsamic Strawberry Tiramisu-No Bake!

I cook with balsamic frequently. It elevates almost everything. Adding it to strawberries is something I have not tired. This recipe is light and fairly quick to assemble. Your guests will think it rather fancy pants, when it is not.

The Seaside Baker

Simple Italian Grilled Romaine Salad

Lighten up that Caesar Salad for Summer. This lettuce with its' charred edges transforms salads from sad to sizzling. 

Heartbeat Kitchen

Strawberry, Bacon and Brie Chicken Burgers

If you want to serve a burger at a chic cookout, make it unique. These are moist and delicious, but with the fraction of the fat and calories of a beef burger. How fab!

Cooking For Keeps

Rosé Slushy Recipe

If your motto this Summer is "Rosé All Day," this recipe is for you. It's strawberry season, too, so there just couldn't be a better alfresco aperitif.

Style Me Pretty

Marinated Grilled Flank Steak With Toppings

This just looks like a party waiting to happen. I had grilled Flank Steak for the first time a month ago. It was perfectly prepared by my nephew in-law. Loved it to the moon and back!

This recipe looks equally as good.

How Sweet Eats

Mini Lobster Rolls

The perfect passed appetizer for any chic cookout. This recipe is particularly unique as it has a slight Japanese flair. Also the mayo called for is Kewpie Mayo. Mr. Shop This just informed me that this brand was named the best by The New York Times. I say yes, please to this recipe!

Goop

Everything You Ever Wanted to Know About Cooking with a Salt Plate (and More!)

I have been interested in these salt plates for a long time. Firstly, I just love how they look, but they can cook and present, too. This article gives us all the low down. Its very interesting. I think they will make an unusual host gift.

Williams-Sonoma

Marinated Mozzarella Melon Salad

This recipe is an interesting mix of sweet and savory, which is always good. Consider it your fruit salad's sophisticated sister.

How Sweet Eats

Champagne Popsicles

Dessert for grownups. Yes, please! Aren't these pretty? Champagne adds the chic to any event.

Bakers Royale

Tuna Burgers Pan Bagnat

"Here’s a play on a classic pan bagnat—a French baguette sandwich loaded with tuna, anchovies, olives and hard-boiled eggs. Serve with French fries or your favorite chips."  Oh man!

Williams Sonoma

Grilled Sweet Potatoes with Cilantro Cream and Quick Chimichurri

 Chimichurri instantly brightens every dish. This recipe is the perfect seasonal side dish for your next barbecue. I can't wait to try it.

Cooking and Beer

Sur La Table King Scallop Grilling Shells

Add a dash of seaside style to any chic cookout with these shell sets. Now on sale, along with all grilling goods at

Sur la Table

Grilled Artichokes With Polenta, Tomatoes & Pesto

Now this is an appealing dish. A great way to go Italian while cooking out.

Feasting At Home

Watermelon, Avocado, And Mint Salad With Feta Cheese

This just sounds super refreshing and so full of Summer flavors.

Fool Proof Living 

Barbecued Oysters

This recipe and these oysters will make any gathering around the grill a special occasion.

Williams Sonoma

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AND

Foodie Friday: Get Your Grill On!

Foodie Friday ~ A Chic Cookout For Memorial Day & Beyond

(Via Serena & Lily )

This year, why not elevate your grill game? We all love a good hamburger, hot dog, or a slab of ribs. But wouldn't it be fun to surprise your guests by just giving your menu and table setting a few stylish twists? A pinch of parsley, a flavored ice cube, a pretty plate - it all matters.

HERE: A Collection Of Chic Cookout Ideas

Blue Deviled Eggs With Roasted Garlic And Asparagus 
What's a cookout without a deviled egg?  Think beyond the mayo and mustard, and transform those eggs to works of art this year! And yes, that's bacon you see.
How Sweet It Is

Boneless Rib Eye Steaks with Chimichurri

My new obsession is Chimichurri.  It's really just parsley, oregano, chile flakes, oil, vinegar, garlic, and pepper, but it adds a pop to almost everything. It really is perfectly paired with grilled meats.

Saveur

Grilled Corn Salad
Grilled corn. Isn't it delicious? And I think it is even better when cut off the cob. This make ahead salad is best after marinating in the fridge. The Blue Lagoon Pandan Tray can be found at World Market. Recipe at
Waiting On Martha

Grilled Pork Chops with Concord Grapes
The star of this recipe is a big fat bone in rib pork chop. My favorite! Chef Mario Batali creates it with seedless purple grapes, but blueberries would be as good. I plan to try out this recipe this weekend.
Food and Wine

Milano Enamelware Collection
Chic doesn't have to be fancy. This collection of dinnerware is bright and cheerful. So much fun to mix and match.
Serena and Lily

Save 20% With Code: ALLOUT Valid until 5/26

Everything But The Kitchen Sink Pasta Salad

I rarely find a pasta salad appealing. This recipe is different. It's so colorful and easy to prepare. 
Half Baked Harvest

Grilled Sriracha-Tahini Sweet Potato Skewers with Halloumi
I love a good kabob, but I never had skewered Sweet Potatoes. Sounds yummy. The kicker in the ingredients, of course, is the Sriracha!
Naturally Ella

Whiskey Sour Tart

Don't you just love a good boozy dessert? This one is just dripping with deliciousness. Get the step by step directions in a great video.

Gourmet Traveller

Grilled Portobello & Peach Burgers

I do love a Portobello mushroom. They are so hearty, making them a natural replacement for meat. Add Sweet Potato Fries, Guacamole and grilled peaches, and you get one beautiful burger.

Design Sponge

Cuban Fish Tacos with Citrus Mango Slaw + Chipotle Lime Crema
A Mexican fiesta is always a fun theme for a cookout. This one begins with grilled salmon or Mahi Mahi. The citrus really brightens up the entire dish.
Half Baked Harvest

Ruby Citrus Mojito

 This just looks like the perfect Summer Cocktail. Create this marvelous Mojito at the beautiful outdoor bar below.
A Beautiful Mess

Riviera Bar Console
"Part bar, part party bucket, this console is always ready for a good time." Just great for pool or patio!
Serena and Lily

Save 20% With Code: ALLOUT Valid until 5/26

Flavor Infused Ice Cubes
This is something I do for company and Mr. Shop This.  It's simple and really makes a difference for a glass of water or cocktail. Anything you can do to make your guests feel special is worth trying.
Martha Stewart

Steven Raichlen's Salt-Crusted Beef Tenderloin Grilled in Cloth
There will be plenty of oohs and ahhhs when your guests watch your grilling skills in this unique recipe.  My own Father  encrusted meat with a heavy coating of salt. No worries, it all burns off.
Food52

Grilled Tofu Steaks with Piquillo Salsa Verde
Please don't knock Tofu until you've tried it.  It is a perfect pick for grilling, as it holds up well.  I have only grilled in in a grill pan, I can only imagine how it tastes infused with the smoky flavor of a barbecue!
Food and Wine

Bacon Wrapped Grilled Peaches with Balsamic Glaze
This recipe proves that everything is better with bacon, even fruit! I love the fanciful flourish of Balsamic drizzle.
Foodie Crush

Lemon Meringue Custards
When life gives you lemons, make custard! This desert is like lemon meringue pie but with the crust on the side.  A kitchen torch will come in handy. You can find one at Sur La Table.
Sprinkle Bakes

Grilled Tuna Nicoise Salad
This is one of my favorite dishes in the world! If it is on the menu, I'm ordering it. This is a beautifully prepared dish for a Summer luncheon. Grill the tuna in advance, and make the prettiest platter ever. Your guests will love helping themselves.
Wolfgang Puck

Simple Blackberry Cobbler
{ Vegan & GF }
Easy and scrumptious looking.  Your food challenged guests will just love you for serving this chic cobbler!
Minimalist Baker

Zesty Orange and Mint Watermelon Salad
The added mint and Balsamic makes this one blissful bite! I love the idea of serving the stylish squares on a rectangular platter. I found these Luminous Treat Platters at Pier One.
Laura Kelp

Double Chocolate Peanut Butter Pretzel Ice Cream {Vegan and GF}

The perfect ending to any outdoor party. If you don't have an ice cream maker, I can recommend This Cuisinart model at Macys, and it is now on sale.
Heather Christo

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Foodie Friday: Picnic Perfect Provisions & Recipes

Foodie Friday: Cookout Chic ~ Recipes And More

I am of the mindset that even the most casual events can be chic. All it takes is a little effort and creativity.  Good food always helps, as well. If you are hosting a cookout, think about what would excite you. Certainly not a hot dog in a Wonder Bun, right? Music, even outdoors, is a must throughout your cookout.  Save the paper plates for some other time. Make your guests feel special with a real dish and a colorful napkin. And I highly recommend creating a "House Drink."  It is always a fun start to any event. When entertaining, it's the little details that count.  I hope you enjoy this perfectly yummy post.

~ Beverages ~ 

Lavender Lemonade
Recently I was served this at a backyard party. I found it so lovely that I just wanted to share the recipe with you. Most people were adding a dash of Grey Goose Vodka at the suggestion of the bartender.  
One Kings Lane

Cocktail Snow Cones
Wouldn't this just make you smile as you arrived at the party?  Genius idea for a warm weather party.
Honestly Yum

Watermelon Coolers

Make these your house drink at your next barbecue and you will me the talk of the town! 

Style Me Pretty

Blackberry Mojitos

A Bobby Flay recipe that is perfection for Summer. Greet your guests with a tray of these.

Epicurious

Grilled Peach Old Fashion

Even if you don't think you like bourbon, I bet you enjoy this Summer sip.

Martha Stewart

Rope Party Bucket
A galvanized liner will keep your bottled refreshments cool when filled with ice. So much nicer than a cooler.
Serena and Lily

~ Appetizers  And Starters~

Chicken Satay With Spicy Peanut 
Dipping Sauce

With just a touch of heat, this is a chic choice for outdoor feasting.

Pure Wow

Roast Tomato And Caper Gazpacho

What's better than a ripe tomato? A roasted one. This recipe is no fuss and perfect for a Summer supper.

The Red Bistro

Bruschetta

These two bite appetizers make a perfectly pretty party dish. Easy to make, with in season ingredients. And who doesn't love grilled bread?

Food Network

Grilled New England 

Clam Chowder Dip

Oh how interesting!  Serve with grilled potato wedges, celery sticks and/or oyster crackers. Love that this can be made up to two days before service.

Food Republic

Fig Jam + Arugula Pizza

Sweet and salty and oh so stylish!

The Glitter Guide

Thomas Paul Plate Set
Break resistant Melamine adds style while still being practical. Go ahead, play with pattern.
Burke Decor

~ Salads ~

Nicoise Salad With 

Sesame Seared Tuna

Is this not the most stylish salad you ever saw? One of my favorite dishes to eat any time of the year. Recipe calls for searing the tuna in a pan, but you certainly could grill it as well.

Heather Christo

Tomato-Mozzarella Salad 
With Pesto
Such a simple salad to create, yet so attractive!  Your guests will enjoy selecting their favorite color tomato.  And doesn't pesto just make everything better?
Williams-Sonoma

Shaved Melon Cherry 
Arugula Salad
This salad blends the sweet freshness of the melons and cherries against a backdrop of a peppery arugula.
Bakers Royale

Porcelain Paper Plates and 
Chambray Linen Napkins
I just think these are so casual chic! Find the Napkins HERE and the Plates HERE. Both are from
Provisions at Food 52

~ The Main Event ~

Grilled Clams 

With Tomatillo Bacon Salsa 

What a sophisticated dish to serve to guests. My own Meg just went clamming in the Hamptons, and I could not resist this recipe.

Heather Christo

Rosemary-Skewered Scallops 

This recipe promises loads of flavor with only six ingredients. I personally love the clever Rosemary Skewers. Company deserves an extra touch.

Food Republic

Sausage Mixed Grill with Balsamic Vinaigrette
So easy and colorful. This recipe just looks like a party for the tastebuds. With an assortment of sausages, your guests can pick and choose.
Food And Wine

Grilled Fish Tacos with Creamy 
Chipotle Sauce
I love a recipe that gets the crowd involved. Everyone will have fun building their own perfect taco.
Saveur

Salt Plates
Bring new meaning to "season while you cook."
Provisions by Food 52

~ Super Side Dish ~

Grilled Corn With Cheese and Lime
Why would you serve plain corn when you can serve this? Crumbled queso fresco and cayenne pepper give ordinary corn on the cob a Mexican flair.
Real Simple

Rosewood Corn Skewers
Now on sale at
Sur La Table

~ Sweet Endings ~

Strawberry Lemonade Trifle
This wow worthy dessert is actually anchored with layered pound cake. To make it even easier, use a store bought cake. It screams summer and certainly can be made ahead.
Bakers Royale

Toasted Pineapple Marshmallows

Get the gang to cook their own dessert.  A real conversation starter and  perfect ending to your stylish Summer soiree.  Martha Stewart has a "How To" make adorable sticks with stars on the end HERE

Gourmet Traveller

Grilled Fruit – Skewers

Almost like strawberry shortcake on a stick! These easy desserts will be as much fun to make as it is to eat. 

Shanty Chic

Lemony Blackberry
Vodka Gelées
If you are 18 or 20, you would call these "Jello Shots." But not at my party. Gelees sound so civilized. Whatever you call them, they are pretty and will end the evening on a high note!
The Bitten Word

Paper Lanterns
Ever since my days of dining at Tavern On The Green in Central Park,  I have been obsessed with hanging lanterns.  They add a pop of pizazz and color to any party. Hang them from a tree or market umbrellas. You will find a stylish selection at
Luna Bazaar

Goats Milk Caramel
Keep 2 jars of this unbelievably good sauce around this Summer. Perfect for your Ice Cream Sundae Bar. And with this fabulous presentation bag, it makes a great host or hostess gift.
Provisions by Food52

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