Can you believe how fast this year is flying by? Fall is just around the corner, so say goodbye to Summer with one last hurrah. Invite your friends and start planning an end of Summer party with these tips.

This post is sponsored by Mike’s Hard Lemonade. I received compensation for this post, but all opinions are my own. Any sponsored posts you see on A Savory Feast are for products I have actually used and recommend. 

Cookouts have sort of been my thing this year. Here in Florida we can have them pretty much year-round, and I’ve been taking advantage of that! By this time of year, though, I am SO ready to say goodbye to the heat and welcome Fall. I decided to celebrate the end of Summer with a fun backyard cookout.

An outdoor party is the perfect way to end the Summer season. Start planning your own get-together with these easy tips!

Location, location, location

Start by deciding where you will hold your cookout. If you have a deck or patio,  your backyard may be the perfect place. If it’s really hot where you live, a pool may be a good choice as well.

My favorite thing about outdoor parties is that you can be a lot more laid-back about them. You don’t have to worry about doing a lot of cleaning or decorating. Just bring what you need for cooking the meal and eating, and you’re all set!

If you have the space, set up some outdoor games to keep your guests entertained. Corn hole is always a party favorite, or a volleyball net can be a lot of fun, too.

Fire up the grill!

What’s a Summer party without a grill? Choose an easy meal that can be made in large quantities. Shish Kebabs are one of my favorites for a cookout! You could also do burgers, hot dogs or BBQ chicken.

Keep things simple by asking your guests to bring a side to share, or pick up some ready-made sides at the store. That way, you can focus on making the main dish and not spread yourself too thin.

Stock up on drinks

A variety pack of drinks like the Mike’s My Party Pack is a great way to make sure you have something for everyone. Hard Lemonade is perfect for Summer! It’s so refreshing on a hot day.

Set up a self-serve drink station so guests can help themselves. Use ice to keep drinks cool. Be sure to include everything your guests may need at the station, from cups to water.

Enjoy yourself!

Like I mentioned before, one of the best things about backyard cookouts is that you can be more relaxed. Don’t stress about the details. Grilling out can be great for a party because you can spend time with your guests while you cook. After the food is done, you can sit down and relax for the rest of your get-together.

Make the rest of the party a snap by using disposable plates and cups. That way, you don’t have to worry about clean up!

How will you celebrate the end of Summer?