When it comes to summertime shindigs, we love a good pool party or tailgate at the baseball game. But what we love most of all is a casual, stress-free party right in your own backyard. Just fire up the grill, call up your besties and let the fun begin. Want more backyard party ideas? We’ll walk you through how to host the best backyard bash yet. You can start with these must-have recipes:
Southwestern Backyard BurgersWhether you're in the stadium parking lot or on your patio, these Southwestern-style burgers are great on the grill. Sometimes I make six patties rather than eight because I like my burgers bigger and better! —Robert Hodges, San Diego, California
THIS is how to host a successful backyard bash!
Sweet and Spicy Baked BeansThis recipe is a hit with guests and family. It's sweet, simple and delicious, and someone always asks for the recipe. —Elliot Wesen, Arlington, Texas
Chunky KetchupI created this chunky homemade ketchup to jazz up chopped steak sandwiches and hot sausage sandwiches for my family. It's so delicious and fresh-tasting. I gave some to our friends, too, and they enjoyed it on hamburgers and even stuffed peppers. —Susan Stahr, Driftwood, Pennsylvania
Old-Fashioned Coney Hot Dog SauceCamping and hot dogs go hand in hand. Roast some up over the fire, then top with this irresistible one-pot sauce. —Loriann Cargill Bustos, Phoenix, Arizona
Crisp Onion RelishI take this relish to picnics for people to use as a condiment on hamburgers and hot dogs. It adds a special zip!
—Marie Patkau, Hanley Saskatchewan
Emily's Honey Lime ColeslawHere’s a refreshing take on slaw with a honey-lime vinaigrette rather than the traditional mayo. It’s a great take-along for all those summer picnics. —Emily Tyra, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Healthy Potato SaladThis healthy potato salad is crunchy-delicious with a brilliant zesty dressing. —Brittany Allyn, Mesa, Arizona
Favorite Bread & Butter PicklesI made these pickles while growing up and love them because you can eat them with just about anything. Now, both of my children love these pickles, too. I think you'll enjoy them as much as we do! —Linda Weger, Robinson, Illinois
Rainbow Fruit SaladWhen my children were young, I would often dress up fresh fruit in this easy salad. Decades later, my grandchildren and great-grandchildren still love digging in to the fruity layers. The salad goes well with barbecued meats or cold sandwiches. —Jonnie Adams Sisler, Stevensville, Montana
Mushroom-Stuffed CheeseburgersNo need to call my family twice when these burgers are on the menu. Get ahead of the game and stuff them ahead of time, then grill later. — Joyce Guth, Mohnton, Pennsylvania
Jersey-Style Hot DogsI grew up in northern New Jersey, where hot dogs with grilled potatoes were born. It's a combo you’ll love. —Suzanne Banfield, Basking Ridge, New Jersey
Double Hot Horseradish MustardMy family enjoys spicy food so this recipe is wonderful for us. We add it to sandwiches.—Madeline Cole, Willow, Alaska
Kansas Cucumber SaladCucumbers are my very favorite garden vegetable, so I use this recipe often. I got it from a friend years ago. I've heard this refreshing dish keeps very well in the refrigerator, but it goes so fast around our house, I've never found out for myself. —Karen Ann Bland, Gove, Kansas
Grilled Sweet CornSince we have plenty of fresh sweet corn available in our area, we use this recipe often in summer. Parsley, chili powder and cumin accent the corn's just-picked flavor. —Connie Lou Hollister, Lake Odessa, Michigan
Strawberry-Rhubarb Ice PopsThese cool, creamy pops are a deliciously different way to use up the bounty from your rhubarb patch. —Donna Linihan, Moncton, New Brunswick
Wagon Wheel Pasta SaladSummertime gatherings aren't complete without a refreshing pasta salad. This tasty version features a mayonnaise and picante dressing. It may become one of your favorite side dishes for tacos, too! —Kathryn Donahey, Oil City, Pennsylvania
Watermelon Tomato SaladWatermelon and tomatoes may seem an unlikely pair, but they team up to make a winning combination in this eye-catching salad. —Matthew Denton, Seattle, Washington
Balsamic Three-Bean SaladHere's my little girl's favorite salad. She devours it just about as fast as I can make it. I suggest preparing it ahead of time so the flavors can get to know each other. —Stacey Feather, Jay, Oklahoma
Peach Crumb BarsI had the most beautiful peaches and really wanted to bake with them. I started with my blueberry crumb bar recipe, and after a couple of tries, I was so happy with the results. My co-worker taste testers were, too! —Amy Burns, Newman, Illinois
Barbecued BurgersI can't take all the credit for these winning burgers. My husband's uncle passed down the special barbecue sauce recipe. We love it on everything...it was only natural to try it on, and in, burgers. Add cheese and bacon to take them over the top. —Rhoda Troyer, Glenford, Ohio
White Balsamic Blueberry, Corn and Feta SaladI'm not typically a huge fan of summer corn, but when it comes to this sweet, salty, refreshing salad, I can't put my fork down. —Colleen Delawder, Herndon, Virginia
Cran-Orange Couscous SaladI often create salads for summer using a variety of healthy, filling grains. This version with tender couscous is amped up by the bright flavors of oranges, cranberries, basil and a touch of fennel. —Kristen Heigl, Staten Island, New York
Sparkling Fruit SaladPineapple chunks, mandarin oranges, strawberries and grapes are treated to a dressing of wine and sparkling club soda in this delightful salad. Serve in dessert dishes or set the whole bowl on the table for a fetching presentation. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Grilled Bean BurgersThese juicy veggie patties have major flavor with cumin, garlic and a little chili powder. They hold their own against any veggie burger you‘d buy at the supermarket. —Marguerite Shaeffer, Sewell, New Jersey
Chocolate-Covered Strawberry CobblerThis cobbler came about because I love chocolate-covered strawberries. Top it with whipped cream, either plain or with a little chocolate syrup stirred in. —Andrea Bolden, Unionville, Tennessee
Sweet & Salty Peanut Butter BitesMy son Micah and I love peanut butter cups, so we made them into a new treat. We entered these peanut butter no bake cookies in a creative baking contest and won first place! —Autumn Emigh, Gahanna, Ohio
Smoky Grilled Corn SalsaOur backyard grill is the perfect place to cook up the ingredients for homemade corn salsa. It’s yummy with tortilla chips and as a topping for meat, poultry and fish. —Alicia DeWolfe, Gloucester, Massachusetts
Dr Pepper BBQ SauceMy family is stationed in Italy with my husband, Lt. William Robert Blackman. William grew up in Memphis, Tennessee, and I’m from Texas, so the dish that spells "home" for us is a good ol' barbecue. I have my own recipe for barbecue sauce that we like to pour all over sliced brisket. Eating it reminds us of weekend barbecues with our families. —Tina Blackman, Naples, Italy
Oatmeal Cookie Ice Cream SandwichesIf you’re tight on time, you can use store-bought cookies, but I highly recommend making these oatmeal chocolate cookies from scratch. The dessert sandwiches are pure fun. Sometimes I decorate the sides of the sandwiches with colorful jimmies, too. —Diane Halferty, Corpus Christi, Texas
Frozen Peach PiesA refreshing, peachy filling and a buttery graham cracker crust are the perfect pair. I’ve found that this pie can be frozen up to three days. —Athena M. Russell, Florence, South Carolina
Barbecue SlidersWhen guests dropped in by surprise, all I had was sausage and ground beef defrosted. We combined the two for juicy burgers on the grill. —B.J. Larsen, Erie, Colorado
Slow-Cooker Blueberry CobblerI love blueberries, and this easy cake mix cobbler showcases them deliciously. Serve the treat warm with a big scoop of French vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. —Teri Rasey, Cadillac, Michigan
Banana Split FluffThis pretty pink mixture, rich with yummy fruit and nuts, is sure to disappear in a hurry. It’s a sweet and speedy treat that can be served as a dessert or salad. —Anne Powers, Munford, Alabama
S'more Sandwich CookiesCapture the taste of campfire s'mores in your kitchen. Graham cracker crumbs added to chocolate chip cookie dough bring out the flavor of the fireside favorite. Melting the cookies' marshmallow centers in the microwave makes them simple to assemble. —Abby Metzger, Larchwood, Iowa
Barbecue SeasoningI use this BBQ seasoning on country-style ribs, pork chops and chicken. You'll likely have all of the seasonings on hand to make a batch, and if you don't use it all, it will keep for the next time. —Rose Rainier, Sheridan Wyoming
Bacon-Wrapped Hot DogsHere's a juicy, delicious and savory meal in a bun! I make these bacon-wrapped hot dogs for picnics, barbecues and tailgate parties, and they always get compliments. To transport, wrap the hot dogs in foil and then in paper. —Peter Halferty, Corpus Christi, Texas
Blueberry Lattice BarsSince our area has an annual blueberry festival, my daughters and I are always looking for amazing new recipes to enter in the cooking contest. These lovely bars won a blue ribbon one year. —Debbie Ayers, Baileyville, Maine
Watermelon Slice CookiesOnce when I made these butter cookies for a party, a neighbor thought they were so attractive that she froze one to show friends. They're easy to make, too! —Sue Ann Benham, Valparaiso, Indiana
Creamy Layered Blueberry Ice PopsThese delicious ice pops can also be made with raspberries or blackberries. The rosemary sprig and lemon zest bring another layer of flavor. The pops are quick, easy, kid-friendly and freezable. —Gloria Bradley, Naperville, Illinois
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Start with a Simple Menu
For a casual backyard get-together, there’s no need to overcomplicate your menu. All you have to do is start with the basics: burgers and hot dogs (or any variation thereof). Once you’ve perfected your burger making and grilling technique, you can let your guests take care of the rest with an assortment of toppings that let them customize their burger. Here are some burger ideas to start with:
King BurgersMy husband and I like to make up recipes together. The sauce for this juicy burger tastes even better when it has been refrigerated overnight. —Mary Potter, Sterling Heights, Michigan
Spicy Cajun Salsa BurgersUse a few on-hand seasonings like Creole, red pepper flakes and garlic powder to create these flavorful and juicy burgers. —David Dalton, Orleans, Indiana
Garlic-Herb Salmon SlidersThe fresh flavors of the salmon and herbs are just unbeatable. I serve these as full-size burgers on kaiser rolls, too. —Margee Berry, White Salmon, Washington
Basil Burgers with Sun-Dried Tomato MayonnaiseI often end up with a bumper crop of herbs—and here's one of my favorite
basil recipes. These burgers feature great Italian flavor. The gooey, cheesy centers and scrumptious topping are irresistible. —Virginia Kochis, Springfield, Virginia
Loaded Turkey SlidersWhat these sliders lack in size they make up for in flavor! They're great for little hands and you can customize the toppings to suit kids' tastes. Serve them as an appetizer or as a main dish along with sweet potato fries and fresh fruit. —Kathy DeRousie, Port Angeles, Washington
Southwestern Backyard BurgersWhether you're in the stadium parking lot or on your patio, these Southwestern-style burgers are great on the grill. Sometimes I make six patties rather than eight because I like my burgers bigger and better! —Robert Hodges, San Diego, California
Mushroom-Stuffed CheeseburgersNo need to call my family twice when these burgers are on the menu. Get ahead of the game and stuff them ahead of time, then grill later. — Joyce Guth, Mohnton, Pennsylvania
Barbecued BurgersI can't take all the credit for these winning burgers. My husband's uncle passed down the special barbecue sauce recipe. We love it on everything...it was only natural to try it on, and in, burgers. Add cheese and bacon to take them over the top. —Rhoda Troyer, Glenford, Ohio
Makeover Turkey Burgers with Peach MayoThe unique fruit and mayo combination puts this burger over the top. You can also substitute nectarines for the peaches. They're both delicious! —Charlene Chambers, Ormond Beach, Florida
Grilled Spinach Feta BurgersTurkey burgers have their fans, but we prefer feta burgers with ground beef and spinach. We serve them on toasted buns with lettuce, tomato and tzatziki. —Susan Stetzel, Gainesville, New York
Jalapeno Burgers with GorgonzolaOn a whim, we mixed homemade jalapeno jam into ground beef patties, then topped the burgers with caramelized onions and tangy Gorgonzola cheese. Fabulous! —Becky Mollenkamp, St. Louis, Missouri
Barley Beef BurgersBarley adds another dimension to an old-fashioned hamburger. My husband and I really enjoy these juicy patties with onion and barbecue sauce mixed right in. —Rosella Peters, Gull Lake, Saskatchewan
Salmon Burgers with Tangy SlawI thought I’d made salmon every way you can make it—until now. The tangy slaw, made with fennel and avocado, adds another layer of flavor that goes surprisingly well with salmon and other seafood. —Amber Massey, Argyle, Texas
Whiskey Cheddar BurgersThis juicy cheeseburger has big flavors to satisfy even the heartiest appetites. It always impresses at our cookouts. —Amber Nicholson, Winooski, Vermont
Black Bean Chip & Dip BurgersI finally invented a healthy quinoa burger that wasn't dry and crumbly or really boring. These fit the bill—even my grandkids prefer them over hamburgers. They taste like chips and dip in a burger! —KT Rehrig, Allentown, Pennsylvania
Sun-Dried Tomato Turkey BurgersThis recipe always brings back memories of my mom’s homemade sun-dried tomatoes in the summer. I’ve prepared the burgers with ground beef and ground turkey. Either way, they're fast and taste great! —Sammy Staab, Pensacola, Florida
Burger AmericanaGo on a burger road trip in your own backyard. Grill the patties and load them sky-high with your favorite toppings. For instance, peanut butter and bacon make them southern style; coleslaw and tomatoes,
a northern version. —Susan Mahaney, New Hartford, New York
Feta Mushroom BurgersI got this recipe from my son-in-law and I tweaked it to make it healthier. The burgers are so quick to whip up on the grill on busy nights. —Dolores Block, Frankenmuth, Michigan
Grilled Ground Turkey BurgersThese juicy, tender patties on whole wheat buns make a wholesome, satisfying sandwich. We especially like to make grilled turkey burgers, but you could also pan-fry them. —Sherry Hulsman, Elkton, Florida
Chili-Cheese BurgersInstead of topping my burgers with cheese, I like to shred it and mix it into the meat when shaping the patties. This way, I'm sure to get a little cheesy goodness in every bite. —Deborah Williams, Peoria, Arizona
Eggs Benedict BurgersTo feed my daughter’s hungry cowboy friends after a rodeo, I created these with leftover burgers, hollandaise and bacon. They were a huge hit! —Bonnie Geavaras-Bootz, Scottsdale, Arizona
Green Chile BurgersTake one all-American patty and load it up New Mexico-style with smoky cheese and chopped green chiles. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Sweet & Spicy Fusion BurgersThese burgers combine some of my favorite flavors and textures, plus you can do most of the work ahead of time. You’ll find naan, an Indian flatbread, in the international or bread section of your grocery store. —Jamie Brown-Miller, Napa, California
Greek-Style Chicken BurgersThe original recipe for these burgers called for lamb or beef, but I decided to try ground chicken to decrease the fat. The sauce easily doubles as a flavorful dip for veggies and pita chips. —Judy Puskas, Wallaceburg, Ontario
Herb & Cheese-Stuffed BurgersTired of the same old
ground beef recipes? This quick-fix burger alternative, with its creamy cheese filling, will wake up your taste buds. —Sherri Cox, Lucasville, Ohio
Open-Face Chicken Parmesan BurgersWe love chicken Parmesan and thought, "Why not make it a burger?" I like to use fresh mozzarella on these. I've also made the patties with ground turkey. —Charlotte Gehle, Brownstown, Michigan
Philly BurgerThe cream cheese mixture and crunchy french-fried onions make this burger recipe a cookout sensation. Serve them with fresh potato salad and a fruit salad, and dinner is done! —Marjorie Carey, Alamosa, Colorado
Cheddar Chili BurgersBig, bold chili and french-fried onions are a fun alternative to the classic burger fixings of ketchup and mustard. The patties are easy to assemble, making this a great weeknight sandwich. —Sue Ross, Casa Grande, Arizona
And you can have plenty of fun with hot dogs, too. Our favorite way to jazz them up is with regionally-inspired toppings. It’s a fun way for folks to share a bit about where they’re from and show off their creative side. Here are some of our favorite ideas:
- Chicago:Â yellow mustard, white onion, pickle relish, pickle spear, tomato, sport peppers, celery salt
- Detroit:Â Coney sauce, mustard onion
- Kansas City:Â cheese, sauerkraut, caraway seeds, thousand island dressing
- Philadelphia: Cheez Whiz, sauteed peppers, onions and mushrooms
- Nashville: Chicken hot dog, hot sauce, cayenne, mayo, sliced pickles
- Los Angeles:Â bacon, grilled onions, jalapenos, salsa
- Milwaukee:Â cheese curds, beer mustard, Cheez Whiz
- New Jersey:Â peppers, onions, grilled potatoes
- Seattle:Â cream cheese, cheddar, onion, jalapeno
- Tucson: Wrapped in bacon, topped with pinto beans, chopped tomatoes, diced raw onion, avocado, mayo, jalapenos; piled on a bolillo roll
Summer-Ready Sides and Sips for Backyard Entertaining
As for the side dishes and desserts for your party, ask your friends, family and neighbors to bring a dish to pass. Everyone has a go-to summer potluck recipe or two that they’d love to share. And if you don’t feel like turning on the oven on a summer day, try these icebox desserts that are always smash hits.
When it comes to backyard sips, there’s no shame in stocking up on the classics, like a good craft beer (here’s the best from each state). You can also whip up a big batch of one of these non-alcoholic drinks—they’re sure to please all kinds of partygoers.
Aunt Frances’ Lemonade
My sister and I spent a week each summer with our Aunt Frances, who always had this thirst-quenching lemonade in a stoneware crock in her refrigerator. It makes a refreshing nonalcoholic party drink after a hot day of running around. —Debbie Reinhart, New Cumberland, Pennsylvania. Looking for more options? Check out our favorite
nonalcoholic sunrise cocktail recipe.
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Blood Orange PunchThis tangy nonalcoholic punch is festive, refreshing and easy to prepare. Instead of plain ice cubes, I add frozen orange juice cubes. —Sandy McKenzie, Braham, Minnesota
Citrus & White Grape Juice Party PunchI was looking for a nonalcoholic party drink that wouldn't stain expensive dresses and tuxedos. Everyone loved this white grape juice and lemonade punch! You can mix the first four ingredients ahead of time, refrigerate and add the soda right before serving. —Karen Ballance, Wolf Lake, Illinois
Easy Citrus SlushOur church’s hostess committee has relied on this refreshing nonalcoholic party drink for bridal and baby showers and other events. We often use different flavored gelatins to match the decor of the occasion. —Joy Bruce, Welch, Oklahoma
Pomegranate Ginger SpritzerConveniently, a pitcher of this nonalcoholic party drink can be made hours before holiday guests arrive. Add the club soda just before serving. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Citrus Cider PunchI share this nonalcoholic party drink recipe with people who visit our apple cider mill. It's perfect for autumn and holiday gatherings. —Carolyn Beck, St Johns, Michigan
Cranberry FizzWith just five basic ingredients, this wonderfully tangy nonalcoholic beverage couldn't be much simpler to stir together. —Suzette Jury, Keene, California
Harvest Apple CiderI simmer this comforting cider in my slow cooker every fall. —Lesley Geisel, Severna Park, Maryland
Nectarine, Basil and Clementine Infused WaterNectarine and basil may sound a little strange, but trust us, this combination is a real winner. A few slices of clementine seal the deal. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Pineapple Iced TeaWe have a large family, so we go through beverages quickly at our house. This thirst-quenching tea is simple to mix together and has a sparkling citrus flavor we all enjoy. —K. Kitell, Lenexa, Kansas
Spiced Apple TeaI love to try new recipes for my husband and our friends. This spiced apple tea is one of our favorites. I like to serve it warm or refrigerate and serve it cold, too. —Sharon Delaney-Chronis, South Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Scarlet SipperThis sweet, tart and slightly nonalcoholic party drink is a favorite for gatherings at our church. The bright color sets a festive tone, and the flavors blend seamlessly. —Amber Goolsby, Geneva, Alabama
Strawberry-Lavender Infused WaterA little bit of lavender goes a long way, so be sure not to overdo it! This pretty combo screams summer, but you can also dry out the lavender and enjoy this anytime.
Sparkling Coconut Grape JuiceThis sparkling drink is a nice change of pace from lemonade and party punch. The lime, coconut and grape combination is so refreshing. —Shelly Bevington, Hermiston, Oregon
Mulled Grape CiderI came up with this nonalcoholic drink recipe one year when I tried to make grape jelly and ended up with 30 jars of delicious grape syrup instead. I simmered the syrup with spices to make a lovely autumn drink. —Sharon Harmon, Orange, Massachusetts
Cherry Limeade Sweet TeaSweet tea and cherry limeade are two of my favorite summer libations, so I decided to combine them—the results are wonderful. —Renee Page, Rochelle, Illinois
Tropical CoolerWith only four simple ingredients, this nonalcoholic party drink is easy to stir up in just 10 minutes. I served it at a celebration for my son, and everyone liked the slightly tart flavor. —Robin Werner, Brush Prairie, Washington
Tajin LimeadeTajin is a blend of chili peppers, salt and lime. I sprinkle it on a lot of food, but I've found it's really delicious in limeade. —Amanda Phillips, Portland, Oregon
Apricot-Apple CiderDried apricots give this comforting cider a marvelous twist. Add cranberries, cinnamon, allspice and cloves for the perfect hot drink to sip on cool nights. —Ginnie Busam, Pewee Valley, Kentucky
Sparkling Ginger LemonadeChill out with this delightful ginger lemonade perfect for springtime bridal showers or hot summer days on the deck. It's a quick fix you'll stir up time after time. —Jodi Blubaugh, Eagle Mountain, Utah
Tangerine and Thyme Infused WaterWho doesn't love the bright and juicy flavor of tangerine? The addition of thyme really rounds out this infused water. —James Schend,
Taste of Home Deputy Editor
Honey-Citrus Iced TeaA frozen orange or lemon slice in the glass looks pretty and helps keep this nonalcoholic party drink nice and cold. Using honey instead of sugar adds a sweet touch. —Sheila Bradshaw, Columbus, Ohio
Old-Fashioned LemonadeThis sweet-tart lemonade is a traditional part of my Memorial Day and Fourth of July menus. Folks can't get enough of the fresh-squeezed flavor. —Tammi Simpson, Greensburg, Kentucky
Hot CiderI dress up nonalcoholic apple cider using lemonade, orange juice, honey and spices for a new version of a classic fall beverage. —Glenna Tooman, Boise, Idaho
Lemon Spiced TeaCinnamon and honey really perk up the flavor of basic lemon tea. Add a splash of
lemon extract to take this nonalcoholic drink delightfully over the top. —Adeline Russell, Hartford, Wisconsin
Pink Party PunchThis easy nonalcoholic party drink will be the highlight of any get-together. The fruity flavors blend perfectly together, making it impossible to have just one glass.—Carol Garnett, Bellevue, Washington
Honey-Pear Iced TeaTake summery iced tea into fall and winter by stirring in pear nectar and adding a fresh pear slice to each glass as a garnish. A little honey provides an extra touch of sweetness.
Ocean PunchThis ocean water punch is refreshing and not overly sweet. Use your favorite Kool-Aid mix to switch up the flavor for every season and occasion. —Elizabeth LeBlanc, Bourg, Louisiana
Orange Blossom Mint RefresherI came up with this recipe because I'm not a fan of regular iced tea. This version has the perfect combination of freshness and sweetness, and the orange blossom water gives the tea a distinctive flavor. People always request the recipe. —Juliana Gauss, Centennial, Colorado
Watermelon SpritzerIt couldn’t get much easier than this bright spritzer! Watermelon blended with limeade is cool and refreshing. It’s a wonderful thirst-quencher on a hot summer day. —Geraldine Saucier, Albuquerque, New Mexico
Lemony Pineapple Iced TeaI like to garnish this iced tea with some of our sweet Hawaiian pineapple. —Beverly Toomey, Honolulu, Hawaii
Cranberry, Orange and Cardamom Infused WaterThis gorgeous infused water would make a great addition to your holiday dinner table. —James Schend,
Taste of Home Deputy Editor
Leprechaun Lime PunchThis delightful St. Patrick's day punch will add a festive touch to your brunch buffet. Enjoy the lively taste of lime sherbet and other citrus flavors in this leprechaun inspired drink. — Gloria Warczak, Cedarburg, Wisconsin
Spiced Cider PunchI’ve shared this nonalcoholic party drink recipe with many friends. It never wears out its welcome and is so easy to make. It’s also delicious warm. —Charles Piatt, Little Rock, Akansas
Cranberry-Apple SpritzerThis is an easy five-ingredient drink to make for your guests for the holidays. Serve it hot or cold. —Courtney Stultz, Weir, Kansas
Peach-Basil CoolerMix peaches and basil with club soda for a cool and refreshing mocktail! —Dana Hinck, Pensacola, Florida
Warm Christmas PunchRed Hot candies add rich color and spiciness to this festive nonalcoholic party drink, and the cranberry juice gives it a little tang. Our children always request it for December brunches. —Julie Sterchi, Campbellsville, Kentucky
Mulled CiderThis is a classic warmer-upper that you can serve on chilly winter days. Pass the brandy separately for those who want it.
Honeydew Lime CoolerServe up a frosty glass of this citrusy blend of lime sherbet and honeydew melon for a real thirst-quencher. I like to sip this on warm afternoons, but it's equally good for breakfast or brunch. —Mitzi Sentiff, Annapolis, Maryland
Lemony Fruit CoolerThis nonalcoholic party drink looks so pretty with all the colorful fruit floating in the bowl. It has a refreshing taste and is easy to put together. —Dawn Shackelford, Fort Worth, Texas
Lemon-Basil Mojito MocktailsIn this twist on the classic summer beverage, lemon and basil take the place of mint. For a grown-up version, just add your favorite rum or vodka. —Cheryl Perry, Hertford, North Carolina
Slow-Cooker Apple CiderThere's no last-minute rush before the party when you simmer this slow-cooker apple cider. It has all the tantalizing flavors of fall. —Alpha Wilson, Roswell, New Mexico
Iced Melon Moroccan Mint TeaI grow mint on my balcony, and this nonalcoholic beverage is a wonderful way to use it. It combines two of my favorite drinks—Moroccan Mint Tea and Honeydew Agua Fresca. For extra flair, add some ginger ale. —Sarah Batt Throne, El Cerrito, California
Cranberry LimeadeWhen cranberry and lime juice get together, the result is thirst-quenching. Add ice and you’ve got a party in a glass. —Michael Passow, Poughkeepsie, New York
Blackberry ShrubMaking a shrub recipe is a creative way to use up extra fruit all the way through Labor Day. We were inspired by sampling the house-made shrubs at a restaurant in California. They are as colorful and refreshing as summer drinks should be. —Gina Nistico, Denver, Colorado
Rosemary LemonadeA friend suggested I add a sprig of rosemary to lemonade. The herb makes the drink taste fresh and light, and it's a pretty garnish. —Dixie Graham, Rancho Cucamonga, California
Watermelon-Lime CoolerWhen temps heat up, chill some glasses and cool down with a slushy blend of watermelon, lime and ginger ale. Slurp and repeat. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Iced Honeydew Mint TeaI grow mint in the garden on my balcony. For this tea, I blend two of my favorite beverages—Moroccan mint tea and honeydew agua fresca. —Sarah Batt Throne, El Cerrito, California
Rhubarb Mint TeaA bumper crop of rhubarb and mint from my garden inspired me to create this thirst-quenching pick-me-up. Raspberries deepen the tea's vibrant red color, making the drinks a pretty addition to your table. —Laurie Bock, Lynden, Washington
Pretty Pink PunchThis nonalcoholic punch is convenient because you can make it ahead of time and just add the ginger ale just before serving. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Spiced Apricot CiderYou'll need just a few ingredients to simmer together this hot spiced beverage. Each delicious mugful is rich with apricot flavor.—Connie Cummings, Gloucester, New Jersey
Banana Brunch PunchA cold glass of nonalcoholic punch really brightens a brunch. It's nice to serve a crisp beverage like this that's more spectacular than plain juice. With bananas, orange juice and lemonade, it can add tropical flair to a winter day. —Mary Anne McWhirter, Pearland, Texas
Orange LemonadeThis juice is a favorite at our place. I'll often double the batch and send a jar next door to my mother-in-law! I was looking for a way to sweeten lemonade without using more sugar when I came up with the recipe. —Wendy Masters, Grand Valley, Ontario
Lemon-Lime PunchThis frothy refresher topped with lime sherbet is a longtime family favorite and the best punch I’ve ever had. It’s fast, festive and easy to mix up for a variety of occasions. —Mary Ray, Raccoon, Kentucky
Sparkling Cranberry KissI love the tartness of cranberries in cold beverages, and this recipe is easily doubled, tripled or even quadrupled. —Shannon Arthur, Wheelersburg, Ohio
Pink Rhubarb PunchRhubarb is the featured ingredient in this blush-colored punch. A friend passed the nonalcoholic recipe on to me, and we enjoy it so much that I thought others might, too. —Rebecca Mininger, Jeromesville, Ohio
Raspberry Lemonade ConcentrateHere's a concentrate that allows you to enjoy a nonalcoholic summer beverage any time of year. Sweet raspberries balance the tartness from lemons. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Sparkling PunchAs a table brightener, fix a bowl of festive nonalcoholic punch—it's a refreshing beverage you can mix together in moments. To dress it up even more, I add an ice ring filled with oranges, lemons and cranberries. —Karen Ann Bland, Gove, Kansas
All-Occasion PunchTo keep the punch cold while adding extra color, I like to make an ice ring out of cherry soda pop. The flavor always brings folks back for more. —Carol Van Sickle, Versailles, Kentucky
Hot Spiced Lemon DrinkI received this nonalcoholic beverage recipe from a lady in our church who is an excellent cook. She has shared several slow-cooker recipes with us. We really enjoy the sweet-tangy flavor of this warm citrus punch. —Mandy Wright, Springville, Utah
Vanilla Citrus CiderMy mom used to make cider for the holidays, so I based my citrus-vanilla variation on her recipe. I think it hits the spot! The longer the cider simmers, the stronger the flavors will be.—Kristin Weglarz, Bremerton, Washington
Ginger-Grapefruit FizzSometimes it's hard to find a special, nonalcoholic beverage for parties that isn't a punch. That's why I love this grown-up bubbly drink that offers a little tartness from the grapefruit and spice from the ginger. —Dawn Viola, Clermont, Florida
Hot Cocoa for a CrowdThis is a simple, delicious and comforting hot cocoa with a hint of cinnamon. It has just the right amount of sweetness.—Deborah Canaday, Manhattan, Kansas
Mojito SlushWhether you're splashing poolside or watching the kids inside, this slushy beverage has just the right balance of minty crispness and limey tartness that's sure to tingle your taste buds. —Jessica Ring, Chicago, Illinois
Rainbow SpritzerLayers of colorful fruit submerged in a fizzy, sweet beverage make this a kid-friendly sipper that gets two thumbs-up. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Pumpkin JuiceOur family loves Harry Potter. Inspired by the popular series, I decided to come up with a beverage—pumpkin juice! My kids think it’s surprisingly delicious. I love that it’s healthy, easy to make and a refreshing addition to any fall meal. —Geraldine Saucier, Albuquerque, New Mexico
Sparkling White Grape PunchWhite cranberry juice adds tartness to this punch for showers and teas. For a light blush tone, use regular cranberry juice. —Julie Sterchi, Jackson, Missouri
Mulled Dr PepperWhen neighbors or friends visit us on a chilly evening, I'll serve this warm Dr Pepper with it's spicy undertones along side ham sandwiches and deviled eggs. —Bernice Morris, Marshfield, Missouri
Blueberry Lime SlushMy husband's family makes a cranberry beverage for the holidays. I changed it up and serve it this way in winter and summer, when blueberries are in season. —Rebecca Bratsman, Tacoma, Washington
Celebration PunchThis pretty fruit punch has just the right amount of sweetness. The ice ring keeps it cool for hours without diluting the flavor.
—Marci Carl, Northern Cambria, Pennsylvania
Mango Orange QuencherServe this beautiful beverage at your next brunch in place of mimosas. Just chill the base an hour before adding the club soda. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Smooth Sweet TeaA pinch of baking soda eliminates bitterness in this smooth and easy-to-sip tea and it has just the right amount of sugar so it's not overly sweet. —kelseylouise, Taste of Home Community Member
Punch DelightWhen we celebrated my mother's 75th birthday, we wanted a punch everyone could enjoy. This delightful combination of lemonades, juice and soda was perfect and so easy to make. All our guests loved this yellow punch recipe. —Barbara Koehnke, Fremont, Wisconsin
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Keep the Fun Going with Backyard Games
Before you light the grill or breakout the icebox cake, keep your company entertained with some fun yard games. A little friendly competition will get friends and neighbors chatting, giving you all the time you need to grill up those perfect burgers.
via merchant
Tumbling Timbers
This
tumbling block tower is one of the best outdoor games
for adults and kids alike. At 21 inches, this isn't quite as gigantic as some models on the market. Therefore, this selection is easier to store, and the dark, smooth wash of wood makes it look slightly more sophisticated than its counterparts.
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via merchantCornhole Set
Cornhole might be a common backyard game (even if you call it Bags!), but this stunning
floral set is anything but ordinary. The eye-catching boards, accompanied by coordinating patterned bean bags, are practically
yard decor—they're just that pretty.
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via merchantBadminton Set
This
cute-colored badminton set (sans net) is portable enough to bring anywhere, whether to the park for a picnic or the beach for a
bonfire. And the purchase also scores you two durable badminton bags that make the game easy to transport and store.
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P.S. Speaking of the beach, these are the best
beach games to get all ages in on the fun during your summer adventures.
via merchantBocce Ball
Roll into any family gathering with this
colorful bocce set and you'll be the MVP. The rules are easy to learn, so anyone can jump right into this classic game in no time. Lug around the heavy equipment in the sturdy canvas tote.
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via merchantYardzee
For
game night, take the tabletop favorite to the lawn with this
large-scale version of Yahtzee! The dry-erase scoreboards are conveniently reusable, and the collapsible bucket easily stows away. The wooden dice are burned with dots so they never rub off and the fun can last forever.
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Giant Dominoes
The effect of these dominoes? Tons of fun for you and your guests! The
double-six set with 28 pieces is made of acacia wood and coated in a sealant to increase its longevity. So gather around on the
patio furniture because outdoor games like 42, Double Fives and Concentration are right at your fingertips.
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via merchantSpikeball
This four-person team game will have your entire party cheering. Think volleyball-meets-trampoline! Although it might look intimidating, playing is easier than you think. It's a fun item to bring to a picnic for a little exercise while enjoying the fresh air.
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Hook & Ring Toss Game
Pick a spot on the fence, deck post or facade of your house for this
hook and ring game that doubles as a
great gift for beer lovers. Test your hand-eye coordination by tossing the hook onto the ring. Pro tip: Use the included magnetic bottle opener with discretion if you really want to win.
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via merchantLawn Bowling
This
rainbow-hued bowling set with ten wooden pins, two balls and a mesh carrying bag, is right up our alley. With the same rules as the original, there's no learning curve here, just loads of fun!
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via merchantGiant Connect 4Â
This
super-sized Connect 4 is a must for your family's collection of outdoor games. The board folds down to fit inside a carrying case, and all the pieces are contained in zippered pockets. Set it up in minutes and it's fun for all ages. The patriotic color scheme makes it a stellar
Fourth of July game.
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via merchantBattlechip Golf Game
Golf meets cornhole in this fun outdoor game that's a fitting
gift for retirees. Set up your
Battlechip boards on the beach or in the backyard for hours of entertainment. Use the chipping mats (which can be monogrammed!) to putt your ball into the various holes for points.
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Croquet
It might not fit in your
picnic basket, but croquet is a picnic essential. Pick up this
all-inclusive set to host a croquet tournament in your backyard. If you've never played, get ready to be hooked on this old-school yet quintessential pastime. There are enough mallets and balls for six players.
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via merchantRing Toss
A ring toss is a perfect team or solo game for kids (and this
elevated-looking wooden version is perfect for you). The rules are simple and straightforward, so the kiddos will learn the ropes—literally!—within just a couple of rounds.
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via merchantOversized Yard Pong
If you've ever played beer pong at a party, you'll have a blast with this
supersized, kid-friendlier version. The plastic cups—more aptly referred to as buckets—stack, so they're easy to pack and set up, whether you're on the beach or in the backyard. Sip on
our favorite light beers as you play.
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via merchantLadder Toss Set
Your hand-eye coordination gets a workout when you toss bolas in the backyard as part of this lesser-known yard game. The chic
black and white duo is constructed from wood, so it's sturdier than the plastic picks. Add this to the list of stylish outdoor games.
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via merchantPlastic Horseshoes
You needn't permanently install a horseshoe pit in your backyard to enjoy the classic game. Take this
double-duty set, which also includes some rings that could be used on land or as a
pool accessory. Subsequently, the updated color palette really sets it apart.
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via merchantJumbo Checkers and Chess
Few games are as classic as checkers and chess, and this set takes them up a notch. (Yes, that's right—you get two sets in one!) Set up the
jumbo set on the lawn or porch and have some fun. Just don't get stuck with a checkmate!
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via merchantTrail Flyer Toss Game
It's not always feasible to lug wooden cornhole boards to your picnic, tailgate or campout. That's why we love this
portable game that sets up in seconds and provides play for two to four people. Plus, it's weatherproof so you can leave it up at the campground the entire weekend.
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Roll-Up Shuffleboard
Lastly, don't let this time-honored source of entertainment get lost in the shuffle! The budget-friendly
roll-up board is just over five feet and includes eight pucks and a carrying case. It's safe for indoor and outdoor use, so the good times can roll—er—slide year-round.
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Additional research contributed by Lindsay D. Mattison and Annamarie Higley, Taste of Home Shopping Editor
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Don’t Forget the Extra Touches
Burgers? Check. Buns? Check. Games? Double-check. Once you have the basics on hand for your casual backyard party, it can be easy to call your party planning done. But don’t forget those extra touches that will make your guests more comfortable. Here are some ideas to keep in mind as you prep for your soiree:
- Have sunblock on hand. One application isn’t enough for a full day of fun. Keep a bottle or two of sunblock ready for guests to reapply.
- Set up all your seating. Pull out all your lawn chairs and dust off the patio set. Sure, a backyard bash might be a casual affair, but make sure folks have somewhere to rest after a few rounds of croquet. If needed, have your neighbors bring a chair or two.
- Have some shade. If you plan on being outside all day in the sun, be sure to have some shady spots for folks that need a break from the heat. Pop open that patio umbrella and even invest in a few handheld fans.
- Get more ice. Is it just us or can you never have enough ice at a party? Grab an extra bag before the party begins to keep the coolers full and the drinks chilled.
- Send them home with a treat. Everyone likes something to take home. Grab some eco-friendly to-go boxes for friends to take home leftovers. You can even have some cookies prepped for party favors, too.
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Note: Every product is independently selected by our editors. If you buy something through our links, we may earn an affiliate commission.
Updated: Nov. 17, 2023
