5 Make-Ahead Summer Dinner Menus That Make Entertaining a Breeze

Backyard bbq, outdoor movie night, or hot dog "bonfire"—which will you try first?

By
Devan Grimsrud
Devan Grimsrud
Devan Grimsrud

Devan Grimsrud is a Berlin-based writer, editor, and recipe developer originally from Minneapolis, Minnesota. After working in television production with James Beard Award-winning chef Andrew Zimmern, she relocated to Berlin and became the managing editor at Kitchen Stories, an international digital cooking platform with millions of active users. 

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Published July 08, 2025
Devan Grimsrud
Hot dogs topped with kimchi served on a white plate with a side of kimchi in a glass container
Nick Evans

One of the hardest parts of planning a summer party, in my opinion, is not getting overwhelmed by the details. I might start small, thinking to just plan a little picnic, but as I begin to set the date with friends, look for the perfect location, plan the menu, and work on the prep, it can quickly become a lot for me.

I used to think that meant I'm not cut out to be a host, but I realized that's not true, I just need a different approach. I need to be able to break things down, giving myself a little bit to do in each of the days leading up to the party, which gives me peace of mind before the party and also during it.

If you're anything like me when it comes to party planning, these five summer party menus, with a game plan for what to prep when, will be a life saver. Whether you want to throw a little backyard barbecue or a potluck picnic in the park, maybe a European vacation-inspired dinner party or an outdoor movie night, or a hot dog "bonfire" around the grill, I've got you covered!

Easy, Breezy Backyard Barbecue

Overhead view of grilled chicken thighs on a cooling rack.
Ciara Kehoe

The backyard barbecue needs no introduction—it's a staple of the summer season. This first menu is built around classic grilled BBQ chicken because it's delicious, scalable, and no one needs to hustle around the grill making sure everyone's burgers are done to their desired temperature. There's also no marinade needed, so you just need to pick up your favorite cuts of chicken and store-bought (or homemade, of course) barbecue sauce. Here's how you can break down the menu and prep ahead.

  • Two days before: Make a batch (or two, or three) of lemonade and store in the fridge
  • One day before: Make coleslaw and potato salad
  • Morning of: Make dirt cakes (get the kids involved in layering them up!)
  • Two hours ahead: Grill chicken

Potluck Picnic In the Park

pink lemonade cake (with some slices cut out) on a board next to a plate with a slice

Simply Recipes / Photo by Jen Causey / Food Styling by Chelsea Zimmer / Prop Styling by Christina Daley

One of my favorite ways of "hosting" a summer party is really just planning it and letting a park (and my friends) do the work. I'll set the date and a light menu; send the invites with requests for guests to bring things as wide ranging as plastic cutlery, chilled bottles of wine, big picnic blankets, bags of chips, or a baguette; and call it a party. I love a big sandwich for a party because it can be sliced up to feed extra people if needed. This menu is easy to pack up for a picnic and can all be made ahead.

  • One week before: Make cake frosting, olive salad for muffuletta
  • Two days before: Make stone fruit salad
  • One day before: Bake cake, assemble muffuletta
  • Morning of: Frost cake

Outdoor Movie Night

Close-up: honey popcorn (filling up the entire photo)

Simply Recipes / Mark Beahm

Some of my favorite summer memories include an evening under the stars, watching classic movies with friends, family, and plenty of bug spray. There are lots of ways to get creative with a sheet and projector set-up, so I won't go into the details of that, but I will offer a few ways to prep this simple outdoor movie night menu ahead.

  • Two days before: Make ranch dip and a batch (or two) of honey popcorn
  • One day before: Make pizza dough (or use store-bought) and prep all your favorite veggies for dipping in the ranch
  • Morning of: Prep pizza toppings
  • Two hours ahead: Stretch pizza dough rounds and refrigerate
  • 30 minutes ahead: Grill pizza

European Vacation Party

A large plate with Greek-style roasted potatoes and chicken thighs, with lemon slices as garnish

Simply Recipes / Mihaela Kozaric Sebrek

Taking inspiration from an oft-dreamed of, perhaps not always executed European summer vacation, this dinner party hits a few popular destinations at home. From France to Greece, Spain to the UK and Italy, this is a fun way to gather with friends and family, relive favorite vacation memories, and celebrate a birthday, anniversary, or even family reunion. Here's how you can break down the menu and prep ahead.

  • Three days before: Make simple syrup for Pimm's Cup
  • Two days before: Make vinaigrette and boiled eggs for panzanella, juice lemons
  • One day before: Make mignonette sauce, marinate chicken, make tiramisu, prep garnishes for Pimm's Cup
  • Two hours ahead: Make and chill salad
  • One hour ahead: Roast chicken

Late Summer "Bonfire"

Two hot dogs in buns topped with kimchi glass bowl of kimchi beside them
Nick Evans

For me, a bonfire always screams late summer, likely because, growing up, they were a popular party to have in August or early September before going back to school. It was a send-off to long days of doing whatever you wanted, eating strawberries or thick hunks of watermelon by the lake, or walking to the local Dairy Queen for an after-dinner ice cream cone. Bonfires aren't like barbecues, but you can use the coals for browning up hot dogs or gently melting some chocolate and marshmallows, so I recommend you do.

  • One day before: Make kimchi slaw, chili-mayo sauce, and tomato salad
  • Morning of: Skewer (and/or spiralize) hot dogs. Assemble s'mores sliders and wrap in foil
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