Welcome to Come On Over, a Food52 publication about internet hosting life’s huge and little moments. It’s the place we share our private ideas and tips, from modern-day etiquette—sneakers off or sneakers on?—to creating further seating out of each floor of an residence. This week, we’re lastly feelin’ prefer it’s BBQ time.

Nationwide Finest Buddies Day is that this Sunday, and actually? I’ll throw a BBQ for nearly any excuse. It takes me again to these uncommon Irish summer time days (all two weeks of them), the place the scent of uncooked bell pepper meant the grill was firing up. My mom was a giant fan of them on her burger—hey, don’t knock it until you strive it. Right here’s how I’m planning this weekend.

1. Nationwide Finest Buddy’s Day

I say take any and all cause to have fun your nearest and dearest, so lean into this theme if you happen to’re gonna do it this weekend (or any weekend). Make namecards with a line of why you’re happy with them these days. Take into account a friendship bracelet making station, deliver the nostalgia with outdated photographs on the desk, omit a polaroid for brand spanking new ones. A customized cocktail per visitor if the listing isn’t insane.

2. Set the Vibe

However not essentially the desk. You recognize your mates finest, so curating the precise atmosphere will come naturally. I’m leaning picnic-style this yr: blankets on the grass, baskets of snacks, and loads of finger meals. A contact extra chill, however it nonetheless looks like a second. I’m additionally making paper followers with the menu printed on, in case it will get too sizzling. Type, meet operate and vogue.

3. Stack It Your Means

A DIY burger bar lets company do their factor whilst you take a breather. Provide up a couple of bun choices (brioche, potato, lettuce wrap), surprising toppings (hiya once more, uncooked bell pepper), and sauces that transcend ketchup. Take a look at 5 Marys Livestock Farm for main inspiration.

4. Select Your Fighter (Facet Dish)

Outsource the perimeters and make it a potluck competitors: finest dish wins bragging rights (and possibly first dibs on dessert). In case you’re feeling bold, hit them with considered one of our top-tier summer time sides. This potato salad? Unreal.

5. Batch, Please

Skip the solo pours and make one huge batched cocktail for everybody to dip into. Our Check Kitchen star Nea gave the traditional US Open drink a twist together with her Large Batch Honey Deuce Spritz (with raspberry-ginger lemonade). Spoiler: It slaps.

6. Garden Video games

In case you’ve obtained the area, add some built-in enjoyable. Cornhole is eternally (even when I solely discovered the title 5 years in the past—we simply known as it bean bag throwing?). Large Jenga, bocce, or a cheeky trivia spherical about your good friend group will preserve the get together going.